Punctuation Quiz

Select the sentence with correct semicolon usage.

1. The meeting ran late; consequently, we had to reschedule dinner.
2. The meeting ran late, consequently; we had to reschedule dinner.
3. The meeting ran late consequently; we had to reschedule dinner.
4. The meeting ran late; consequently we had to reschedule dinner.

Answer: (a) The meeting ran late; consequently, we had to reschedule dinner.

Identify the sentence with proper placement of the apostrophe.

1. The childrens' toys were scattered across the floor.
2. The children's toys were scattered across the floor.
3. The childrens toys' were scattered across the floor.
4. The children toys' were scattered across the floor.

Answer: (b) The children's toys were scattered across the floor.

In formal letter, the correct punctuation after the salutation is:

1. Dear Professor Smith-
2. Dear Professor Smith:
3. Dear Professor Smith;
4. Dear Professor Smith.

Answer: (b) Dear Professor Smith:

Select the sentence with proper use of quotation marks for emphasis.

1. The witness described the sound as deafening.
2. The witness described the sound as "deafening."
3. The witness described the sound as 'deafening.'
4. The witness described the 'sound' as deafening.

Answer: (c) The witness described the sound as 'deafening.'

Identify the sentence with correct comma placement in a series.

1. She purchased apples, oranges and pears at the market.
2. She purchased apples, oranges, and pears at the market.
3. She purchased apples, oranges, and, pears at the market.
4. She purchased apples, oranges and, pears at the market.

Answer: (a) She purchased apples, oranges and pears at the market.

Select the sentence with correct punctuation of dialogue within dialogue.

1. She said, 'The witness testified, "I saw nothing unusual that night.'''
2. She said, 'The witness testified, 'I saw nothing unusual that night.'
3. She said, 'The witness testified, 'I saw nothing unusual that night.
4. She said, The witness testified, 'I saw nothing unusual that night.''

Answer: (a) She said, 'The witness testified, "I saw nothing unusual that night.'''

In a recipe, the correct punctuation for listing ingredients would be:

1. 2 cups flour - 1 tbsp. salt - 3 eggs - 1/2 cup butter
2. 2 cups flour; 1 tbsp. salt; 3 eggs; 1/2 cup butter
3. 2 cups flour. 1 tbsp. salt. 3 eggs. 1/2 cup butter
4. 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp. salt, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup butter

Answer: (d) 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp. salt, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup butter

A text message exchange would correctly display: 'Are you coming tonight ________ I made your favorite dessert ________'

1. ...?, !
2. ?, .
3. ?, !
4. ?, :)

Answer: (c) ?, !

For a screenplay dialogue, select the correct punctuation:

1. MARK (nervously): I didn't think anyone would be here.
2. MARK - (nervously) I didn't think anyone would be here.
3. MARK — [nervously] I didn't think anyone would be here.
4. MARK: (nervously) I didn't think anyone would be here.

Answer: (d) MARK: (nervously) I didn't think anyone would be here.

Which sentence correctly punctuates the dialogue?

1. I can't believe it', she whispered.
2. I can't believe it.' she whispered.
3. I can't believe it,' she whispered.
4. I can't believe it.' She whispered.

Answer: (c) I can't believe it,' she whispered.