CPP Grammar, Punctuation & Syntax 3

Question 1

What is the correct possessive form for a singular noun ending in 's'?

Accepted Answer

Both A and B are acceptable depending on style guide

Answer

Chicago style prefers 'James's,' while AP style accepts 'James''; both are correct depending on the guide followed.

Question 2

Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure?

Accepted Answer

She enjoys reading, writing, and editing.

Answer

Parallel structure requires that all items in a series use the same grammatical form; here, all gerunds are correct.

Question 3

In which sentence is the colon used correctly?

Accepted Answer

The checklist included three items: spelling, grammar, and style.

Answer

A colon should follow a complete independent clause; the first three options interrupt the verb or linking structure.

Question 4

Which is the correct way to write a sentence using 'fewer' vs. 'less'?

Accepted Answer

The document has fewer pages than expected.

Answer

'Fewer' is used with countable nouns (pages, errors, editors), while 'less' applies to uncountable quantities.

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses an em dash?

Accepted Answer

The manuscript—long overdue—was finally submitted.

Answer

Em dashes set off parenthetical information within a sentence without extra spaces in most American style guides.

(CPP) Certified Professional Proofreader Practice Test