Quotation Marks Quiz

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Date:

Instructions: Do you know where to place quotation marks and the punctuation that goes with them? Find out!

1.
In American English, where do commas and periods go in relation to closing quotation marks?
A
Either position is correct
B
It depends on the sentence
C
Inside the quotation marks
D
Outside the quotation marks
2.
Which is correct in American English?
A
She said "I'm leaving."
B
She said "I'm leaving".
C
She said, "I'm leaving."
D
She said, "I'm leaving".
3.
When do you use single quotation marks in American English?
A
For a quote within a quote
B
For titles of books
C
For all quotations
D
For emphasis
4.
Which title should be in quotation marks (not italics)?
A
A newspaper
B
A movie
C
A short story
D
A novel
5.
Where does the question mark go? 'Did she say, "I'll be late"?'
A
Both positions are acceptable
B
Inside the quotation marks
C
Outside the quotation marks
D
It depends on who is asking the question
6.
Which is correct when the quoted material is a question?
A
She asked, "Where are you going?"
B
She asked, "Where are you going?".
C
She asked "Where are you going?"
D
She asked, "Where are you going"?
7.
Should you use quotation marks for indirect speech?
A
No, only direct speech uses quotation marks
B
Yes, always
C
Only for long indirect quotes
D
Only in formal writing
8.
Which is an example of indirect speech (no quotation marks needed)?
A
"He said I am tired."
B
He said that he was tired.
C
"I am tired," he said.
D
He said, "I am tired."
9.
Which use of quotation marks is called 'scare quotes'?
A
Using quotation marks to indicate irony or skepticism
B
Quoting a title
C
Quoting someone directly
D
Quoting dialogue in fiction
10.
How do you handle a quote within a quote in American English?
A
Use italics for the inner quote
B
Use double quotes for both
C
Use parentheses for the inner quote
D
Use single quotes inside double quotes
11.
Which is correct? 'She described the sunset as ___.'
A
breathtaking
B
Both are acceptable depending on context
C
"breathtaking"
D
'breathtaking'
12.
In a dialogue, when should you start a new paragraph?
A
After every sentence
B
Only at the end of the conversation
C
After every quotation mark
D
When a new speaker begins talking
13.
Which is correct for a multi-paragraph quotation?
A
Use quotes only for the first paragraph
B
Use single quotes for continuation paragraphs
C
Open quotes at the start of each paragraph but only close at the very end
D
Close quotes at the end of each paragraph and reopen at the start of the next
14.
Where do semicolons go in relation to closing quotation marks in American English?
A
Either position is correct
B
Inside the quotation marks
C
Semicolons cannot be used with quotes
D
Outside the quotation marks
15.
Which titles should be in quotation marks?
A
Short stories, poems, and song titles
B
Novels and movies
C
All titles should use quotation marks
D
Newspapers and magazines

Answer Key

Question 1

C. Inside the quotation marks

Question 2

C. She said, "I'm leaving."

Question 3

A. For a quote within a quote

Question 4

C. A short story

Question 5

D. It depends on who is asking the question

Question 6

A. She asked, "Where are you going?"

Question 7

A. No, only direct speech uses quotation marks

Question 8

B. He said that he was tired.

Question 9

A. Using quotation marks to indicate irony or skepticism

Question 10

D. Use single quotes inside double quotes

Question 11

B. Both are acceptable depending on context

Question 12

D. When a new speaker begins talking

Question 13

C. Open quotes at the start of each paragraph but only close at the very end

Question 14

D. Outside the quotation marks

Question 15

A. Short stories, poems, and song titles

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