| There are a surprising number of pitfalls to holiday writing, even if it's just invitations and corporate communications. How do you spell the name of that red plant your department is hawking for charity, for example? And does the possessive form of "Claus" take a second "s" or just an apostrophe? Learn the answers to these and other pressing writing questions in this holiday-themed quiz. |
1. The name of that ubiquitous red plant is __________.
a. pointsetta
b. poinsetta
c. poinsettia
d. pointsettia
Answer
2. We're planning a special dinner and gifts for employees and their guests, so we ask that
you _______ by Friday.
a. RSVP
b. please RSVP
Answer
3. Darn! I’m already committed to two parties that evening, so I'm going to have to _________
decline your invitation.
a. graciously
b. gratefully
Answer
4. Be careful shopping online: According to security experts, ____ the season for identity
theft.
a. ’tis
b. t’is
Answer
5. __________________ is promoting eBooks as “instant gifts.”
a. Barnes & Noble
b. Barnes and Noble
Answer
6. We're planning an ___________ celebration this year. We'll be dining by candlelight -- and
banning iPhones at the table.
a. old-fashion
b. old-fashioned
Answer
7. There are a lot of holidays in December, not just ______ but also Diwali, Hanukkah,
Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, Santa Lucia Day and sometimes Ramadan.
a. Xmas
b. Christmas
Answer
8. The Scottish tradition of first-footing involves being the first person to step across a
friend or neighbor's _______ after midnight on January 1.
a. threshold
b. threshhold
Answer
9. On December 24th, a lot of children can be found gazing out windows for a glimpse of
_________ sleigh.
a. Santa Claus'
b. Santa Claus's
Answer
10. After the celebrations on ____________, January 1 seems like an excellent choice for a
holiday.
a. New Year's Eve
b. New Years Eve
c. New Years' Eve
Answer