Punctuation Quiz For Grade 8
This is the ultimate punctuation quiz for grade 8 that you need to take today! Punctuation is the use of spacing, conventional signs, and certain specific typographical devices as aids to the understanding and correct reading of the written text, whether read silently or aloud. Let's test your English in this punctuation quiz. Remember to have fun, and don't forget to share this quiz with your friends so they can test themselves as well!
- 1.
Which description best suits the full-stop?
- A.
A dot at the end of a sentence indicating that the sentence is complete.
- B.
A dot at the end of a sentence which leads to the next sentence.
- C.
A squiggle in a sentence indicating when the sentence should finish.
- D.
A dot in a sentence.
Correct Answer
A. A dot at the end of a sentence indicating that the sentence is complete.Explanation
The full-stop, also known as a period, is a punctuation mark that is placed at the end of a sentence to indicate that the sentence is complete. It signifies a pause in the flow of the text and separates one sentence from another. It is not used to lead to the next sentence or to indicate when the sentence should finish. Instead, it marks the end of a complete thought or idea.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
When should you use an apostrophe?
- A.
To indicate possession (where a noun owns something).
- B.
When someone is speaking.
- C.
For a contraction (where letters are missing) and possession (where a noun owns something).
- D.
When an independent clause is attached to a dependent clause.
Correct Answer
C. For a contraction (where letters are missing) and possession (where a noun owns something).Explanation
An apostrophe should be used for a contraction, which is when letters are missing in a word. It is also used to indicate possession, where a noun owns something.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
The exclamation mark is only used to indicate when someone is angry.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because the exclamation mark is not only used to indicate anger. It is a punctuation mark used to express strong emotions, such as surprise, excitement, or emphasis. It can also be used in certain types of writing, such as exclamatory sentences or interjections, to convey a heightened tone or mood. While it can be used to indicate anger in some cases, it has a broader range of uses beyond just anger.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Which punctuation mark should go in the blank space? "Jimmy said that the Earth was flat_ but I said it was flat."
- A.
Full-stop
- B.
Colon
- C.
Comma
- D.
Semi-colon
Correct Answer
C. CommaExplanation
In this sentence, the correct punctuation mark to go in the blank space is a comma. The comma is used to separate two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction "but." It helps to indicate a pause and separate the contrasting ideas expressed by Jimmy and the speaker.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
What is the function of a colon?
- A.
To indicate a series of options
- B.
To remove water from digested food in the intestine
- C.
To use when commas get boring
- D.
To indicate that a new sentence has begun
Correct Answer
A. To indicate a series of optionsExplanation
A colon is used to introduce a list or series of options. It signals to the reader that what follows is a set of choices or examples. In this case, the correct answer states that the function of a colon is to indicate a series of options.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Which sentence would mean that Grandma is being invited to eat?
- A.
Let's eat Grandma!
- B.
"Let's eat, Grandma"?
- C.
Let's eat: Grandma!
- D.
Let's eat, Grandma!
Correct Answer
D. Let's eat, Grandma!Explanation
The correct answer is "Let's eat, Grandma!" because the comma after "eat" indicates a pause, separating the word "Grandma" from the verb "eat." This suggests that the speaker is inviting Grandma to join them for a meal.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Which passage is punctuated correctly?
- A.
Jimmy had a hard time selling the watermelons, carrots and rhubarb. His mothers organic fertiliser might be to blame as it's pretty smelly and can't be touched without the use of gloves?
- B.
Jimmy had a hard time selling the watermelons. Carrots and rhubarb. His mothers organic fertiliser might be to blame as it's pretty smelly and can't be touched without the use of gloves!
- C.
Jimmy had a hard time selling the watermelons, carrots and rhubarb. His mother's organic fertiliser might be to blame as it's pretty smelly and can't be touched without the use of gloves.
- D.
Jimmy had a hard time selling the watermelons; carrots; and rhubarb. His mother's organic fertiliser might be to blame, as it's pretty smelly and can't be touched without the use of gloves.
Correct Answer
C. Jimmy had a hard time selling the watermelons, carrots and rhubarb. His mother's organic fertiliser might be to blame as it's pretty smelly and can't be touched without the use of gloves.Explanation
The correct answer is "Jimmy had a hard time selling the watermelons, carrots and rhubarb. His mother's organic fertiliser might be to blame as it's pretty smelly and can't be touched without the use of gloves." This passage is punctuated correctly because it uses commas to separate the items in a list (watermelons, carrots, and rhubarb) and includes proper punctuation (apostrophe and comma) to indicate possession and introduce a dependent clause.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Use the correct punctuation for the following sentence:What was Jesus_ first miracle?
Correct Answer
'
apostropheExplanation
The correct punctuation for the sentence "What was Jesus' first miracle?" is the apostrophe. The apostrophe is used to indicate possession or to show that letters have been omitted in a contraction. In this case, the apostrophe is used to indicate that something belongs to Jesus, specifically his first miracle.Rate this question:
- 9.
An exclamation mark, full-stop, question mark and comma are all used to end sentences.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
An exclamation mark, full-stop, question mark, and comma are not all used to end sentences. While a full-stop, question mark, and exclamation mark can be used to end a sentence, a comma is not typically used to end a sentence but is used to separate words or phrases within a sentence. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
What would fit as the most appropriate punctuation point in the following sentence?Jimmy was a man without a plan_ a rebel without a cause.
Correct Answer
;Explanation
In the given sentence, the most appropriate punctuation point is a semicolon (;). A semicolon is used to connect two closely related independent clauses without using a coordinating conjunction. In this case, "Jimmy was a man without a plan" and "a rebel without a cause" are two independent clauses that are closely related and can stand alone as separate sentences. Therefore, a semicolon is used to join them together, indicating a strong connection between the two ideas.Rate this question:
- 11.
Which of the following options is the dependent clause within the sentence?Jimmy's head, which was far too big, needed to be pushed and pulled until it finally popped out of the helmet.
- A.
Which was far too big
- B.
Jimmy's head needed to be pushed and pulled until it finally popped out of the helmet.
- C.
Popped out of the helmet
- D.
Pushed and pulled
Correct Answer
A. Which was far too bigExplanation
The dependent clause in the sentence is "which was far too big." This clause starts with the relative pronoun "which" and provides additional information about Jimmy's head. It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and depends on the rest of the sentence for meaning.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
True or False: The comma is used properly in the following sentence.Jimmy's schoolwork, while messy and untidy, was always completed to a high standard, though he always forgot how to use commas in his essays.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The comma is used properly in the given sentence. It is used to set off the nonessential phrase "while messy and untidy" and the nonessential phrase "though he always forgot how to use commas in his essays." These phrases provide additional information about Jimmy's schoolwork but are not necessary for the basic meaning of the sentence.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
What punctuation point goes in the blank? Mr Symons_ class is easily the best class that ever lived!
Correct Answer
', apostropheExplanation
The punctuation point that goes in the blank is an apostrophe. In this sentence, the apostrophe is used to indicate possession, showing that the class belongs to Mr Symons.Rate this question:
- 14.
Which passage is punctuated correctly?
- A.
If the motorcycle was huge? it was nothing to the man sitting astride it; He was twice as tall as a normal man and at least five times as wide: He looked simply too big to be allowed, and so wild — long tangles of bushy black hair and beard hid most of his face, he had hands the size of trash can lids, and his feet in their leather boots were like baby dolphins.
- B.
If the motorcycle was huge it was nothing to the man sitting astride it. He was twice as tall as a normal man and at least five times as wide, He looked simply too big to be allowed, and so wild — long tangles of bushy black hair and beard hid most of his face, he had hands the size of trash can lids, and his feet in their leather boots were like baby dolphins'.
- C.
If the motorcycle was huge, it was nothing to the man sitting astride it. He was twice as tall as a normal man and at least five times as wide. He looked simply too big to be allowed, and so wild — long tangles of bushy black hair and beard hid most of his face, he had hands the size of trash can lids, and his feet in their leather boots were like baby dolphins.
- D.
If the motorcycle was huge, it was nothing to the man sitting astride it. He was twice as tall as a normal man and at least five times as wide. He looked simply too big to be allowed. and so wild — long tangles of bushy black hair and beard hid most of his face, he had hands the size of trash can lids, and his feet in their leather boots were like baby dolphins!
Correct Answer
C. If the motorcycle was huge, it was nothing to the man sitting astride it. He was twice as tall as a normal man and at least five times as wide. He looked simply too big to be allowed, and so wild — long tangles of bushy black hair and beard hid most of his face, he had hands the size of trash can lids, and his feet in their leather boots were like baby dolphins.Explanation
The given passage is punctuated correctly because it uses commas to separate the clauses and phrases within the sentences. It also uses a dash to indicate a break in thought. The punctuation helps to convey the description of the man and his appearance in a clear and organized manner.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
What is missing from the following sentence?The day which happens to be Tuesday is hot and windy.
- A.
An exclamation mark
- B.
A semi-colon
- C.
Commas: one after "happens" and one after "hot"
- D.
Commas: one after "day" and one after "Tuesday"
Correct Answer
D. Commas: one after "day" and one after "Tuesday"Explanation
The sentence is missing commas after "day" and "Tuesday". Commas are used to separate nonessential information or clauses from the main sentence. In this case, the phrase "which happens to be Tuesday" is nonessential information, as it does not change the meaning of the sentence. Therefore, commas should be placed before and after this phrase to set it apart from the rest of the sentence.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
Which example would not have an exclamation mark at the end?
- A.
Let me out of this box
- B.
I'm going to get some juice, want some
- C.
There is no such thing as English
- D.
Punctuation is my best friend
Correct Answer
B. I'm going to get some juice, want someExplanation
The example "I'm going to get some juice, want some" would not have an exclamation mark at the end because it is a statement, not an exclamation. It is a polite question asking if someone wants some juice, rather than expressing excitement or strong emotion.Rate this question:
-
- 17.
Which punctuation point would you use in the blanks?Santa's workshop contains a box of hammers_ a table for designing new toys_ multiple drills_ wrapping paper for the presents_ tape dispensers with pink, blue, and green tape_ and elves drinking coffee to stay awake all night while working.
- A.
Semi-colon
- B.
Comma
- C.
Exclamation mark
- D.
Full-stop
Correct Answer
A. Semi-colonExplanation
A semi-colon would be used in the blanks to separate the different items in the list. The semi-colon helps to clearly separate each item and make the sentence easier to read and understand.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 20, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 30, 2014Quiz Created by
Mics100
- Active And Passive Voice Quizzes
- Adjective Quizzes
- Adverb Quizzes
- Article Quizzes
- Capitalization Quizzes
- Clause Quizzes
- Comparatives And Superlatives Quizzes
- Conjunction Quizzes
- Dangling Modifier Quizzes
- Definition Quizzes
- Dictionary Quizzes
- Direct And Indirect Quizzes
- Essay Quizzes
- Glossary Quizzes
- Idiom Quizzes
- Metaphor Quizzes
- Noun Quizzes
- Phrase Quizzes
- Plural Quizzes
- Prefix Quizzes
- Prefix And Suffix Quizzes
- Preposition Quizzes
- Pronoun Quizzes
- Pronunciation Quizzes
- Punctuation Quizzes
- Riddle Quizzes
- Sentence Quizzes
- Simile Quizzes
- Slang Quizzes
- Speaking Quizzes
- Speech Quizzes
- Spelling Quizzes
- Subject And Predicate Quizzes
- Suffix Quizzes
- Synonym Quizzes
- Synonyms And Antonyms Quizzes
- Tense Quizzes
- Verb Quizzes
- Voice Quizzes
- Word Quizzes
- Writing Quizzes
Back to top