1. Grammar and Punctuation Makes A Difference
by: Erica Dallas
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2. Navigation directions
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OVERVIEW
EXAMPLES
VIDEO
LINKS
QUIZ
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3. Overview of punctuation
Punctuation consists of visual marks that help readers and writers make a distinction between a word, phrase, or sentence. Grasping the fundamentals of punctuation can improve a reader’s knowledge on the link between vocabulary and expression. Typically, the following punctuation marks are used: period, comma, question mark, colon, exclamation point, semicolon, italics, quotation marks, dash, hyphen, parentheses, brackets, underlining, virgule, and ellipsis. Punctuation marks help the reader comprehend the writer’s intentions in a given text.
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4. PUNCTUATION RAP
Punctuation rap is a game we play. It’s fun to do, and we can learn that way. Take the period, the period; he’s not hard to understand. You’ll find him at the end of a sentence or command. He marks abbreviations, shortens words that are long. Don’t forget the period, he’s small but strong. Question mark, question mark, what did you say? He follows a question, that’s the only way. Wow! Awesome! Rad! Hurray! The exclamation point is next; he’s got something to say. He follows something loud, he’s excited to play. Don’t use him too much, he won’t be special that way. The comma is next, he is used a lot He can separate a list of some groceries you bought You’ll find him in the middle of the year and the date, Between two adjectives, or a city and state.
You can join two sentences with a “but” or an “and” Just remember the comma, he will give you a hand. There is one more place that our comma has been, He comes after a clause that tells you when. The dash-the dash-he’s here, then he’s gone. If you need to make a pause, then you bring him along. Quotation marks are nosey. They have no reservations About hanging around in any conversation, You must put quotes around a thing that is said, And also a poem or a story you’ve read. The colon likes to show a list that will come, His brother, the “semi” will not be outdone. The semicolon joins two sentences with no, and If you have too many commas, he can take a stand.
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5. Punctuation lesson continued..
Study the following punctuation symbols. These are regularly used in the materials we read on a daily basis.
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6. EXAMPLES OF PUNCTUATION
Comma Example: Mrs. Jonas used today’s fifth period to teach the class about integers, decimals, and fractions. Apostrophe Example: Do not  don't We are  we’re End Punctuation Example: (period) All men are created equal. (exclamation point) All men are created equal! (question mark) Should all men be created equal? Colon Example: Janie is obsessed over one subject: math.
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7. EXAMPLES continued
Semicolon Example: Mr. Davis has just designed a new game on physics; this is the third game he has created this year. Quotation Marks Example: Mr. Kline said, “I intend to buy pizza for the whole 7th grade class.” Dash Example: Casey Jones – a brilliant teacher – will present students with an outstanding achievement award at the school assembly next week. Hyphen Example:: Re-new, twenty-four, ex-wife, T-shirt
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8. Directions:
In the questions that follow, choose the answer that has the best use of punctuation.
Show me what you know.
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9. PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Choose the item that correctly uses quotation marks.
The chairman asked, "Why are our profits down"?
The chairman asked, "Why are our profits down?"
The chairman asked, Why are our profits down?
The chairman asked why our profits are down?
2. Choose the sentence that shows correct comma usage.
Many of our potential customers are in Southern California, therefore, our promotional effort will be strongest in that area.
Many of our potential customers are, in Southern California, therefore, our promotional effort will be strongest in that area.
Many of our potential customers are in Southern California; therefore, our promotional effort will be strongest in that area.
Many of our potential customers are in Southern California therefore, our promotional effort will be strongest in that area.
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10. PRACTICE QUESTIONS
3. Choose the underlined word that has incorrect usage in this sentence.
Christopher can’t leave work early, and Josh won’t help with the steaks, so I guess I’ll have to do all the grilling myself.
cant
won’t
Ill
No change is necessary
4. Choose the sentence that has the correct comma usage.
No one expected her to buy a car, so we were quite surprised when we discovered that she had bought two.
No one expected her to buy a car, so we were quite, surprised when we discovered that she had bought two.
No one expected her to buy a car, so we were quite surprised when we discovered, that she had bought two.
All of the above
None of the above
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11. PRACTICE QUESTIONS semester but, his semester, but, his
5. Choose the option that has the best use of punctuation.
His breakfast consisted of: a can of Red Bull, cold pizza, and the crumbs from a bag of corn chips.
His breakfast consisted of: a can of red bull, cold pizza, and the crumbs from a bag of corn chips.
His breakfast consisted of: a can of Red Bull, cold pizza and the crumbs from a bag of corn chips.
His breakfast consisted of a can of Red Bull, cold pizza, and the crumbs from a bag of corn chips.
6. Justin earned three A's last semester but his one downfall was Advanced Algebra.
semester but, his
semester, but, his
semester, but his
no punctuation needed
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12. PRACTICE QUESTIONS
7. "My Old Kentucky Home a tune by Stephen Foster, is Kentucky's state song.
Home" a tune
Home", a tune
Home," a tune
no punctuation needed
8. Choose the sentence that has correct comma usage.
I tried to respond to: his questions, and answers.
I tried to respond to his questions, and answers.
I tried to respond to his questions and answers.
I tried to respond to: his questions and answers.
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13. Answer Key
Question 1: B Question 2: C Question 3: B Question 4: A Question 5: D Question 6: C Question 7: C Question 8: C
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14. Watch the video below to develop your understanding of punctuation.
VIDEO PRESENTATION
Watch the video below to develop your understanding of punctuation.
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15. references
Punctuation Rap Images: Q/mEUQCw2izpk/s320/quiztime.gif Audio/Video/etc.: HowStuffWorks, Inc. Learning English-Lesson Forty Seven (Punctuation)
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16. Test Your Knowledge
Review what you’ve learned about grammar and punctuation before taking the quiz. If there is time, review the practice questions as many times as you can. Take the Punctuation Quiz by clicking on link to the right.
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