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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > English Language Arts

Correctly Punctuated Sentence Practice Quiz

Boost your punctuation skills for exam success

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 6
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting Punctuate It Right, a punctuation quiz for high school students.

This punctuation quiz helps you practice choosing the correctly punctuated sentence in real examples. Work through 20 quick questions to spot commas, apostrophes, and quotation marks used right, and build confidence for class or homework. Use it as a short practice or warm-up to find what you should review next.

Which sentence correctly punctuates a simple list?
I bought apples oranges and bananas.
I bought, apples, oranges and bananas.
I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
I bought apples oranges, and bananas.
Option B correctly separates items in a list using commas, including the serial comma before 'and'. The serial comma helps avoid ambiguity in lists.
Which sentence correctly uses commas with introductory phrases?
After the show, we went to dinner.
After the show, we went, to dinner.
After the show we went to dinner.
After, the show we went to dinner.
Option B places a comma after the introductory phrase 'After the show', which correctly separates it from the main clause. This improves the sentence's clarity.
Which sentence correctly punctuates a compound sentence?
I wanted to go but I stayed home.
I wanted to go; but I stayed home.
I wanted to go but, I stayed home.
I wanted to go, but I stayed home.
Option A correctly uses a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'but' to join two independent clauses. This is a standard rule for punctuating compound sentences.
Which sentence properly punctuates a direct address?
Thank you Lisa, for your help.
Thank you, Lisa for your help.
Thank you Lisa for your help.
Thank you, Lisa, for your help.
Option B correctly sets off the name 'Lisa' with commas when directly addressing her. This punctuation clarifies who is being spoken to.
Which sentence correctly ends a declarative sentence with appropriate punctuation?
She enjoys reading books!
She enjoys, reading books.
She enjoys reading books.
She enjoys reading books
Option B correctly ends the declarative sentence with a period. The period indicates a full stop and provides a clear ending to the statement.
Which sentence correctly punctuates a compound-complex sentence with an introductory clause and two independent clauses?
After the concert ended we went home, and we realized that we had forgotten our coats.
After the concert ended, we went home, and we realized that we had forgotten our coats.
After the concert ended we went home and we realized that we had forgotten our coats.
After the concert ended, we went home and, we realized that we had forgotten our coats.
Option B appropriately uses a comma after the introductory clause and before the coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses. This punctuation ensures clear separation of the sentence's parts.
Which sentence correctly punctuates a non-restrictive clause?
My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.
My brother, who lives, in New York is visiting.
My brother who lives in New York, is visiting.
My brother who lives in New York is visiting.
Option B correctly sets off the non-restrictive clause 'who lives in New York' with commas. This indicates that the clause provides extra information rather than defining the noun.
Which sentence correctly punctuates coordinate adjectives describing a noun?
It was a long windy and cold night.
It was a long windy, and cold night.
It was a long, windy, and cold night.
It was a long, windy and cold night.
Option A sets off all coordinate adjectives with commas, including using the serial comma before 'and'. This clarifies that each adjective separately modifies the noun 'night'.
Which sentence employs semicolons to separate list items that contain internal commas?
I have visited Paris, France, Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.
I have visited Paris; France, Rome; Italy and Berlin, Germany.
I have visited Paris, France, Rome, Italy, and Berlin, Germany.
I have visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.
Option A correctly uses semicolons to separate list items that already contain commas. This reduces ambiguity and clearly distinguishes between the different locations.
Which sentence correctly punctuates embedded quotations with proper commas?
He said, 'I love reading writing, and drawing.'
He said, 'I love reading, writing, and drawing.'
He said 'I love reading, writing, and drawing.'
He said, 'I love, reading, writing and drawing.'
Option A correctly introduces the quotation with a comma after 'He said' and maintains proper commas within the quoted list. This punctuation sustains clarity in direct speech.
Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce an explanation?
She had one goal: to win the championship.
She had one goal, to win the championship.
She had one goal - to win the championship.
She had one goal; to win the championship.
Option A properly uses a colon after an independent clause to introduce an elaboration. This punctuation clearly signals that what follows explains the preceding phrase.
Which sentence correctly punctuates a date according to standard American style?
Her birthday is May 5, 1999.
Her birthday is, May 5, 1999.
Her birthday is May 5 1999.
Her birthday is May 5; 1999.
Option A correctly places a comma between the day and the year, following American punctuation conventions for dates. This clarifies the separation between the month and the year.
Which sentence correctly punctuates numbers and a compound sentence for clarity?
The project cost $1,000, and it was completed last year.
The project cost $1,000 and it was completed last year.
The project cost $1000 and, it was completed last year.
The project cost $1000, and it was completed last year.
Option B correctly formats the number with a comma for thousands and uses a comma before the coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses. This ensures numerical clarity and proper sentence structure.
Which sentence correctly punctuates an appositive?
My friend, Alex, is coming over.
My friend, Alex is coming over.
My friend Alex is coming over.
My friend Alex, is coming over.
Option C sets off the non-restrictive appositive 'Alex' with commas, indicating that the name is additional information. This punctuation aids in the sentence's clarity.
Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen in a compound adjective?
She has a well, known reputation.
She has a well-known reputation.
She has a well known reputation.
She has a wellknown reputation.
Option A correctly hyphenates 'well-known' when used as a compound adjective before a noun. The hyphen clarifies that the two words work together to describe the noun.
Which sentence correctly punctuates contrasting clauses using a conjunctive adverb?
She wanted to go to the park, however it was raining heavily.
She wanted to go to the park however, it was raining heavily.
She wanted to go to the park; however, it was raining heavily.
She wanted to go to the park; however it was raining heavily.
Option A correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses, followed by 'however' with a trailing comma. This structure clearly conveys the contrast between the ideas.
Which sentence correctly incorporates ellipses within a quotation to indicate omitted text?
He said, 'I was wondering... if you could help me.'
He said, 'I was wondering, if you could help me.'
He said, 'I was wondering. . . if you could help me.'
He said 'I was wondering...if you could help me.'
Option A employs ellipses within the quotation to indicate that some text has been omitted, while also maintaining proper punctuation. This ensures the quote flows naturally without unnecessary disruption.
Which sentence correctly punctuates nested quotations?
During the panel discussion, the moderator announced, 'Our policy is "excellence and integrity," which guides all our decisions.'
During the panel discussion, the moderator announced, 'Our policy is "excellence and integrity" which guides all our decisions.'
During the panel discussion, the moderator announced, 'Our policy is: "excellence and integrity," which guides all our decisions.'
During the panel discussion, the moderator announced, 'Our policy is "excellence and integrity", which guides all our decisions.'
Option A correctly uses single quotation marks for the overall quote and double quotation marks for the nested quote. The placement of commas inside the nested quotation supports clarity and adheres to standard punctuation rules.
Which sentence correctly uses semicolons to separate multiple independent clauses in a complex list?
The team practiced diligently; they executed their plan flawlessly; and they celebrated their victory.
The team practiced diligently, they executed their plan flawlessly, and they celebrated their victory.
The team practiced diligently; they executed their plan flawlessly and they celebrated their victory.
The team practiced diligently, they executed their plan flawlessly; and they celebrated their victory.
Option A uses semicolons to clearly separate three independent clauses, including the one following the coordinating conjunction. This method avoids confusion and improves the readability of the sentence.
Which sentence correctly punctuates a sentence with a parenthetical element set off by em dashes?
The results - which were unexpected - surprised everyone.
The results, which were unexpected - surprised everyone.
The results - which were unexpected - surprised everyone.
The results- which were unexpected- surprised everyone.
Option A properly encloses the parenthetical element 'which were unexpected' within em dashes with appropriate spacing. This punctuation clearly demarcates the additional information from the main sentence.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify common punctuation errors in sentences.
  2. Distinguish between correctly and incorrectly punctuated sentences.
  3. Apply punctuation rules to improve sentence clarity.
  4. Analyze sentence structures for proper punctuation usage.
  5. Evaluate examples to enhance punctuation accuracy for exams.

Quiz: Choose the Correctly Punctuated Sentence (50) Cheat Sheet

  1. Conquering commas - Commas act like traffic signals, guiding readers through your list or sentence twists without crashes. They separate ideas, and the legendary Oxford comma before "and" can be the hero that saves meaning. Discover comma secrets
  2. Apostrophes for possession and fun contractions - Apostrophes show ownership ("the cat's whiskers") or squash words together ("don't" for "do not"), but they're not plural magnets. Using them correctly avoids awkward errors and makes your writing purr with clarity. Unravel apostrophes
  3. Semicolons unite independent clauses - Think of semicolons as cool connectors that let two related thoughts hang out in one stylish sentence instead of being split by a period. They also shine when listing complex items with internal commas. Semicolon mastery
  4. Colon cues for lists and explanations - A colon is like the drumroll before you unveil a list, quote, or explanation - but make sure what comes before it stands tall on its own. Use it to build excitement and clarity in your writing showcase. Colon power-up
  5. Dashes for dramatic flair - Dashes - those stylish long friends - can interrupt for extra info or add a dash of drama mid-sentence. They give your writing flair, like whispers or sudden twists. Dash it out
  6. Quotation marks for speech and quotes - Quotation marks wrap around direct speech or borrowed gems, so your reader knows exactly who's talking or which words you borrowed. Place commas and periods inside the quotes for a flawless finish. Quote it right
  7. Ellipses for suspense and omissions - Ellipses (... ) let your sentences trail off or skip over bits, creating suspense or concise quotes. Use them sparingly - too many dots can leave readers dizzy. Ellipsis essentials
  8. Clarity through punctuation - A single comma can save Grandma from becoming dinner, so punctuation can literally change the menu! Proper marks ensure your readers munch your words as intended. Prevent mix-ups
  9. Punctuation through the ages - Punctuation has evolved from medieval marks to modern symbols, shaped by writers and texters alike. Understanding its history makes you a ninja of style and context. Travel back in time
  10. Practice makes perfect - Dive into quizzes, exercises, and daily writing to lock in those punctuation powers. The more you play with commas, dashes, and friends, the sharper your prose becomes. Start practicing
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