Deck 11: Semicolons and Colons

Question 1

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Many employees will be facing layoffs, in the meantime, some are seeking retraining through the company's strong educational incentive.
B)Standardized tests are often used by schools to measure student success; however, they are often criticized as discriminating against minorities.
C)Our Los Angeles office will be closing, therefore; employees must either retire, transfer to another branch, or accept a severance package.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Wireless plan information has been received from Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
B)Wireless plan information has been received from: Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
C)Wireless plan information has been received from, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The support staff had to _________ the brunt of the sales director's anger.

A)bear
B)bare

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)A number of biotech firms are represented, Amgen, Genentech, Genzyme, and ImClone Systems.
B)A number of biotech firms are represented Amgen, Genentech, Genzyme, and ImClone Systems.
C)A number of biotech firms are represented: Amgen, Genentech, Genzyme, and ImClone Systems.

Question 5

Which statement about semicolons is inaccurate?

A)Semicolons tell readers that two closely related ideas should be thought of together.
B)The most basic use of the semicolon occurs in compound sentences.
C)A semicolon is a weaker punctuation mark than a comma.

Question 6

Which website address is expressed correctly?

A)http://google.com
B)http//google.com

Question 7

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Our summer sale begins tomorrow visit our website today for a sneak preview.
B)Our summer sale begins tomorrow, visit our website today for a sneak preview.
C)Our summer sale begins tomorrow; visit our website today for a sneak preview.

Question 8

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Companies with liberal return policies tend to lose money on the returns; still, such policies strengthen customer loyalty.
B)Companies with liberal return policies tend to lose money on the returns; still such policies strengthen customer loyalty.
C)Companies with liberal return policies tend to lose money on the returns, still, such policies strengthen customer loyalty.

Question 9

Which sentence is expressed correctly?

A)The three M's for successful training programs are the following: Meals, Money, and Movement.
B)The three M's for successful training programs are the following: meals, money, and movement.

Question 10

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Michael Jordan said: "Obstacles don't have to stop you.If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up.Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."
B)Donald Trump said: "Sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make."
C)Hillary Clinton said: "Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world."

Question 11

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Many Americans are fighting back against unsolicited "robo" telemarketing calls, that is, consumers are blocking all auto dialed calls.
B)Many Americans are fighting back against unsolicited "robo" telemarketing calls that is consumers are blocking all auto dialed calls.
C)Many Americans are fighting back against unsolicited "robo" telemarketing calls; that is, consumers are blocking all auto dialed calls.

Question 12

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Barack Obama said "Community colleges play an important role in helping people transition between careers by providing the retooling they need to take on a new career."
B)Barack Obama said, "Community colleges play an important role in helping people transition between careers by providing the retooling they need to take on a new career."
C)Barack Obama said: "Community colleges play an important role in helping people transition between careers by providing the retooling they need to take on a new career."

Question 13

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)The individuals responsible for overseeing the new customer service plan will be: Wang Fang, Tom Huffcutt, and Aditya Kumar.
B)The individuals responsible for overseeing the new customer service plan will be Wang Fang, Tom Huffcutt, and Aditya Kumar.
C)The individuals responsible for overseeing the new customer service plan will be; Wang Fang, Tom Huffcutt, and Aditya Kumar.

Question 14

A relatively new, somewhat controversial form of decentralized electronic currency is ____ .

A)bitcoin
B)Bitcoin

Question 15

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)General Barton Kyle Yount said: "Borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers."
B)General Barton Kyle Yount said, "Borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers."
C)General Barton Kyle Yount said "Borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers."

Question 16

Which sentence is expressed correctly?

A)Good public speakers follow four steps when presenting claims: Signpost the idea, state the idea, support the idea, and summarize the idea.
B)Good public speakers follow four steps when presenting claims; signpost the idea, state the idea, support the idea, and summarize the idea.
C)Good public speakers follow four steps when presenting claims: signpost the idea, state the idea, support the idea, and summarize the idea.

Question 17

Which sentence is expressed correctly?

A)The United States faces a serious problem: its global image has worsened.
B)The United States faces a serious problem: Its global image has worsened.
C)The United States faces a serious problem, its global image has worsened.

Question 18

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Learning effective communication skills, therefore, will increase your employment opportunities.
B)Learning effective communication skills; therefore, will increase your employment opportunities.
C)Learning effective communication skills; therefore will increase your employment opportunities.

Question 19

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Special discounts were offered at the Holiday Inn in Orlando, Florida, the Embassy Suites in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Best Western in Los Alamo, Texas.
B)Special discounts were offered at the Holiday Inn in Orlando, Florida; the Embassy Suites in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Best Western in Los Alamo, Texas.
C)Special discounts were offered at the Holiday Inn in Orlando, Florida; the Embassy Suites in Boston, Massachusetts; and the Best Western in Los Alamo, Texas.

Question 20

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)The plan is missing one key element; adequate funding.
B)The plan is missing one key element adequate funding.
C)The plan is missing one key element: adequate funding.

Question 21

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Chris researched, visited, and booked the location, Zach hired and supervised the caterers, and Stephanie ordered and sent the invitations.
B)Chris researched, visited, and booked the location; Zach hired and supervised the caterers; and Stephanie ordered and sent the invitations.
C)Chris researched, visited, and booked the location, Zach hired and supervised the caterers and Stephanie ordered and sent the invitations.

Question 22

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)We offer our customers free returns, consequently customers feel more comfortable making purchases online.
B)We offer our customers free returns; consequently, customers feel more comfortable making purchases online.
C)We offer our customers free returns; consequently customers feel more comfortable making purchases online.

Question 23

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)The company is considering expanding its operations to selected South American markets, for instance, Brazil, Venezuela, and Chile.
B)The company is considering expanding its operations to selected South American markets; for instance, Brazil, Venezuela, and Chile.
C)The company is considering expanding its operations to selected South American markets; for instance Brazil, Venezuela, and Chile.

Question 24

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Many companies are facing a serious crisis: their sales have decreased .
B)Many companies are facing a serious crisis, their sales have decreased.
C)Many companies are facing a serious crisis their sales have decreased.

Question 25

Because Mackenzie did not listen to the ____ of her adviser, she will not graduate from college in four years.

A)advice
B)advise

Question 26

As the ____ of the apartment, Megan pays her rent on the first day of each month.

A)lessee
B)lessor

Question 27

The architecture of our ____ is stunning.

A)capital
B)capitol

Question 28

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Many companies are struggling because of decreased sales Powertex is one company that has seen a 35 percent drop in revenue.
B)Many companies are struggling because of decreased sales; Powertex is one company that has seen a 35 percent drop in revenue.
C)Many companies are struggling because of decreased sales, Powertex is one company that has seen a 35 percent drop in revenue.

Question 29

According to my college's website, all financial aid will be ____ on Friday.

A)disbursed
B)dispersed

Question 30

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)In order to succeed in college, students must possess a key skill they need to use good time-management techniques.
B)In order to succeed in college, students must possess a key skill, they need to use good time-management techniques.
C)In order to succeed in college, students must possess a key skill: they need to use good time-management techniques.

Question 31

Which book title and subtitle are most logically punctuated?

A)The article Mastering the On-Site Interview, A Guide to Company Visits is a must read for recent college graduates.
B)The article Mastering the On-Site Interview; A Guide to Company Visits is a must read for recent college graduates.
C)The article Mastering the On-Site Interview: A Guide to Company Visits is a must read for recent college graduates.

Question 32

Which idea is expressed correctly?

A)The most common consumer complaints involve the following: Identity theft
Debt collection
Imposter scams
B)The most common consumer complaints involve the following Identity theft
Debt collection
Imposter scams
C)The most common consumer complaints involve the following: identity theft.debt collection.imposter scams.

Question 33

When using mixed punctuation in a business letter, which of the following salutations would be correct?

A)Dear Ms.Bates,
B)Dear Ms.Bates:
C)Dear Ms.Bates

Question 34

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Shipments have been made to Cincinnati, Ohio; Houston, Texas; and Reno, Nevada.
B)Shipments have been made to Cincinnati, Ohio, Houston, Texas, and Reno, Nevada.
C)Shipments have been made to Cincinnati; Ohio, Houston; Texas, and Reno; Nevada.

Question 35

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)The committee identified the problem, it discussed possible causes, and it developed a solution.
B)The committee identified the problem; it discussed possible causes; and it developed a solution.
C)The committee identified the problem it discussed possible causes and it developed a solution.

Question 36

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)In The Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger said "I'll be back."
B)In The Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "I'll be back."
C)In The Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger said: "I'll be back."

Question 37

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)The commencement speaker encouraged us to: "dream big" as we entered the job force.
B)The commencement speaker encouraged us to, "Dream big" as we entered the job force.
C)The commencement speaker encouraged us to "dream big" as we entered the job force.

Question 38

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Customer service must be a priority of all employees ignoring our customer needs will surely put us out of business.
B)Customer service must be a priority of all employees, ignoring our customer needs will surely put us out of business.
C)Customer service must be a priority of all employees; ignoring our customer needs will surely put us out of business.

Question 39

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)A department manager often uses the following skills: direction, facilitation, and mediation.
B)A department manager often uses the following skills, direction, facilitation, and mediation.
C)A department manager often uses the following skills; direction, facilitation, and mediation.

Question 40

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Invitations to the meeting must be sent to Jill Harrison, president, XMI Technologies, Bill Kolstad, CEO, Watson Manufacturing, and Ron Keys, sales consultant, Hotbot Solutions.
B)Invitations to the meeting must be sent to Jill Harrison, president, XMI Technologies; Bill Kolstad, CEO, Watson Manufacturing; and Ron Keys, sales consultant, Hotbot Solutions.
C)Invitations to the meeting must be sent to Jill Harrison; president, XMI Technologies, Bill Kolstad; CEO, Watson Manufacturing, and Ron Keys; sales consultant, Hotbot Solutions.

Question 41

Do you think he meant to ____ that benefits might be reduced?

A)infer
B)imply

Question 42

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)The employees who will be attending the conference are: Martim Silva, Ines Thomas, and Alexander Ivanov.
B)My favorite pastimes include: gardening, golfing, and cooking.
C)Theresa uses these social networking sites in the job-search process: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Question 43

Which book title and subtitle are most logically punctuated?

A)I just finished reading the book Success Built to Last, Creating a Life That Matters.
B)I just finished reading the book Success Built to Last: Creating a Life That Matters.
C)I just finished reading the book Success Built to Last; Creating a Life That Matters.

Question 44

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)We collected many signatures, then we submitted the petition.
B)We collected many signatures; then we submitted the petition.
C)We collected many signatures; then, we submitted the petition.

Question 45

Which sentence is expressed correctly?

A)A well-known document designer has one cardinal rule: Limit your design to four colors.
B)A well-known document designer has one cardinal rule: limit your design to four colors.
C)A well-known document designer has one cardinal rule limit your design to four colors.

Question 46

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)The meeting agenda identified two managers who would present their budget plans; namely, John Franks and Ann Jones.
B)The new plan must address our concerns, for instance, how can the company raise product prices during a time of decreasing customer loyalty?
C)The business office received bids for the new geothermal heating and cooling system from three out-of-state companies; that is, Bartingale Mechanical, TDS Engineering, and MEP Associates.

Question 47

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)These are the traits that will help you be promoted: a strong work ethic, effective communication skills, and integrity.
B)These are the traits that will help you be promoted, a strong work ethic, effective communication skills, and integrity.
C)These are the traits that will help you be promoted; a strong work ethic, effective communication skills, and integrity.

Question 48

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Beth however did not submit her hours by the deadline.
B)Beth; however, did not submit her hours by the deadline.
C)Beth, however, did not submit her hours by the deadline.

Question 49

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)The introduction of a speech should include these parts: an attention getter, a thesis, a personal credibility statement, and a preview of the main points.
B)Questions about the new wellness incentive were raised by: Luisa, Jackie, and Kwame.
C)Community recognition awards were presented to: Spectrum Industries, Data Solutions, and Five-Star Graphics.

Question 50

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Two important issues keep the two sides divided, namely, salary and benefits.
B)Two important issues keep the two sides divided; namely, salary and benefits.
C)Two important issues keep the two sides divided: namely, salary and benefits.

Question 51

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Lou Holtz said, "All winning teams are goal-oriented.Teams like these win consistently because everyone connected with them concentrates on specific objectives."
B)Lou Holtz said: "All winning teams are goal-oriented.Teams like these win consistently because everyone connected with them concentrates on specific objectives."
C)Lou Holtz said; "All winning teams are goal-oriented.Teams like these win consistently because everyone connected with them concentrates on specific objectives."

Question 52

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

A)Send checks to these employees: Their payments are long overdue.Tracey Barry Juan Gonzalez Cathy Overby James DeLoach
B)Send checks to these employees.Their payments are long overdue.Tracey Barry Juan Gonzalez Cathy Overby James DeLoach
C)Send checks to these employees.Their payments are long overdue: Tracey Barry Juan Gonzalez
Cathy Overby James DeLoach