Writing and Editing Punctuation 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The report lost its cover page.

Answer

'Its' is the possessive pronoun; 'it's' is the contraction for 'it is.'

Question 2

Which sentence uses a question mark correctly?

Accepted Answer

Was the deadline today?

Answer

A direct question ends with a question mark, while an indirect question does not.

Question 3

Which sentence correctly avoids a comma splice?

Accepted Answer

Both B and C are correct.

Answer

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma; fix it with a semicolon or a coordinating conjunction.

Question 4

Which sentence uses an exclamation mark appropriately in formal writing?

Accepted Answer

No exclamation marks are appropriate in formal writing.

Answer

Formal writing generally avoids exclamation marks, which are considered too emphatic or informal.

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen with a prefix?

Accepted Answer

The article was co-written by two editors.

Answer

A hyphen is commonly used with the prefix 'co-' before a word, especially in American English.

Writing and Editing Practice Test