Em-Dash: Interruption, Emphasis, and Apposition (B2)

Which sentence BEST uses an em-dash to set off an appositive with emphasis?

The prize, a gold medal, was displayed proudly.The prize — a gold medal — was displayed proudly.The prize (a gold medal) was displayed proudly.The prize: a gold medal was displayed proudly.

Correct answer: The prize — a gold medal — was displayed proudly.

In dialogue, which sentence correctly shows a speaker being interrupted mid-sentence?

"I was just about to say," he began, "that—""I was just about to explain—" she interrupted."I was just about to explain..." she interrupted."I was just about to explain," she interrupted.

Correct answer: "I was just about to explain—" she interrupted.

Which sentence uses an em-dash to add an emphatic afterthought at the end?

After all that work, after all those late nights — nothing.After all that work, after all those late nights, nothing.After all that work, after all those late nights: nothing.After all that work, after all those late nights; nothing.

Correct answer: After all that work, after all those late nights — nothing.

Which punctuation is most appropriate for a formal academic sentence with a non-essential appositive?

The scientist — a Nobel laureate — presented the findings.The scientist, a Nobel laureate, presented the findings.The scientist (a Nobel laureate) presented the findings.The scientist: a Nobel laureate presented the findings.

Correct answer: The scientist, a Nobel laureate, presented the findings.

Which sentence INCORRECTLY uses an em-dash?

He has one rule — always tell the truth.She arrived late — because of the traffic.The answer — when we finally found it — was surprisingly simple.Three cities — London, Paris, and Rome — were on the itinerary.

Correct answer: She arrived late — because of the traffic.

Which punctuation mark BEST sets off a list of appositives that already contain commas?

Three countries, France, Germany, and Italy, supported the motion.Three countries (France, Germany, and Italy) supported the motion.Three countries — France, Germany, and Italy — supported the motion.Three countries: France, Germany, and Italy supported the motion.

Correct answer: Three countries — France, Germany, and Italy — supported the motion.

What does the em-dash signal in: "She had been planning the trip for months — and then she lost her passport."?

A formal list of events.A definition of what the trip involved.A dramatic, unexpected shift in the narrative.A subordinating relationship between the two clauses.

Correct answer: A dramatic, unexpected shift in the narrative.

Which version uses the em-dash MOST effectively in creative/journalistic writing?

The truth, she had been lying all along, hit him like a wave.The truth (she had been lying all along) hit him like a wave.The truth: she had been lying all along hit him like a wave.The truth — she had been lying all along — hit him like a wave.

Correct answer: The truth — she had been lying all along — hit him like a wave.

Which sentence uses an em-dash INCORRECTLY?

He ran — quickly — to the station.The manager — an experienced negotiator — closed the deal.My sister — always the optimist — believes everything will work out.The whole team — engineers, designers, and managers — attended the launch.

Correct answer: He ran — quickly — to the station.

In which situation is an em-dash PREFERABLE to parentheses?

When adding a footnote-style aside in academic writing.When the parenthetical is a technical definition in a textbook.When the parenthetical carries emotional weight or dramatic emphasis.When the sentence is already long and complex.

Correct answer: When the parenthetical carries emotional weight or dramatic emphasis.

Which sentence uses an em-dash to introduce a clarification or summary?

The vote was unanimous — everyone agreed.The vote was unanimous; everyone agreed.The vote was unanimous, everyone agreed.The vote was unanimous: everyone agreed.

Correct answer: The vote was unanimous — everyone agreed.

Which of the following is NOT a valid use of the em-dash?

Setting off a dramatic appositive.Marking an abrupt interruption in dialogue.Replacing a semicolon to join two related independent clauses neutrally.Adding an emphatic afterthought at the end of a sentence.

Correct answer: Replacing a semicolon to join two related independent clauses neutrally.

Which sentence uses a pair of em-dashes CORRECTLY?

The report — was released yesterday and — caused controversy.The report — released yesterday caused — controversy.The report — released yesterday — caused considerable controversy.The report released — yesterday — caused considerable controversy.

Correct answer: The report — released yesterday — caused considerable controversy.

How does an em-dash differ from a comma when setting off an appositive?

An em-dash can only be used once per sentence, unlike commas.An em-dash adds greater emphasis and visual prominence to the parenthetical.An em-dash makes the appositive grammatically essential.An em-dash is only correct after a proper noun.

Correct answer: An em-dash adds greater emphasis and visual prominence to the parenthetical.

Which sentence uses the em-dash CORRECTLY throughout?

The solution — simple, elegant, and cost-free — was overlooked for years.The solution, — simple, elegant, and cost-free, — was overlooked for years.The — solution — simple, elegant, and cost-free was overlooked for years.The solution — simple elegant and cost-free — was overlooked for years.

Correct answer: The solution — simple, elegant, and cost-free — was overlooked for years.