Continuous Writing: Punctuation - JSS3 English language Lesson Note
Continuous Writing: Punctuation
Introduction
Punctuation marks are symbols used in writing to separate sentences and clarify meaning. They help to indicate pauses, stops, and the structure of sentences, making the text easier to read and understand. Understanding and using punctuation correctly is crucial for effective writing.
Common Punctuation Marks
1. Full Stop (.)
Use: To indicate the end of a declarative sentence.
Example: She went to the market.
2. Comma (,)
Use: To separate items in a list, to set off introductory elements, to separate clauses, and to set off non-essential information.
- Example: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
- Example: After the meeting, we went for lunch.
- Example: She went to the market, but it was closed.
- Example: My brother, who lives in Lagos, is coming to visit.
3. Question Mark (?)
Use: To indicate a direct question.
Example**: Where are you going?
4. Exclamation Mark (!)
Use:To show strong emotion or emphasis.
Example: Watch out!
5. Colon (:)
Use: To introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation.
Example: You need to buy the following: bread, milk, and eggs.
6. Semicolon (;)
Use: To link closely related independent clauses and to separate items in a complex list.
Example: She loves reading; her favourite book is "Pride and Prejudice."
Example: We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.
7. Apostrophe (')
Use: To show possession and to form contractions.
Example: This is John's book.
Example: It's (it is) a beautiful day.
8. Quotation Marks (“ ”)
Use: To indicate direct speech, quotations, and titles of short works.
Example: She said, “I am happy to be here.”
Example: We read the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.
9. Parentheses ( )
Use: To provide additional information or asides.
Example: He finally answered (after taking five minutes to think) that he did not understand the question.
10. Dash (—)
Use: To indicate a break in thought or to set off additional information.
Example: She gave him her answer—no.
11. Hyphen (-)
Use: To join words in compound terms.
Example: We need a well-written report.
12. Ellipsis (…)
Use: To indicate omitted text or a trailing off of thought.
Example: He began to speak, but then paused…
Rules and Examples
1. Full Stop:
- Rule: Use at the end of a complete statement.
- Example: She enjoys reading books.
2. Comma:
- Rule: Use to separate elements in a series.
- Example: We visited the museum, the park, and the library.
- Rule: Use after an introductory phrase or clause.
- Example: After dinner, we went for a walk.
3. Question Mark:
- Rule: Use at the end of a direct question.
- Example: What time is the meeting?
4. Exclamation Mark:
- Rule: Use to express strong feelings.
- Example: Wow! That was amazing!
5. Colon:
- Rule: Use to introduce a list or explanation.
- Example: You will need the following items: a pen, a notebook, and a ruler.
6. Semicolon:
- Rule: Use to join closely related independent clauses.
- Example: I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
7. Apostrophe:
- Rule: Use to show possession.
- Example: Sarah's book.
- Rule: Use in contractions.
- Example: Don't (do not) forget your homework.
8. Quotation Marks:
- Rule: Use to indicate direct speech.
- Example: He said, “I will be there soon.”
9. Parentheses:
- Rule: Use to add extra information.
- Example: The recipe calls for sugar (one cup) and flour.
10. Dash:
- Rule: Use to indicate a break in thought.
- Example: She was thinking—should she go or stay?
11. Hyphen:
- Rule: Use in compound adjectives.
- Example: A well-known author.
12. Ellipsis:
- Rule: Use to show omitted material.
- Example: She said she would... but then changed her mind.