Mastering Punctuation: Correctly punctuated sentence

Which of the following sentences is correctly punctuated?

I asked my Mom, "Is he the worst driver you've ever seen?" And Mom said, "He's definitely the worst."
I asked my mom, "Is he the worst driver you've ever seen." And mom said, "he's definitely the worst."
I asked my mom, " Is he the worst driver you've ever seen?" And Mom said, "He's definitely the worst."

Answer:

The correct answer is the sentence: I asked my Mom, "Is he the worst driver you've ever seen?" And Mom said, "He's definitely the worst."

Explanation:

Punctuation plays a crucial role in writing to ensure clarity and convey meaning effectively. The correctly punctuated sentence is essential for maintaining the flow and coherence of the text. In the given options, the first sentence is punctuated correctly. Let's break it down:

- The sentence starts with a capitalized letter "I" as it should.
- The question is enclosed within double quotation marks when the speaker asks, "Is he the worst driver you've ever seen?"
- The response from Mom is also enclosed within double quotation marks when she says, "He's definitely the worst."
- Proper punctuation is used to separate the dialogue and attribute it to the respective speakers, enhancing readability.

Correct punctuation, such as commas and quotation marks, ensures that the dialogue is correctly structured and attributed, allowing the reader to distinguish between different speakers and understand the conversation clearly. Improper punctuation can lead to confusion and ambiguity in the text.

Understanding and applying correct punctuation rules are vital in writing to enhance communication and convey the intended message accurately. Proper use of punctuation contributes to the overall coherence and effectiveness of written communication.