Question 1: Identify any errors in the use of dashes or brackets in the passage and correct them.

Answer: Correct errors by replacing improper dash/bracket usage with correct punctuation, and explain the correction if necessary.

Question 2: Write a sentence using a dash to emphasize a point about your favorite hobby.

Answer: Sample answer: I love reading — especially mysteries and detective stories.

Question 3: Choose the sentence that correctly uses brackets for emphasis.

Answer:

Question 4: Explain why the use of brackets in the sentence "She finally found her keys (after searching the entire house)." is correct or incorrect.

Answer: See full answer key

Question 5: Rewrite the following sentence by correctly adding emphasis using dashes: "The concert was amazing, and everyone loved it."

Answer: The concert was amazing — everyone loved it.

Question 6: Identify and correct the punctuation mistake in the sentence: "Her favorite color (blue) is very calming."

Answer: Correct as: "Her favorite color — blue — is very calming." or "Her favorite color (blue) is very calming." (acceptable if treated as parentheses, but for emphasis, dashes are better).

Question 7: Create a short paragraph (about 5 sentences) using both dashes and brackets appropriately for emphasis.

Answer: See full answer key

Question 8: Analyze the following sentence for correct use of dashes: "The decision—though difficult—was necessary."

Answer: The sentence correctly uses em dashes to set off the parenthetical phrase for emphasis.

Question 9: Identify an example of overuse or incorrect use of dashes or brackets in writing and suggest a correction.

Answer: Sample answer: Overuse of dashes, e.g., "He — who was tired — still kept working." Correction: "He, who was tired, still kept working." or use parentheses for less emphasis.