JAMB UTMEUse of English2023

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence:

AWhere are you going.
BWhere are you going?CORRECT
CWhere, are you going.
DWhere are, you going?
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning** This is a **direct question** — someone is asking for information. In English, all direct questions **must end with a question mark (?)**. The sentence "Where are you going?" follows the standard question pattern: question word (Where) + auxiliary verb (are) + subject (you) + main verb (going). No commas are needed because the sentence flows naturally without pauses or interruptions. **Why the wrong options tempt you** **Option A** uses a period instead of a question mark — a common mistake when writing quickly. But periods are only for statements, not questions. **Option C** puts a comma after "Where" — you might think question words need separation, but they don't. The comma creates an awkward, unnecessary pause. **Option D** splits "are" and "you" with a comma — completely breaking the natural verb-subject bond. Never separate a verb from its subject with a comma. **Quick takeaway** If a sentence asks for information and expects an answer, it's a question — **always use a question mark, and don't add commas unless you're listing items or adding extra information.**
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