Punctuation and Apostrophes Quiz
Punctuation and apostrophes are essential aspects of written language and are crucial in determining the meaning of a sentence. Standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT often include questions on the proper use of punctuation and apostrophes. A strong understanding of these concepts can greatly improve a student's writing skills and test scores. This quiz aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of a student's knowledge of punctuation and apostrophes, covering topics such as the proper use of commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes to indicate possession. By taking this quiz, students will have the opportunity to improve their understanding of these concepts, build their confidence, and enhance their chances of success on standardized tests.
1/8
Unlike linear accelerators, cyclotrons—such as the one Ernest Lawrence built in Berkeley, California, use magnets to accelerate subatomic particles in a circular path.
NO CHANGE
cyclotrons, such as the one Ernest Lawrence built in Berkeley, California—use
cyclotrons, such as the one Ernest Lawrence built in Berkeley, California use
cyclotrons—such as the one Ernest Lawrence built in Berkeley, California—use
Explanation: Choice A is incorrect because the interrupting modifier, such as the one Ernest Lawrence built in Berkeley, California, is not bracketed by identical punctuation marks. Only choice D uses identical marks, both dashes, to set off the interrupter.
2/8
Runners, who step out of they’re lanes during the first two laps, will be disqualified.
NO CHANGE
Runners who step out of their lanes during the first two laps, will
Runners, who step out of their lanes during the first two laps, will
Runners who step out of their lanes during the first two laps will
Explanation: Choice A is incorrect because the restrictive clause who step out of their lanes during the first two laps should not be separated from the main clause by commas, because it is essential to the core meaning of the sentence. Also, it misuses the contraction they’re for the possessive pronoun their. The only choice that uses the correct pronoun form and does not misuse commas is choice D.
3/8
Many electric cars do save money on energy, but they are not cheap: efficiency has its price.
NO CHANGE
cheap, efficiency
cheap—efficiency,
cheap: efficiency,
Explanation: The original phrasing is best because the colon precedes an explanatory independent clause. The statement efficiency has its price helps to explain the fact that electric cars are not cheap. Choice B is incorrect because it commits a comma splice. Choice C is incorrect because the comma serves no grammatical purpose, and a dash should not be used to separate independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because the comma serves no grammatical purpose.
4/8
Don’t adopt a rescue dog, until your sure they’re free of parasites and infectious diseases.
NO CHANGE
dog until you’re sure it’s
dog, until your sure it’s
dog; until you’re sure its
Explanation: Choice A is incorrect because it misuses the possessive pronoun your for the conjunction you’re, and because the pronoun they does not agree in number with its antecedent dog. Choice B corrects both of these problems. Choice C is incorrect because it misuses the possessive pronoun your. Choice D is incorrect because the semicolon serves no grammatical purpose and it uses the possessive its instead of the contraction it’s.
5/8
Its easy to see—even on the dreariest of days, how Paris earned it’s reputation as the City of Love.
NO CHANGE
It’s easy to see, even on the dreariest of days, how Paris earned its
Its easy to see, even on the dreariest of days, how Paris earned its
It’s easy to see even on the dreariest of days how Paris earned it’s
Explanation: Choice A is incorrect because the possessive Its is misused instead of the contraction It’s, because the interrupting phrase is not bracketed by identical punctuation marks, and because the contraction it’s is misused instead of the possessive pronoun its. Choice B corrects all three of these mistakes. Choice C is incorrect because it mistakes Its for It’s. Choice D is incorrect because it mistakes it’s for its, and does not offset the interrupting phrase.
6/8
Having decided to postpone her education, for at least two years Jill began to look for a job in social media.
NO CHANGE
education for at least two years, Jill began
education, for at least two years, Jill began
education for at least two years Jill began
Explanation: The preposition phrase for at least two years is an adverbial phrase modifying the verb postpone. Choice A is incorrect because the placement of the comma suggests that the prepositional phrase modifies the verb began, which is illogical. Choice B corrects this problem by moving the comma. Choice C is incorrect because the first comma is incorrect. Choice D is incorrect because a comma is required after years.
7/8
Our project was plagued by two main issues; cost overruns and bureaucratic red tape.
NO CHANGE
issues: cost overruns, and
issues: cost overruns and
issues; cost overruns, and
Explanation: Choices A and D are incorrect because a semicolon must always be followed by a supporting independent clause. Since the phrase that follows is a specifier that indicates what the main issues were, a colon is required, as in choices B and C. However, choice B is incorrect because a comma should not be used to separate items in a binary list when a conjunction is already being used.
8/8
The focal point of Ms. Cullen’s home is artist Robert Blackburn’s woodcut, “Blue Things 1963-1970.”
NO CHANGE
Blackburn’s woodcut titled,
Blackburn’s, woodcut
Blackburn’s woodcut:
Explanation: The original punctuation is correct. The title in quotes is an appositive title, and should be separated from the noun it modifies, woodcut, with a comma. In choice B, the comma is incorrect because it disrupts the participial phrase titled “Blue Things 1963-1970.” In choice C, the first comma serves no grammatical purpose. In choice D, the colon does not belong because it does not introduce an explanatory clause, specifier, or list. Notice that providing the name of the woodcut does not specify it, because the phrase Blackburn’s woodcut includes no indefinite determiner (a or an), and already refers specifically to “Blue Things 1963-1970.”
