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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

14

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.

15

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.