Which punctuation mark is always placed outside the final quotation mark?

a) semicolon
b) question mark
c) period
d) comma

The correct answer is option A) semicolon.

Explanation:

According to the punctuation rules when using the quotation marks:

1. semicolons are always placed outside the final/closing quotation mark. For example: Henry described the new law as "a definite step forward"; others member of the union disagreed.

2. Question mark may be placed outside as well as inside the final/closing quotation marks depending on whether it is a part of the whole senetence or the quotation only.

When the question mark is a part of the quotation then it is placed inside the quotation marks. For example: She asked, "Do you need any help?"

When the question mark is a part of the complete senetence then it is placed outside the quotation marks. For example: Is she in the habit of saying, "Please help me"?

3. Period and Comma are placed inside the final/closing quotation marks. For example:

a) She said, "Please help me."

b) He said, "I like to play chess, cricket, and carrom."

can i see the painting?