Question

1. choose the sentence that contains correct apostrophe mechanics.

the books covers was torn after years of use.
the professors lecture notes were left on the desk.
the dogss food bowls were lined up in the kitchen.
the childrens toys were scattered across the room.

Explanation:

1. "The books’ covers was torn after years of use." - "books" is plural, but the verb "was" is singular. Also, the plural possessive is correct here, but the verb - noun agreement is wrong.
2. "The professor’s lecture notes were left on the desk." - "professor" is singular, and the singular possessive form "professor’s" is used correctly. The verb "were" agrees with the plural "notes".
3. "The dogs’s food bowls were lined up in the kitchen." - The plural possessive of "dogs" should be "dogs’" not "dogs’s".
4. "The childrens’ toys were scattered across the room." - "children" is the plural form of "child", and its possessive is "children’s", not "childrens’".

Answer:

The professor’s lecture notes were left on the desk.