Writing and Rhetoric

Rhys Davies

Name_______________________

Punctuation Quiz I (commas, semicolons, & colons)

A. Place commas wherever they are needed in the following sentences (10 points)

1. The girl with the bright friendly smile wore a bright green scarf to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

2. As he read the Chekhov story he became aware of the Russian's genius.

3. Dauphin Island located off the coast of Alabama is a favourite spot for fishing.

4. She was as a matter of fact mainly interested in showing off her vocabulary.

5. Before reaching the summit the climbers were forced by a storm to turn back.

6. Did you know that James Agee the novelist and poet was also a film critic?

7. Squaw Valley California the scene of the winter Olympics in 1960 is a ski resort.

8. To perform well on Saturday afternoon the athlete must train every day of the week.

9. He reads everything: road maps want ads and cereal boxes.

10. "When" Jaime asked "will you return my book?"

B. Insert semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. Because there was heavy fog, the airport was closed many travelers were delayed all night.

2. Bernie was depressed about his fortieth birthday his spirits improved, however, when he opened his
presents.

3. The appointment calendar listed Ms. Alvarano, 10:15 Mr. Barks, 11:00 and Mrs. Low, 11:45.

4. The city has adjusted its traffic regulations to accommodate bicycles for example most avenues now
have clearly marked bike lanes.

5. If you like to travel, you will probably enjoy Paul Theroux's books he is a master of description.

6. Every year more and more Americans move to the Sunbelt the climate there, it seems, is irresistible.

7. The space program has always generated controversy some people believe that the money could be
better spent on earth.
 8. Caracas, Venezuela, and Los Angeles, California, share a common traffic problem both cities, I
know, have complex freeway systems and enormous amounts of traffic.

9. The quickest route between San Francisco and Los Angeles is the inland highway the most scenic
route is the highway along the coast.

10. Raimondo Cavazos, who is the school's top basketball player, enjoys sports in addition to
basketball, he plays baseball.

C. Place the appropriate punctuation mark in the following sentences. The spaces for
punctuation are marked for you. Choose between comma, semicolon, and colon (10
points)

1. If you want to go on vacation next year__ you will need to save some money.

2. I’ve heard New York City is an excellent place to visit __ it can be hot in the summer __

though.

3. We could stay in the city and see all the sights __ the Statue of Liberty __ Central Park __

and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

4. Another fun thing to do would be drive upstate to see the Baseball Hall of Fame __ I’ve

always wanted to go there.

5. My friend told me I must try the bagels and pizza in New York __ they’re supposed to be the

best!

6. Since we might go in December __ make sure you pack these warm items __ gloves, a scarf,

a hat, and a wool coat.

7. The three performers included Jasper____ a trained squirrel___ Belzar ___ a tightrope
walker___ and Petunia____ a magician

8. We didn't attend the play___ besides____ we had heard that all the good seats were taken.

9. The USA has a very large land area ___ Canada is even larger.

10. The supervisor's remark was straight to the point_____ I won't tolerate workers who show
up late.

D. Write a sentence including the given items, or something similar, and use a colon (10

points)

1. Tommy wrote to Santa Claus. He wanted a sled, an air rifle, and a catcher's mitt.
2. A brilliant characterization of Eleanor Roosevelt by Adlai Stevenson. "She would rather
light candles than curse the darkness."

3. Finalists in the horse show. Misty, Blaze, Pepper.

4. Jermaine wanted the red convertible. He had but one thought in mind.

5. John and Mary wanted to go to the Art Fair. John and Mary visited Ann for just one
reason.