Writing and Editing Punctuation

Question 1

Which sentence uses the Oxford comma?

Accepted Answer

I bought pens, paper, and folders.

Answer

The Oxford comma is the comma placed before the conjunction in a list of three or more items.

Question 2

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

Accepted Answer

She loves editing; she reads grammar books daily.

Answer

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a conjunction.

Question 3

Where should the comma be placed in this sentence: 'After the meeting the editor reviewed all the drafts'?

Accepted Answer

After 'meeting, the'

Answer

A comma follows an introductory phrase ('After the meeting') before the main clause.

Question 4

Which sentence uses an em dash correctly?

Accepted Answer

The editor—a veteran journalist—approved the piece.

Answer

Em dashes set off a parenthetical phrase, with one em dash on each side of the inserted material.

Question 5

Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?

Accepted Answer

The editors' desk is cluttered.

Answer

When the possessor is a plural noun ending in 's,' only an apostrophe is added after the 's.'

Writing and Editing Practice Test