Identify the sentence with correct punctuation marks.

Question

Identify the sentence with correct punctuation marks.

1. A. "I can't wait for the concert!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. It starts at 7 PM, so we should leave by 6:30 pm. (Correct answer)
2. B. "I can't wait for the concert" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. It starts at 7 PM so we should leave by 6:30 pm.
3. C. I can't wait for the concert! she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. It starts at 7 PM, so we should leave by 6:30 pm.
4. D. "I can't wait for the concert!" she said her eyes sparkling with excitement. It starts at 7 PM, so we should leave by 6:30 pm.

Correct Answer

Option A — "I can't wait for the concert!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. It starts at 7 PM, so we should leave by 6:30 pm.

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is option A.

Key Points

• Direct speech must be enclosed in quotation marks, and the exclamation mark belongs inside them: "I can't wait for the concert!"
• A comma is required after *said* to separate the reporting clause from the descriptive phrase.
• The clauses joined by so need a comma before the conjunction: *at 7 PM, so we should leave*.
• The other options variously omit the opening quotation mark, drop the comma after *said*, or leave the quotation unclosed.

Additional Information

• The rule for terminal punctuation in direct speech: it goes inside the quotation marks when it belongs to the quoted words, and outside when it belongs to the sentence as a whole.
• When the reporting clause comes first, a comma precedes the quotation — *She said, "I can't wait for the concert!"*
• Note the difference in convention: British usage often places commas and full stops outside the quotation marks, while Indian examinations follow the American convention of keeping them inside.