NoRedInk Writing Mechanics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly to show possession?
- The dogs collar is red.
- The dog's collar is red. (Correct answer)
- The dogs' collar is red.
- The dogs collar's is red.
Correct answer: The dog's collar is red.
An apostrophe followed by 's' (dog's) shows that the collar belongs to one dog.
Question 2: Which sentence correctly uses 'its' vs. 'it's'?
- The cat licked it's paw.
- Its raining outside today.
- The tree lost it's leaves.
- The dog wagged its tail happily. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The dog wagged its tail happily.
'Its' (no apostrophe) is the possessive pronoun showing the tail belongs to the dog.
Question 3: Which word should be capitalized in the sentence: 'we visited lake michigan last summer'?
- summer
- visited
- lake michigan (Correct answer)
- we
Correct answer: lake michigan
'Lake Michigan' is a proper noun (a specific geographic location) and must be capitalized.
Question 4: Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
- The group of students are studying.
- Neither the coach nor the players was ready.
- Each of the answers are wrong.
- The list of items is on the counter. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The list of items is on the counter.
'List' is the singular subject, so it takes the singular verb 'is.'
Question 5: Which sentence correctly uses 'their,' 'there,' or 'they're'?
- Their going to the park after school.
- The books are over their on the shelf.
- They're planning a surprise party. (Correct answer)
- The students forgot they're homework.
Correct answer: They're planning a surprise party.
'They're' is a contraction of 'they are,' which fits the meaning of the sentence.
Question 6: Which sentence shows correct pronoun-antecedent agreement?
- Everyone must bring their own lunch. (Correct answer)
- The team celebrated their victory loudly.
- Each student should turn in their paper.
- Every athlete practiced until they were tired.
Correct answer: Everyone must bring their own lunch.
NoRedInk recognizes 'everyone' paired with 'their' as the accepted singular-they construction for indefinite pronouns.
Question 7: Which sentence uses a comma correctly before a coordinating conjunction?
- She wanted to stay, but she had to leave. (Correct answer)
- He ran fast, and fell down.
- We ate lunch, but, quickly.
- They played outside and, enjoyed the sun.
Correct answer: She wanted to stay, but she had to leave.
A comma is correctly placed before 'but' when it joins two independent clauses.
NoRedInk Writing Mechanics 1
Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly to show possession?