Contractions — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which sentence best uses a contraction for friendly dialogue?
A) I do not want any cake, thank you.
B) I don't want any cake, thank you.
C) I do'nt want any cake, thank you.
D) I do nt want any cake, thank you.
Don't is the correct contraction for do not, and it makes spoken dialogue sound friendly and natural.
2. Which writing style usually avoids contractions?
A) A letter to a pen pal
B) A story with talking animals
C) A formal school report
D) A birthday card to a friend
Formal school reports usually use full words like do not instead of don't to sound more polished.
3. Which sentence sounds best in a character's dialogue bubble?
A) I cannot believe it is snowing!
B) I can not believe it is snowing!
C) I can't believe it's snowing!
D) I can not believe its snowing!
Can't and it's make the dialogue sound natural, like the excited way a real person would speak.
4. Which sentence is most correct for a formal letter to the principal?
A) I'm writing because I've a question.
B) I am writing because I have a question.
C) Im writing because Ive a question.
D) I'm writing cuz I've a question.
Formal writing to a principal uses I am and I have instead of contractions to sound polite and careful.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. In a friendly story, 'I cannot wait' sounds better as 'I can't wait'.
Can't sounds natural in stories and dialogue because it matches how children really talk.
2. In a formal report, 'they're running' should be written as 'they are running'.
They are is the full form, which fits formal writing where contractions are usually avoided.
3. In a text to a friend, 'you will love this' becomes 'you'll love this'.
You'll is the contraction for you will, and casual texts to friends use contractions to feel warm.
4. In a science report, 'it's important' should be written as 'it is important'.
It is, spelled out, fits formal science reports where contractions make writing seem too chatty.
5. In a cartoon speech bubble, 'we will be late' sounds better as 'we'll be late'.
We'll is the natural short form for speech, fitting how people chat quickly in real conversation.