Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

What is a visual representation of omitted words in writing, often denoted by a series of three dots?

1. Ellipsis

2. Omission

3. Prepositional phrase

4. Parenthesis

The correct answer is: Ellipsis

An ellipsis is a punctuation mark that consists of three dots (…) used in writing to indicate that words have been omitted. This device is common in quotes where the writer may not want to include all content for brevity or focus on the most relevant part of the text. The use of the ellipsis allows for a smoother reading experience without compromising the integrity of the original statement or idea. The ellipsis conveys a sense of continuation or pause, making it a versatile tool in both formal and informal writing. It can also suggest that a thought is incomplete or trailing off, giving readers the cue that there is more to consider. In literature, authors often employ ellipses to create suspense or indicate silence in dialogue. Other terms provided, such as omission, specifically refer to the act of leaving something out and do not have a visual representation, while a prepositional phrase is a grammatical term that involves a preposition followed by its object, and parentheses are used to insert additional information or asides into a sentence. These options do not relate to the specific visual representation indicated in the question.