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Ellipsis Quiz (Level B2) - Writing Practice

15questions
7:30minutes
+16XP on pass

Work towards mastering Ellipsis with this focused set of 15 exercises. Designed for Level B2 learners, the questions test recognition, application, and common pitfalls. Earn XP, track your score, and come back until you can get them all right.

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⏱ You have 07:30 to answer 15 questions. The timer only starts when you click Begin.

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Questions 15
Q1  15
Q1 15

Question 1: Read the following sentence: "The report stated that revenue increased significantly … and profits were expected to double by next year." What is the punctuation mark (…) an example of?

Question 1 options
The three dots (…) are called an ellipsis. An ellipsis indicates that something has been omitted from the original text, in this case part of the report's statement.
Q2 15

Question 2: The original speech reads: "We must invest in education, build stronger communities, support local businesses, and create opportunities for all citizens." Which correctly shortens it using an ellipsis? "We must invest in education ___ and create opportunities for all citizens."

Question 2 options
An ellipsis (…) is used to show that words have been omitted from a quotation. It should have a space before and after it when placed within a sentence.
Q3 15

Question 3: An ellipsis consists of exactly three dots and is used to show that words have been omitted from a text or to indicate a pause in speech.

Question 3 options
This is true. An ellipsis is always written as three dots (not two or four) and serves to indicate omitted text or a pause in speech.
Q4 15

Question 4: Which sentence correctly uses an ellipsis to shorten a quotation?

Question 4 options
The correct sentence uses the ellipsis to replace omitted words while preserving the original meaning and grammatical flow. Using four or two dots, or placing the ellipsis where it distorts meaning, is incorrect.
Q5 15

Question 5: Match each ellipsis-related term or use to its correct definition or example.

Question 5 options
Ellipsis points
Omission in a quotation
Pause in speech
Consistent formatting
A series of exactly three dots
Removing words to shorten a passage
Showing hesitation or uncertainty
Using the same ellipsis style throughout

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

Ellipsis points are three dots; omission is removing words from a quotation; a pause in speech uses ellipsis to show hesitation; and consistent formatting means choosing one ellipsis style throughout a document.
Q6 15

Question 6: Which sentence contains a punctuation error related to ellipsis usage?

Question 6 options
Using only two dots (..) is incorrect. An ellipsis must always consist of three dots. The other sentences use ellipsis points correctly to indicate omission or pauses.
Q7 15

Question 7: You are quoting a long passage in an academic paper: "The study found that participants who exercised regularly showed improved memory, better concentration, enhanced creativity, and greater emotional resilience." You want to keep only the first and last findings. Which is the best way to shorten this quotation?

Question 7 options
The best option uses the ellipsis correctly with spaces on either side to indicate that material has been omitted, while keeping the sentence grammatically intact and preserving the original meaning.
Q8 15

Question 8: The following sentence contains an error: "I remember the speech clearly: 'We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds,.... we shall never surrender.'" Which option correctly fixes the error?

Question 8 options
An ellipsis uses exactly three dots, not four. The comma before the ellipsis is also unnecessary when the ellipsis replaces omitted text. The corrected version uses three dots with proper spacing.
Q9 15

Question 9: Arrange the parts in the correct order to form a properly punctuated sentence using an ellipsis to show a pause in speech:

Question 9 options

    Drag items or use arrows to arrange them in the correct order.

    Q10 15

    Question 10: You are writing a formal research paper and need to shorten a long quotation from a government report. Which approach is most appropriate?

    Question 10 options
    In formal academic writing, an ellipsis should be used to indicate where text has been removed from a quotation. The remaining text must still read grammatically and the meaning must not be distorted.
    Q11 15

    Question 11: What is the difference between using an ellipsis and using an em dash in the middle of a sentence?

    Question 11 options
    An ellipsis shows that text has been omitted or that there is a trailing pause, while an em dash signals an abrupt break or interruption. They serve different functions and should not be used interchangeably.
    Q12 15

    Question 12: Which version is most appropriate for a formal academic essay quoting a source?

    Question 12 options
    In formal academic writing, the ellipsis should have spaces on either side and be written as three dots. Informal uses such as excessive dots or no spaces are unsuitable for academic register.
    Q13 15

    Question 13: An ellipsis can only be used to show omitted words in a quotation and should never be used to represent pauses in dialogue or speech.

    Question 13 options
    This is false. While omission is the primary function of an ellipsis, it is also commonly used to show pauses, hesitation, or trailing off in speech and dialogue.
    Q14 15

    Question 14: Read this dialogue: "Well … I suppose I could try … but I'm not sure it will work." Why does the writer use ellipses in this sentence?

    Question 14 options
    The ellipses in this dialogue represent the speaker's hesitation and uncertainty. Each pause before continuing shows that the speaker is unsure, creating a tentative tone.
    Q15 15

    Question 15: The following sentence sounds awkward: "The witness said, and I quote, 'I saw the defendant enter the building and then I heard a loud noise and then the alarm went off and then everyone started running.'" Which is the best improved version using an ellipsis?

    Question 15 options
    An ellipsis effectively shortens the quotation while preserving the key details. The improved version removes repetitive phrasing and maintains grammatical correctness.

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