Writing and Editing Punctuation 3

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'its' vs. 'it's'?

Accepted Answer

The report lost its cover page.

Answer

The report lost it's cover page.

Answer

Its important to proofread carefully.

Answer

It's cover was torn.

Question 2

Which sentence uses a question mark correctly?

Accepted Answer

Was the deadline today?

Answer

She asked if the deadline was today?

Answer

Was the deadline today.

Answer

She wondered, was the deadline today?

Question 3

Which sentence correctly avoids a comma splice?

Accepted Answer

Both B and C are correct.

Answer

The draft was finished, the editor approved it.

Answer

The draft was finished; the editor approved it.

Answer

The draft was finished, so the editor approved it.

Question 4

Which sentence uses an exclamation mark appropriately in formal writing?

Accepted Answer

No exclamation marks are appropriate in formal writing.

Answer

Please submit your draft by Friday!

Answer

Submit your draft by Friday.

Answer

Submit your draft by Friday!

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen with a prefix?

Accepted Answer

The article was co-written by two editors.

Answer

The article was co written by two editors.

Answer

The article was cowritten by two editors.

Answer

The article was co/written by two editors.

Question 6

In a series of items using semicolons, why would you use semicolons instead of commas?

Accepted Answer

When one or more items in the series already contain commas

Answer

When the list has only two items

Answer

When the sentence is informal

Answer

When the list comes after a colon