PUNCTUATION MARKS AND TECHNICAL DEVICES

I. The following sentences contain errors in punctuation or mechanics (technical devices). Correct them.
1. I read a good book last weekend called: The Old Man And The Sea, by Ernest Hemingway.
=> I read a good book last weekend called The Old Man and the Sea / The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest
Hemingway.
2. She graduated in May, 1986 from Indian, University.
=> She graduated in May1986 from Indian University.
3. I spent hours studying for the test, finally I felt prepared.
=> I spent hours studying for the test; finally, I felt prepared.
4. We had to read o’Henry’s the Christmas gift for a class discussion
We had to read O’Henry’s “The Christmas Gift” for a class discussion.
5. “please show me your drivers’ licence.” The officer said.
=> “Please show me your drivers’ licence,” the officer said. The officer said, “ ………………… .”
6. I love Lucy is still a popular television serial.
“I Love Lucy” is still a popular television serial.
7. “The class period can’t be over,” said the student. “for I haven’t even started my concluding paragraph yet”.
“The class period can’t be over,” said the student, “for I haven’t even started my concluding paragraph yet.”
8. “he (the American Indian) has left his stamp upon America.”
=> “He [the American Indian] has left his stamp upon America.”
9. It does not matter which word you use? Both are correct.
=> It does not matter which word you use: Both are correct.
=> It does not matter which word you use - Both are correct.
10. The highest mountain on the earth is mount Everest, in the Himalayas; and the deepest point in any ocean is
in the Pacific ocean, between the Philippines, and the Palau islands.
=> The highest mountain on the earth is Mount Everest, in the Himalayas, and the deepest point in any ocean is
in the Pacific Ocean between the Philippines and the Palau Islands.
II. Punctuate these sentences and paragraphs. They include all the rules for punctuation and mechanics
(technical devices)
1. The three most important holidays in the united states are christmas, thanksgiving and easter.
=> The three most important holidays in the United States are Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter.
2. I am taking four classes this semester english 40 sociology 32 history 34 and a computer science course.
I am taking four classes this semester: English 40, Sociology 32, History 34, and a computer science course.
3. President john f kennedy was born on may 29 1917 and was assassinated on november 22 1963.
=> President John F. Kennedy was born on May 29, 1917 and was assassinated on November 22, 1963.
4. The new chairs arent very comfortable are they
=> The new chairs aren’t very comfortable, are they?
5. Todays exam I think is only a practice test
=> Today’s exam, I think, is only a practice test.
6. Hamlet shakespeares famous play has been made into a movie many times
Hamlet, Shakespeare’s famous play, has been made into a movie many times.
7. Shakespeares famous play hamlet has been made into a movie many times
=> Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet has been made into a movie many times.
8. William is well read and intelligent however he is also athletic and fun loving.
William is well read and intelligent; however, he is also athletic and fun loving.
9. If you know how much time I spent on the essay the student said you will give me an a
“If you know how much time I spent on the essay,” the student said, “you will give me an A.”
10. A chef might work on a meal for day the teacher replied that doesn’t mean the results will taste good
“A chef might work on a meal for days,” the teacher replied. That doesn’t mean the results will taste good.
11. We were asked to read the essay thinking as a hobby for wednesdays class.
We were asked to read the essay “Thinking as a Hobby” for Wednesday’s class.
12. Ive just decided to emigrate to Canada it sounds like a perfect solution.
I’ve just decided to emigrate to Canada - it sounds like a perfect solution.
13. He used to be very good at tennis at least that’s what he told me
He used to be very good at tennis - at least that’s what he told me.
14. There are three ways to get to London by car by train or by plane
There are three ways to get to London: by car, by train, or by plane.
15. Hurry up do you want to be late
“Hurry up! Do you want to be late?”