Question

Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated?

John announced, "The library is closing in five minutes."

John announced "The library is closing in five minutes"

John announced The library is closing in five minutes."

John announced "The library is closing in five minutes.

Answer 1

Answer:

THE FIRST SENTENCE IS PROPERLY PUNCTUATED.

THERE IS A COMMA AFTER REPORTING SPEECH, INVERTED COMMAS AND EVERYTHING IS FINE IN THAT SENTENCE.

Answer 2

Answer:

The first one

Explanation:

John announced, "The library is closing in five minutes."  

• correct

John announced "The library is closing in five minutes"

• incorrect- comma is missing

John announced The library is closing in five minutes."

• incorrect- one quotation mark is missing

John announced "The library is closing in five minutes.

• incorrect- one quotation mark is missing

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Below some info on the topic

'Punctuation' is the use of conventional signs, spacing and particular typographical devices as supports to the comprehension and correct reading of written text, irrespective if it is read aloud or silently. In the English language, the most 'common punctuation' comprise 'full stops', 'capital letters', 'commas', 'question marks', 'semi-colons', 'colons', 'quotation marks', and 'exclamation marks'. 'Punctuation' comprises both conventions and rules.

'Capital Letters and Full Stops'

• We generally use 'capital letters' to show the start of a sentence and full stops to mark the conclusion of the sentence.

• We use capital letters for the names of magazines, newspapers, music, books and plays.

Quotation Marks

• Quotation marks are “…” or ‘…’. In direct speech, we generally encompass what is said in a pair of 'double' or 'single quotation marks', though single quotation marks are usually common. 'Direct speech' starts with a 'capital letter' and is preceded by a 'colon or a comma'.

Apostrophe

• An apostrophe is used to show possession of someone or something.