1. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
Our neighbors(A) are both helpful(B) to us when we need them(C)
and genuinely friendly.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (C)
• No commas needed
2. Indicate the end punctuation needed in the blank spaces in the
following sentence.
Alison wondered, "Will the lemur bite me___ ___
Answers:
• Period / quotation mark
• Quotation mark / exclamation point
• Question mark / quotation mark
• Comma / quotation mark
3. Indicate the end punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
He lived for years on the West Coast but now resides in
Washington, D.C._____
Answers:
• Question mark
• Second period
• Exclamation point
• No punctuation needed
4. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
I hope the crops take root and prosper this year(A) or else we'll
be facing a hard winter(B) after the harvest.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• No commas needed
5. Indicate the end punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
The manager asked if he could take an extra day off for the
holiday___
Answers:
• Exclamation point
• Period
• Question mark
• No punctuation needed
6. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
Richard's wife(A) Abigail(B) is an incredibly talented cook(C) and
gardener.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (C)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• No commas needed
7. Indicate the end punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
This term paper is due tomorrow and I haven't even started yet___
Answers:
• Exclamation point AND question mark
• Question mark OR period
• Exclamation point OR question mark
• Period OR exclamation point
8. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
Our daughter has always been a bit rebellious(A) constantly
thinking up ways to assert her independence(B) and stand out from the crowd.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• No commas needed
9. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
Anyone(A) who has been inside that school lately(B) knows what
terrible shape it's in(C) so I can understand why the parents are angry about
the budget cuts.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• Comma at (C)
• Comma at (B) and (C)
10. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
One of Shakespeare's greatest comedies(A) Much Ado About
Nothing(B) features the wonderful witty war between Beatrice and Benedick.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• No commas needed
11. Indicate the end punctuation needed in the blank spaces in the
following sentence.
The man at the gas station said, "Stay on the highway for
another eighty miles___ ___
Answers:
• Period / quotation mark
• Question mark / quotation mark
• Period / none
• Quotation mark / question mark
12. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
The book is the second(A) of a series(B) and has enjoyed immense
success abroad.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• No commas needed
13. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
The biography I'm reading now says(A) that Marie Antoinette was(B)
"a marionette(C) whose strings were mainly pulled by her powerful
mother."
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (C)
• No commas needed
14. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
Doctor Graham and his partners just published a paper entitled
"Brand New You___Discovering Your True Talents Through Hypnotherapy."
Answers:
• Hyphen
• Colon
• Semi-colon
• No punctuation needed
15. Select the option that correctly completes the following
sentence.
This pearl and emerald ring used to be my ____________.
Answers:
• mother-in-laws'
• mother's-in-law
• mother-in-law's
• mothers'-in-law
16. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
Sheila used to be the CEO(A) of a major financial company(B) but
now she spends most of her time raising money for various charities.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• No commas needed
17. Select the option that correctly completes the following
sentence.
Why is the ____________ locker room so much bigger than the
____________ locker room?
Answers:
• mens' / womens'
• men's / women's
• men / women
• mens / womens
18. Complete the following sentence by selecting the option that
correctly uses double and/or single quotation marks.
Amanda adamantly declared that ______________
Answers:
• 'she would never speak to Adam again.'
• "she would never speak to Adam again."
• she would never speak to Adam again.
• "she would never speak to Adam again"!
19. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
The daisies were yellow(A) a color Daphne detested(B) and refused
to accept.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• No commas needed
20. Complete the following sentence by selecting the option that
makes correct use of the mechanics of writing.
How many times has she attempted to recreate Van Gogh's painting
______________?
Answers:
• Starry Night
• "Starry Night"
• Starry Night
• Starry Night
• Both b (quotes) and d (underlining) are acceptable.
• Both c (italics) and d (underlining) are
acceptable.
21. Select the option that correctly completes the following
sentence.
___________________ new dog has already terrorized every cat in
the neighborhood.
Answers:
• Hannah and Luke's
• Hannah's and Luke's
• Hannah's and Luke
• Hannahs and Lukes
22. Complete the following sentence by selecting the option that
correctly uses double and/or single quotation marks.
Hamlet's angry observation ____________ shows his contempt for his
mother's swift remarriage.
Answers:
• , "Frailty, thy name is woman!",
• "Frailty, thy name is woman!"
• "Frailty, thy name is woman",
• 'Frailty, thy name is woman!',
23. Which of the following sentences reflects the correct use of
the mechanics of writing?
Answers:
• We could not believe that our dr., Millicent Howard, refused to
see us before December
• We could not believe that our Doctor, Millicent Howard, refused
to see us before Dec.
• We could not believe that our Dr., Millicent Howard, refused to
see us before December.
• We could not believe that our doctor, Millicent
Howard, refused to see us before December.
24. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
Edwina found it very frustrating that Edward would only travel to
English___speaking countries.
Answers:
• Dash
• Hyphen
• Ellipses
• No punctuation needed
25. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank spaces in the
following sentence.
"I don't know where the brakes are___"___ hollered my
sister as she zoomed past me in the dune buggy___
Answers:
• Comma / exclamation point / exclamation point
• comma / none / period
• Exclamation point / none / period
• No punctuation needed
26. Select the option that correctly completes the following
sentence.
She is definitely a woman ____________ perfectly capable of taking
care of herself.
Answers:
• whose
• who's
• whos'
• who'se
27. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank spaces in the
following sentence.
That bad___tempered trade show organizer just demanded that we be
at the center before eight o'clock to set___up our booth.
Answers:
• Dash / none
• Hyphen / hyphen
• None / hyphen
• Hyphen / none
28. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
The solemn ceremony turned out to be a comedy of errors___ to
begin with, the photographer slipped on spilled champagne and fell into the
cake.
Answers:
• Colon
• Comma
• Semi-colon
• No punctuation needed
29. Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?
Answers:
• His sister, a former medalist in the 400-meter
relay, didn't even make it to the final cut.
• His sister (a former medalist in the 400-meter relay), didn't
even make it to the final cut.
• His sister a former medalist in the 400-meter relay, didn't even
make it to the final cut.
• His sister, a former medalist in the 400 meter relay, didn't
even make it to the final cut.
30. Complete the following sentence by selecting the option that
correctly uses double and/or single quotation marks.
Has Albert finished reading that article _____________
Answers:
• , Ten Marketing Tips that Can't Go Wrong?'
• Ten Marketing Tips that Can't Go Wrong".
• "Ten Marketing Tips that Can't Go Wrong?"
• , "Ten Marketing Tips that Can't Go
Wrong"?
31. Select the option that correctly completes the following
sentence.
How does what ____________ studying fit in with ____________
career goals?
Answers:
• your / you're
• your / your
• you're / you're
• you're / your
32. Select the option that correctly completes the following
sentence.
____________ ideas are equally valuable, so be sure to speak up at
the meeting.
Answers:
• Everyones
• Everyones'
• Everyone's
• Everyoneses
33. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
There are several basic sentence structures writers can use to add
variety to their writing___ among them are simple sentences, compound
sentences, and complex sentences.
Answers:
• Semi-colon
• Colon
• Comma
• No punctuation needed
34. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
This special history course will focus on four areas of visual,
literary, and performing arts___ musical theater, sculpture, modern art, and
poetry.
Answers:
• Semi-colon
• Comma
• Hyphen
• Colon
35. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
We sat down to a delicious lunch at the crowded(A) open-air(B)
restaurant.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• No commas needed
36. Select the option that correctly completes the following
sentence.
Every time I teach Twain's novel _____________, I'm inspired to
_______________ just like Huck himself!
Answers:
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn / light out for the territory
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn / light out for the territory
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn / "light
out for the territory"
• "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" / light out for
the territory
37. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank spaces in the
following sentence.
No one had counted on Vladimir arriving so soon___ his sudden
appearance threw a wrench into our plans___ and we had no idea how to extricate
ourselves from the situation.
Answers:
• Colon / none
• Semi-colon / comma
• Dash / semi-colon
• Comma / dash
38. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
For the camping trip, the Girl Scouts brought___ three tents, an
electric stove, and plenty of insect repellent.
Answers:
• Colon
• Comma
• Semi-colon
• No punctuation needed
39. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank spaces in the
following sentence.
The well___known opera singer___whose ego was as big as her
voice___refused to sing at any venue that wasn't well___known among the opera
crowd.
Answers:
• None / dash / dash / hyphen
• Hyphen / dash / dash / none
• Hyphen / none / none / dash
• No punctuation needed
40. Complete the following sentence by selecting the option that
correctly uses double and/or single quotation marks.
Sylvia Plath's poem _____________ is one of my all-time favorites!
Answers:
• 'Daddy'
• Daddy
• "Daddy"
• , "Daddy,"
41. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank spaces in the
following sentence.
Gerald and Gerard___two of the most annoying people we've ever
met___insisted on dropping by every Sunday morning at ten.
Answers:
• Dash / dash
• Hyphen / hyphen
• Dash / semi-colon
• Comma / dash
42. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
The dahlias and lilacs at the south end of the garden are in full
bloom___ in contrast, those at the north end have barely begun to form buds.
Answers:
• Colon
• Semi-colon
• Comma
• No punctuation needed
43. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank spaces in the
following sentence.
"Would you like another sandwich___"___ asked John as he
wiped mustard off my chin.
Answers:
• Comma / question mark
• Question mark / none
• Question mark / comma
• No punctuation needed
44. Complete the following sentence by selecting the option that
makes correct use of the mechanics of writing.
How many years before Lincoln's ______________ was the
________________ signed?
Answers:
• Gettysburg Address / Declaration of Independence
• Gettysburg Address / Declaration of Independence
• "Gettysburg Address" / Declaration of Independence
• Gettysburg Address / "Declaration of Independence"
45. Which of the following sentences correctly uses double and/or
single quotation marks?
Answers:
• "Why," asked my son, "does
everyone say 'Bless you!' when I sneeze?"
• "Why," asked my son, "does everyone say
"Bless you!" when I sneeze?"
• 'Why', asked my son, 'does everyone say "Bless you"!
when I sneeze?'
• "Why," asked my son, "does everyone say 'Bless
you'! when I sneeze?"
46. Which of the following sentences uses commas correctly?
Answers:
• During a thunderstorm, small animals scurry for cover and gusts
of wind, can take you by surprise.
• During a thunderstorm, small animals scurry for cover, and gusts
of wind can take you by surprise.
• During a thunderstorm small animals scurry for
cover, and gusts of wind can take you by surprise.
• During a thunderstorm small animals scurry for cover and gusts
of wind can take you by surprise.
47. Which of the following sentences correctly uses parentheses
and/or brackets?
Answers:
• The famous actress once stated, "The only way you'll ever
get me back there [her native England] is if you drag me by the hair and
threaten to draw (and quarter) me."
• The famous actress once stated, [The only way you'll ever get me
back there (her native England) is if you drag me by the hair and threaten to
draw and quarter me."]
• The famous actress once stated, "The only
way you'll ever get me back there [her native England] is if you drag me by the
hair and threaten to draw and quarter me."
• The famous actress once stated, "The only way you'll ever
get me back there (her native England) is if you drag me by the hair and
threaten to draw and quarter me."
48. Complete the following sentence by selecting the option that
makes correct use of the mechanics of writing.
The ________________ gathered the White House staff and delivered
the terrible news.
Answers:
• President
• Pres.
• president
• pres.
49. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank spaces in the
following sentence.
The so___called forensics expert offered biased
testimony___testimony that may have cost the prosecution the trial.
Answers:
• None / dash
• Hyphen / dash
• Hyphen / semi-colon
• Dash / hyphen
50. Complete the following sentence by selecting the option that
makes correct use of the mechanics of writing.
Homer's epic poem _____________ is taught in most American high
schools.
Answers:
• "The Odyssey"
• The Odyssey
• THE ODYSSEY
• The Odyssey
51. Indicate the end punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
Have the Smiths decided to name their son Harold Smith, Jr._____
Answers:
• Question mark
• Second period
• Exclamation point
• No punctuation needed
52. Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated?
Answers:
• Oahu is a beautiful island: however, I prefer the wide beaches,
lively crowds, and exciting nightlife of Australia.
• Oahu is a beautiful island, however; I prefer the wide beaches,
lively crowds, and exciting nightlife of Australia.
• Oahu is a beautiful island; however, I prefer
the wide beaches, lively crowds, and exciting nightlife of Australia.
• Oahu is a beautiful island—however, I prefer: the wide beaches,
lively crowds, and exciting nightlife of Australia.
53. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
The unexpected firing of several employees alerted the staff to
the company's financial problems(A) and it led to an outbreak of panic(B) and
fear.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• No commas needed
54. Which of the following sentences correctly uses parentheses
and/or brackets?
Answers:
• Bertha announced that anyone who likes chocolate [and who
doesn't like chocolate?] would be welcome to visit her candy shop for a free
sample.
• Bertha announced that anyone (who likes chocolate) [and who
doesn't like chocolate?] would be welcome to visit her candy shop for a free
sample.
• Bertha announced that anyone who likes chocolate
(and who doesn't like chocolate?) would be welcome to visit her candy shop for
a free sample.
• Bertha announced that anyone who likes chocolate (and who
doesn't like chocolate?) would be welcome to visit her candy shop (for a free
sample.)
55. Which of the following sentences uses commas correctly?
Answers:
• Most of the editors agreed that the new manuscript, "was a
vast improvement over the author's first attempt," even though some still
thought that nothing could top the original.
• Most of the editors agreed that the new
manuscript "was a vast improvement over the author's first attempt,"
even though some still thought that nothing could top the original.
• Most of the editors agreed that the new manuscript "was a
vast improvement over the author's first attempt" even though some still
thought that nothing could top the original.
• Most of the editors agreed, that the new manuscript "was a
vast improvement over the author's first attempt" even though, some still
thought that nothing could top the original.
56. Which of the following sentences correctly uses parentheses
and/or brackets?
Answers:
• Most of the participants in the 1992 study reported immediate improvements
in their condition. But in a recent poll [2007] of the original participants,
only 45% reported continued satisfaction with the results of the treatment.
• Most of the participants in the (1992) study reported immediate
improvements in their condition. But in a recent poll [2007] of the original
participants, only 45% reported continued satisfaction with the results of the
treatment.
• Most of the participants in the 1992 study
reported immediate improvements in their condition. (But in a recent poll
[2007] of the original participants, only 45% reported continued satisfaction
with the results of the treatment.)
57. Which of the following sentences correctly uses parentheses
and/or brackets?
Answers:
• Once people had seen Elvira's face (on billboards), in
magazines, and on television, they didn't soon forget it.
• Once people had seen Elvira's face (on
billboards, in magazines, and on television), they didn't soon forget it.
• Once people had seen Elvira's face (on billboards, in magazines,
and on television), they didn't [soon] forget it.
• Once people had seen Elvira's face on billboards, in magazines,
(and on television), they didn't (soon) forget it.
58. Indicate the punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
Many students have failed that professor's exams___ the most
common reason is that students can't stay awake through all those boring
lectures.
Answers:
• Comma
• Colon
• Semi-colon
• No punctuation needed
59. Which of the following sentences uses semi-colons and/or
colons correctly?
Answers:
• None of us could tolerate Mary's boyfriend for long; he drank
too much; he bragged about nothing; and he belched loudly and often.
• None of us could tolerate Mary's boyfriend for long; he drank
too much, he bragged about nothing: and he belched loudly and often.
• None of us could tolerate Mary's boyfriend for long: he drank
too much; he bragged about nothing; and he belched loudly and often.
• None of us could tolerate Mary's boyfriend for
long: he drank too much, he bragged about nothing, and he belched loudly and
often.
60. Complete the following sentence by selecting the option that
correctly uses double and/or single quotation marks.
_________________ announced our host at the racetrack.
Answers:
• The third race has been postponed until five o'clock,
• 'The third race has been postponed until five o'clock',
• "The third race has been postponed until
five o'clock,"
• "The third race has been postponed until five o'clock,
61. Select the option that correctly completes the following
sentence.
__________ not likely that the maple tree will lose all __________
leaves in August.
Answers:
• It's / its
• It's / it's
• Its / it's
• Its / its
62. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
The isolated(A) tropical island offered tourists clean(B) white(C)
sandy beaches, a peaceful atmosphere, and water sports galore.
Answers:
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (B) and (C)
• Comma at (C)
63. Complete the following sentence by selecting the option that
correctly uses double and/or single quotation marks.
Whenever I started to whine that life was unfair, my father would
say, ____________________
Answers:
• "Try to remember Einstein's Words: You have to learn the
rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else."
• 'Try to remember Einstein's words: 'You have to learn the rules
of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.''
• "Try to remember Einstein's words: "You have to learn
the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone
else.""
• "Try to remember Einstein's words: 'You
have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than
anyone else.'"
64. Indicate the end punctuation needed in the blank space in the
following sentence.
Ask the boss when this presentation is due___
Answers:
• Question mark
• Period
• Exclamation point
• No punctuation needed
65. Select the option that correctly identifies where a comma is
needed.
The employee(A) who miscounted the change(B) refused to admit his
mistake.
Answers:
• Comma at (A)
• Comma at (B)
• Comma at (A) and (B)
• No commas needed
66. Which of the following sentences correctly uses hyphens and/or
dashes?
Answers:
• The famous sixteenth-century painter apparently
suffered from low self-esteem, but experts who studied his work in the
seventeenth century saw only confidence in his brushstrokes.
• The famous sixteenth-century painter apparently suffered from
low self-esteem, but experts who studied his work in the seventeenth-century
saw only confidence in his brush-strokes.
• The famous sixteenth-century painter apparently suffered from
low selfesteem, but experts who studied his work in the seventeenth century saw
only confidence in his brush-strokes.
• The famous sixteenth century painter apparently suffered from
low self-esteem, but experts who studied his work in the seventeenth-century
saw only confidence in his brushstrokes.
67. Which of the following sentences uses commas correctly?
Answers:
• Since Margie, and her sister Mable, both have blonde hair they
are often mistaken for one another.
• Since Margie, and her sister Mable, both have blonde hair, they
are often mistaken for one another.
• Since Margie and her sister Mable both have
blonde hair, they are often mistaken for one another.
• Since Margie and her sister Mable, both have blonde hair, they
are often mistaken for one another.
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