CH13 - Punctuation

Question 1

What is the main function of punctuation?

Answer 1

To separate phrases and clauses into meaningful units of information.

Question 2

What punctuation mark is used to indicate a 1 second pause?

Answer 2

Comma

Question 3

What punctuation mark is used to indicate a 2 second pause?

Answer 3

Semicolon

Question 4

What punctuation mark is used to indicate a 3 second pause?

Answer 4

Colon

Question 5

What punctuation mark is used to indicate a 4 second pause?

Answer 5

Period

Question 6

True or False: A comma should be used to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Comma Rule #1 states to introduce the subject with a comma if it is not the _______ word/phrase in the sentence.

Answer 7

first

Question 8

What is the purpose of the ‘bracket test’ in Comma Rule #2?

Answer 8

To determine if an interrupting phrase is non-essential and requires commas.

Question 9

What is the Oxford Comma?

Answer 9

A comma placed before the ‘and’ in a list of three or more items.

Question 10

What is the function of a semicolon in linking independent clauses?

Answer 10

To join closely related independent clauses into one sentence.

Question 11

Semicolon Rule #2 involves using a semicolon with _______ words.

Answer 11

transition

Question 12

True or False: A semicolon can be used to introduce a phrase or fragment.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

What is a common mistake that leads to a comma splice?

Answer 13

Using a comma instead of a semicolon to link two independent clauses.

Question 14

When should a semicolon be used in a complex list?

Answer 14

To separate items where one or more items have internal punctuation.

Question 15

Provide an example of a coordinating conjunction.

Answer 15

For, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

Question 16

Identify the error: ‘The main thing that you must be sure to remember about the magnificent Chinese pandas of the southwest, is that they can be dangerous.’

Answer 16

Incorrect use of a comma before ‘is’.

Question 17

What are the three main functions of a semicolon?

Answer 17

• Join closely related independent clauses
• Link sentences with transition words
• Separate items in a complex list

Question 18

What is the consequence of punctuation errors in legal writing?

Answer 18

They can have real-world costs and consequences.

Question 19

What is the effect of a misplaced comma in the sentence ‘Let’s eat, grandma!’ versus ‘Let’s eat grandma!’?

Answer 19

It changes the meaning drastically, indicating whether to eat grandma or to invite her to eat.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: Commas are used to indicate that a _______ sentence element follows the comma.

Answer 20

non-essential

Question 21

What is the effect of punctuation on the clarity of communication?

Answer 21

It can confuse readers and change the intended message.

Question 22

What is the function of a semicolon in a bi-fold door analogy?

Answer 22

It joins two complete door panels that each have their own frame together as one.

Question 23

What is a comma splice?

Answer 23

Using a comma instead of a semicolon to link two independent clauses.

Question 24

Semicolon Rule #3 states that a semicolon is used to separate items in a complex list when:

Answer 24

One or more of the items have internal punctuation.

Question 25

Provide an example of a correct use of a semicolon in a complex list.

Answer 25

The role of the vice-president will be to enhance the university’s external relations; strengthen its relationship with alumni, donors, and community leaders; and implement fundraising programs.

Question 26

What is the purpose of a colon in writing?

Answer 26

To introduce amplification in the form of an example, explanation, quotation, summary, or list.

Question 27

Where should a colon be placed in a sentence?

Answer 27

Where the sentence could come to a complete stop.

Question 28

Give an example of amplification using a colon.

Answer 28

The hurricane lashed the coastal community: within two hours, every tree on the waterfront had been blown down.

Question 29

What should precede a colon when introducing a list, example, or quotation?

Answer 29

A complete sentence.

Question 30

True or False: A colon can be used if the clause before it cannot end in a period.

Answer 30

False.

Question 31

What are the key takeaways regarding proper punctuation?

Answer 31

Proper punctuation is essential when conveying meaning in writing.

Question 32

List the different functions of commas.

Answer 32

* Introduce the subject of a sentence * Interrupt the subject and verb * Separate a list of three or more items * Connect independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction * Indicate non-essential elements in a sentence.

Question 33

List the three functions of semicolons.

Answer 33

* Join closely related independent sentences * Link two sentences with a transition word * Separate items in a complex list.

Question 34

What should follow a colon in a sentence?

Answer 34

It can be a fragment or list; it does not have to be a complete sentence.