TOEIC : Identifying punctuation errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for TOEIC
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Error Recognition
Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated?
William, my oldest cousin is getting married in October.
William, my oldest cousin, is getting married in October.
William my oldest cousin, is getting married in October.
William my oldest cousin is getting married in October.
William, my oldest cousin, is getting married in October.
The correct answer is "William, my oldest cousin, is getting married in October." This sentence correctly punctuates the phrase "my oldest cousin," setting it apart with two commas, as is required when placing non-essential clauses in the middle of a sentence. One or no commas is incorrect, which is why "William, my oldest cousin, is getting married in October" is the only correct answer.
Example Question #12 : Error Recognition
Which of the following sentences contain an error in punctuation?
My best friends are Sarah Katie and Mike.
I went to the mall, tried on a dress, and bought a pair of shoes.
The best months are April, May, and June.
She eats chicken and turkey, but not beef.
My best friends are Sarah Katie and Mike.
The correct answer is "My best friends are Sarah Katie and Mike." This is the correct choice because it contains an error in punctuation: when writing a list, each item needs to be separated by a comma, so there should be commas after the names Sarah and Katie. Each of the other sentences is correctly punctuated.
Example Question #13 : Error Recognition
Which of the following sentences contain an error in punctuation?
Because it was sunny, I needed my sunglasses.
Before you leave, can I ask you a question?
Unless there is an emergency please do not get out of your seat.
Whenever Greg goes walking, he wears his athletic shoes.
Unless there is an emergency please do not get out of your seat.
The correct answer is "Unless there is an emergency please do not get out of your seat." This is the only sentence that contains an error in punctuation--there should be a comma after the word emergency. The phrase "unless there is an emergency" is a dependent clause beginning with a subordinating conjunction (unless), and since it comes at the beginning of the sentence, there must be a comma to separate it from the rest of the sentence. The rest of the sentences are correctly punctuated.
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