CPW Advanced Grammar and Punctuation 3

Question 1

Which sentence uses the em dash correctly?

Accepted Answer

She submitted the report—on time—without errors.

Answer

Em dashes (—) set off parenthetical information with no spaces on either side in US style.

Question 2

Which of the following sentences contains a comma splice?

Accepted Answer

The deadline passed, the team requested an extension.

Answer

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma, which is a punctuation error.

Question 3

Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

Accepted Answer

The writer enjoys researching, drafting, and editing manuscripts.

Answer

Parallel structure requires all items in a series to use the same grammatical form — here, three gerunds.

Question 4

Which word correctly completes this sentence: 'The editor was unsure ___ to include the sidebar'?

Accepted Answer

whether

Answer

'Whether' introduces alternatives or indirect questions; 'weather' is meteorological; 'whither' means 'to what place.'

Question 5

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly?

Accepted Answer

If she were the editor, she would revise the draft.

Answer

The subjunctive mood uses 'were' (not 'was') for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions.

(CPW) Certified Professional Writer Practice Test