They are leaving soon

Question

There is nothing in this statement to indicate whether they are just popping out or going permanently. So why is ils quittent bientot marked wrong?

Accepted Answer

Hi Chris, 
It states in the lesson -
 "quitter means to leave someplace / somewhere. You cannot use it on its own: it always needs an object, and it can be used for places and people (for example to break up).+
Hope this helps!

Answer

Quitter needs a direct object to specify what you're leaving. Furthermore, partir  is the default word for "to leave" in a general sense. It works without a direct object. Quitter is leaving in a more final, irreversible sense.