Lesson: Dashes

What is the purpose of using parenthetical elements in a sentence?

• To end a sentence

• To break into the main thought of a sentence

• To start a new paragraph

• To indicate a question

Which punctuation marks are commonly used to set off parenthetical elements?

• Periods and commas

• Commas and parentheses

• Colons and semicolons

• Exclamation marks and question marks

In the sentence "The tomato, however, is actually a fruit, not a vegetable," what is the function of the word "however"?

• It introduces a new sentence

• It is a parenthetical element

• It ends the sentence

• It is a conjunction

What is the purpose of using a dash in a sentence?

• To indicate a question

• To end a sentence

• To indicate an abrupt break in thought or speech

• To start a new paragraph

In the sentence "Ms. Alanzo—she just left—will be on the judges of the talent show," what is the function of the dashes?

• To end the sentence

• To indicate a question

• To set off a parenthetical element

• To start a new paragraph

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a dash to indicate an abrupt break in thought?

• The tomato, however, is actually a fruit.

• The outcome (which candidate would be elected governor?) was in the hands of the voters.

• Alisha began, “The burglar is—but I don’t want to give away the ending.”

• The book, which was on the table, is now missing.

Which of the following is an example of a parenthetical element?

• The tomato is a fruit.

• The outcome was in the hands of the voters.

• The tomato, however, is actually a fruit.

• Ms. Alanzo will be on the judges of the talent show.

What is the main topic of the lesson in the provided text?

• Commas

• Parentheses

• Dashes

• Colons

Which rule is associated with the use of dashes according to the provided text?

• Use a dash to end a sentence

• Use a dash to indicate an abrupt break in thought or speech

• Use a dash to start a new paragraph

• Use a dash to indicate a question

In the sentence "Right over here—oh, excuse me, Mr. Mills—you’ll find the reference books," what is the function of the dashes?

• To end the sentence

• To indicate a question

• To set off a parenthetical element

• To start a new paragraph