Other punctuation marks 2

In each pair, click on the sentence that is punctuated effectively.

For help with this exercise, see Dash, Parentheses, Brackets, ellipsis mark, Slash.

Example

1 of 10

Question

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◯ We lived in Iowa (Davenport, to be specific) during the early years of our marriage.
◯ We lived in Davenport, Iowa, during the early years of our marriage.
Other punctuation marks 2 – 1

2 of 10

Question

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◯ Pat helped Jeff put the tail on his kite, which was made of scraps from old dresses, and off they went to the park.
◯ Pat helped Jeff put the tail on his kite—which was made of scraps from old dresses—and off they went to the park.
Other punctuation marks 2 – 2

3 of 10

Question

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◯ Infoworld reports that customers without computer skills “can easily learn to use it—the Bay Area Teleguide—through simple, three-step instructions located at the booth.” [The words “the Bay Area Teleguide” do not appear in this sentence in the original source.]
◯ Infoworld reports that customers without computer skills “can easily learn to use it [the Bay Area Teleguide] through simple, three-step instructions located at the booth.” [The words “the Bay Area Teleguide” do not appear in this sentence in the original source.]
Other punctuation marks 2 – 3

4 of 10

Question

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◯ Every person there—from the youngest toddler to the oldest great-grandparent, was expected to sit through the three-hour sermon in respectful silence.
◯ Every person there—from the youngest toddler to the oldest great-grandparent—was expected to sit through the three-hour sermon in respectful silence.
Other punctuation marks 2 – 4

5 of 10

Question

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◯ The class stood, faced the flag, placed hands over hearts, and raced through “I pledge allegiance . . . liberty and justice for all” in less than sixty seconds.
◯ The class stood, faced the flag, placed hands over hearts, and raced through “I pledge allegiance—liberty and justice for all” in less than sixty seconds.
Other punctuation marks 2 – 5

6 of 10

Question

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◯ Gumbo, a New Orleans dish of rice, okra, beans, and very spicy seasonings, is our traditional New Year’s Day dinner.
◯ Gumbo—a New Orleans dish of rice, okra, beans, and very spicy seasonings—is our traditional New Year’s Day dinner.
Other punctuation marks 2 – 6

7 of 10

Question

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◯ All on the same day (January 20, 1981), the hostages were released, President Carter left Washington, and President Reagan was inaugurated.
◯ All on the same day [January 20, 1981], the hostages were released, President Carter left Washington, and President Reagan was inaugurated.
Other punctuation marks 2 – 7

8 of 10

Question

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◯ Every night—right after her aerobics class—Eliza bragged about how invigorated she felt, but she always looked exhausted.
◯ Every night, right after her aerobics class, Eliza bragged about how invigorated she felt, but she always looked exhausted.
Other punctuation marks 2 – 8

9 of 10

Question

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◯ Any American soldier must be prepared to give his/her life for our country.
◯ Any American soldier must be prepared to give up his or her life for our country.
Other punctuation marks 2 – 9

10 of 10

Question

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◯ My curriculum has three sets of requirements: 1. general education courses, 2. basic engineering courses, and 3. advanced engineering electives.
◯ My curriculum has three sets of requirements: (1) general education courses, (2) basic engineering courses, and (3) advanced engineering electives.
Other punctuation marks 2 – 10