This document provides a summary of standard punctuation rules, including end marks, commas, semicolons, and apostrophes. It discusses when to use periods, question marks, exclamation points, and commas to connect clauses. It also covers using semicolons to connect two main clauses and apostrophes to show possession and contractions. The document quizzes the reader with examples to choose the correct punctuation.
3. This presentation
covers standard
punctuation: end
marks, commas,
semicolons, and
apostrophes.
This presentation
covers standard
punctuation: end
marks, commas,
semicolons, and
apostrophes.
4. Punctuation items on anPunctuation items on an
objective test might lookobjective test might look
like theselike these .. ....
5. Sample Item 1Sample Item 1Sample Item 1Sample Item 1
As we got out of the car we could smell theAs we got out of the car we could smell the
delicious chicken and rice that Grandma wasdelicious chicken and rice that Grandma was
cooking for dinner.cooking for dinner.
A.A.car, wecar, we
B.B.chicken, andchicken, and
C.C.rice, thatrice, that
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
As we got out of theAs we got out of the car wecar we could smell thecould smell the
AA
deliciousdelicious chicken andchicken and rice thatrice that Grandma wasGrandma was
B CB C
cooking for dinner.cooking for dinner.
A.A.car, wecar, we
B.B.chicken, andchicken, and
C.C.rice, thatrice, that
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
As we got out of theAs we got out of the car, wecar, we could smell thecould smell the
AA
deliciousdelicious chicken andchicken and rice thatrice that Grandma wasGrandma was
B CB C
cooking for dinner.cooking for dinner.
A.A.car, wecar, we
B.B.chicken, andchicken, and
C.C.rice, thatrice, that
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Do you need a
comma after car,
chicken, or
rice?
Do you need a
comma after car,
chicken, or
rice?
Exactly! You
need to connect
the introductory
clause.
Exactly! You
need to connect
the introductory
clause.
6. Sample Item 2Sample Item 2Sample Item 2Sample Item 2
A.A. Since Grandma wasnt looking, Julie filled theSince Grandma wasnt looking, Julie filled the
dogs bowls with leftovers from the meal.dogs bowls with leftovers from the meal.
B.B. Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled theSince Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled the
dogs’ bowls with leftover’s from the meal.dogs’ bowls with leftover’s from the meal.
C.C. Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled theSince Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled the
dogs’ bowls with leftovers from the meal.dogs’ bowls with leftovers from the meal.
An item might have 3 or 4
versions of a sentence, and you
will have to choose the letter
where all punctuation is
correct.
An item might have 3 or 4
versions of a sentence, and you
will have to choose the letter
where all punctuation is
correct.
A.A. Since Grandma wasnt looking, Julie filled theSince Grandma wasnt looking, Julie filled the
dogs bowls with leftovers from the meal.dogs bowls with leftovers from the meal.
B.B. Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled theSince Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled the
dogs’ bowls with leftover’s from the meal.dogs’ bowls with leftover’s from the meal.
C.C. Since Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filledSince Grandma wasn’t looking, Julie filled
the dogs’ bowls with leftovers from the meal.the dogs’ bowls with leftovers from the meal.
Notice that the
apostrophes
are all correct
in version C.
Notice that the
apostrophes
are all correct
in version C.
7. End MarksEnd MarksEnd MarksEnd Marks
• Use theUse the periodperiod [[ .. ] to end] to end statementsstatements..
Jasmine ate a chocolate-broccoli muffinJasmine ate a chocolate-broccoli muffin..
• Use theUse the question markquestion mark [[ ?? ] when asking a] when asking a
questionquestion..
Did Jasmine eat a chocolate-broccoli muffinDid Jasmine eat a chocolate-broccoli muffin??
• UseUse——notnot overuseoveruse——thethe exclamationexclamation
markmark [[ !! ]] to signifyto signify excitementexcitement oror
emphasisemphasis..
Oh, noOh, no!! Jasmine ate a chocolate-broccoli muffinJasmine ate a chocolate-broccoli muffin!!
8. Do I have
broccoli stuck in
my teeth? I have
an appointment
at the dentist’s!
Do I have
broccoli stuck in
my teeth? I have
an appointment
at the dentist’s!
9. One exclamation markOne exclamation mark per essayper essay is ais a
good average.good average.
One exclamation markOne exclamation mark per essayper essay is ais a
good average.good average.
But I really love! I
mean love! the
exclamation
mark!!! I want to
use it all the time!!!
It’s me!!!
But I really love! I
mean love! the
exclamation
mark!!! I want to
use it all the time!!!
It’s me!!!XX
10. Commas, Part 1Commas, Part 1Commas, Part 1Commas, Part 1
Without a doubt,Without a doubt, Jasmine will pass theJasmine will pass the
comma test.comma test.
You should
know commas as
well as I do!
You should
know commas as
well as I do!
• Use commas to connectUse commas to connect introductoryintroductory,,
interruptinginterrupting,, and someand some concludingconcluding
material.material.
• Interrupting material will include a commaInterrupting material will include a comma
beforebefore and a commaand a comma afterafter..
Jasmine willJasmine will, without a doubt,, without a doubt, pass thepass the
comma test.comma test.
Jasmine will pass the comma testJasmine will pass the comma test, without, without
a doubta doubt..
11. Commas, Part 2Commas, Part 2Commas, Part 2Commas, Part 2
Jasmine will pass the comma test. Slacker SamJasmine will pass the comma test. Slacker Sam
will not.will not.
• Use a comma with aUse a comma with a coordinatingcoordinating
conjunctionconjunction to connect two sentences.to connect two sentences.
• Coordinating conjunctions =Coordinating conjunctions = andand,, butbut,, forfor,,
oror,, nornor,, yetyet,, andand soso..
Jasmine will pass the comma testJasmine will pass the comma test,, butbut SlackerSlacker
Sam will not.Sam will not.
You have to
study if you want
to do well!
You have to
study if you want
to do well!
12. Commas, Part 3Commas, Part 3Commas, Part 3Commas, Part 3
Jasmine will buy a bag of potato chipsJasmine will buy a bag of potato chips
andand a hotdog.a hotdog.
• UseUse andand alone to connectalone to connect twotwo items.items.
• Use commas and anUse commas and an andand to connectto connect
three or morethree or more items.items.
Jasmine will buy a bag of potato chipsJasmine will buy a bag of potato chips,, aa
hotdoghotdog,, andand a sodaa soda
Hard work
deserves a
reward!
Hard work
deserves a
reward!
13. SemicolonSemicolonSemicolonSemicolon
Jasmine worries about her grade in statistics.Jasmine worries about her grade in statistics.
Math is not her best subject.Math is not her best subject.
• Use the semicolon [Use the semicolon [ ;; ] to connect two main] to connect two main
clauses.clauses.
• DoDo notnot use the semicolon to introduce a list.use the semicolon to introduce a list.
The comma with a transition likeThe comma with a transition like such assuch as oror
includingincluding,, or the colon [or the colon [ :: ] does that job.] does that job.
Jasmine worries about her grade inJasmine worries about her grade in statistics;statistics;
mathmath is not her best subject.is not her best subject.
Jasmine prefers classes that require her to writeJasmine prefers classes that require her to write::
Intro to Humanities, Abnormal Psychology, andIntro to Humanities, Abnormal Psychology, and
US Government.US Government.
But I excel at
punctuation!
But I excel at
punctuation!
14. ApostropheApostropheApostropheApostrophe
We cant cheat from Jasmines punctuation quizWe cant cheat from Jasmines punctuation quiz
because shes absent today!because shes absent today!
• Use the apostrophe [Use the apostrophe [ ’’ ] with an] with an ss to showto show
possessionpossession:: JasmineJasmine’s’s pen, the catpen, the cat’s’s eyes,eyes,
the professorthe professors’s’ frownsfrowns
• Or use the apostrophe to indicate theOr use the apostrophe to indicate the
letters/spaces removed in aletters/spaces removed in a contractioncontraction::
sheshe’’ d, cand, can’’ t, shouldt, should’’ veve
We canWe can’’t cheat from Jasminet cheat from Jasmine’’s punctuations punctuation
quiz because shequiz because she’’s absent today!s absent today!
Ha! Dentist
appointment!
Ha! Dentist
appointment!
15. Quick Test, Part 1Quick Test, Part 1Quick Test, Part 1Quick Test, Part 1
Directions:Directions: In the items that follow, chooseIn the items that follow, choose
the option that corrects an error in thethe option that corrects an error in the
underlined portion(s). If no error exists, chooseunderlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose
“No change is necessary.”“No change is necessary.”
Show me
what you
know.
Show me
what you
know.
16. Item 1Item 1Item 1Item 1
Although Raymond will eat a grasshopper, heAlthough Raymond will eat a grasshopper, he
refuses all green vegetables; such as peas,refuses all green vegetables; such as peas,
spinach, and even cucumbers.spinach, and even cucumbers.
A.A.Although, RaymondAlthough, Raymond
B.B.grasshopper hegrasshopper he
C.C.vegetables, suchvegetables, such
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Although RaymondAlthough Raymond will eat awill eat a grasshopper, hegrasshopper, he
AA BB
refuses all greenrefuses all green vegetables; suchvegetables; such as peas,as peas,
CC
spinach, and even cucumbers.spinach, and even cucumbers.
A.A.Although, RaymondAlthough, Raymond
B.B.grasshopper hegrasshopper he
C.C.vegetables, suchvegetables, such
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Although RaymondAlthough Raymond will eat awill eat a grasshopper, hegrasshopper, he
AA BB
refuses all greenrefuses all green vegetables, suchvegetables, such as peas,as peas,
CC
spinach, and even cucumbers.spinach, and even cucumbers.
A.A.Although, RaymondAlthough, Raymond
B.B.grasshopper hegrasshopper he
C.C.vegetables, suchvegetables, such
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
17. Item 2Item 2Item 2Item 2
Before his calculus exam Scott rubbed his luckyBefore his calculus exam Scott rubbed his lucky
rabbit’s foot and found his favorite pencil.rabbit’s foot and found his favorite pencil.
A.A.exam, Scottexam, Scott
B.B.rubbed, hisrubbed, his
C.C.foot, andfoot, and
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Before his calculusBefore his calculus exam Scottexam Scott rubbed hisrubbed his luckylucky
AA BB
rabbit’srabbit’s foot andfoot and found his favorite pencil.found his favorite pencil.
CC
A.A.exam, Scottexam, Scott
B.B.rubbed, hisrubbed, his
C.C.foot, andfoot, and
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Before his calculusBefore his calculus exam, Scottexam, Scott rubbed hisrubbed his luckylucky
AA BB
rabbit’srabbit’s foot andfoot and found his favorite pencil.found his favorite pencil.
CC
A.A.exam, Scottexam, Scott
B.B.rubbed, hisrubbed, his
C.C.foot, andfoot, and
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
18. Item 3Item 3Item 3Item 3
Francine has five chair’s but six guests comingFrancine has five chair’s but six guests coming
for Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Unclefor Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Uncle
Ross remembers to bring an extra.Ross remembers to bring an extra.
A.A.chairschairs
B.B.guest’sguest’s
C.C.remember’sremember’s
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Francine has fiveFrancine has five chair’schair’s but sixbut six guestsguests comingcoming
AA BB
for Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Unclefor Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Uncle
RossRoss remembersremembers to bring an extra.to bring an extra.
CC
A.A.chairschairs
B.B.guest’sguest’s
C.C.remember’sremember’s
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Francine has fiveFrancine has five chairschairs but sixbut six guestsguests comingcoming
AA BB
for Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Unclefor Thanksgiving dinner; she hopes that old Uncle
RossRoss remembersremembers to bring an extra.to bring an extra.
CC
A.A.chairschairs
B.B.guest’sguest’s
C.C.remember’sremember’s
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
19. Item 4Item 4Item 4Item 4
Roseanne washed the piles of dirty dishes; whileRoseanne washed the piles of dirty dishes; while
Maria vacuumed the filthy rug; they tried toMaria vacuumed the filthy rug; they tried to
complete a month’s worth of housekeeping in acomplete a month’s worth of housekeeping in a
single hour.single hour.
A.A.dishes whiledishes while
B.B.tried, totried, to
C.C.monthsmonths
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Roseanne washed the piles of dirtyRoseanne washed the piles of dirty dishes; whiledishes; while
AA
Maria vacuumed the filthy rug; theyMaria vacuumed the filthy rug; they tried totried to
BB
complete acomplete a month’smonth’s worth of housekeeping in aworth of housekeeping in a
CC
single hour.single hour.
A.A.dishes whiledishes while
B.B.tried, totried, to
C.C.monthsmonths
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
Roseanne washed the piles of dirtyRoseanne washed the piles of dirty dishes whiledishes while
AA
Maria vacuumed the filthy rug; theyMaria vacuumed the filthy rug; they tried totried to
BB
complete acomplete a month’smonth’s worth of housekeeping in aworth of housekeeping in a
CC
single hour.single hour.
A.A.dishes whiledishes while
B.B.tried, totried, to
C.C.monthsmonths
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
20. Item 5Item 5Item 5Item 5
Audrey can’t leave work early, and Peggy wontAudrey can’t leave work early, and Peggy wont
help with the cupcakes, so I guesshelp with the cupcakes, so I guess II’ll have to do’ll have to do
all the baking myself.all the baking myself.
A.A.cantcant
B.B.won’twon’t
C.C.IIllll
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
AudreyAudrey can’tcan’t leave work early, and Peggyleave work early, and Peggy wontwont
AA BB
help with the cupcakes, so I guesshelp with the cupcakes, so I guess II’ll’ll have to dohave to do
CC
all the baking myself.all the baking myself.
A.A.cantcant
B.B.won’twon’t
C.C.IIllll
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
AudreyAudrey can’tcan’t leave work early, and Peggyleave work early, and Peggy won’twon’t
AA BB
help with the cupcakes, so I guesshelp with the cupcakes, so I guess II’ll’ll have to dohave to do
CC
all the baking myself.all the baking myself.
A.A.cantcant
B.B.won’twon’t
C.C.IIllll
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
21. Item 6Item 6Item 6Item 6
During our picnic, we were tormented byDuring our picnic, we were tormented by
insects: ants swarming into the potatoinsects: ants swarming into the potato
salad, bees buzzing by our ears, and a katydidsalad, bees buzzing by our ears, and a katydid
jumping into Henry’s open mouth.jumping into Henry’s open mouth.
A.A.picnic wepicnic we
B.B.insects; antsinsects; ants
C.C.salad beessalad bees
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
During ourDuring our picnic, wepicnic, we were tormented bywere tormented by
AA
insects: antsinsects: ants swarming into the potatoswarming into the potato
BB
salad, beessalad, bees buzzing by our ears, and a katydidbuzzing by our ears, and a katydid
CC
jumping into Henry’s open mouth.jumping into Henry’s open mouth.
A.A.picnic wepicnic we
B.B.insects; antsinsects; ants
C.C.salad beessalad bees
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
During ourDuring our picnic, wepicnic, we were tormented bywere tormented by
AA
insects: antsinsects: ants swarming into the potatoswarming into the potato
BB
salad, beessalad, bees buzzing by our ears, and a katydidbuzzing by our ears, and a katydid
CC
jumping into Henry’s open mouth.jumping into Henry’s open mouth.
A.A.picnic wepicnic we
B.B.insects; antsinsects; ants
C.C.salad beessalad bees
D.D.No change is necessary.No change is necessary.
22. Quick Test, Part 2Quick Test, Part 2Quick Test, Part 2Quick Test, Part 2
Directions:Directions: In the items that follow, chooseIn the items that follow, choose
the sentence that is correctly punctuated.the sentence that is correctly punctuated.
Try a
different
type of
item.
Try a
different
type of
item.
23. Item 7Item 7Item 7Item 7
A.A. Roger spent three hours writing ChristinasRoger spent three hours writing Christinas
paper.paper.
B.B. Roger spent three hour’s writing Christina’sRoger spent three hour’s writing Christina’s
paper.paper.
C.C. Roger spent three hours writing Christina’sRoger spent three hours writing Christina’s
paper.paper.
A.A. Roger spent three hours writing ChristinasRoger spent three hours writing Christinas
paper.paper.
B.B. Roger spent three hour’s writing Christina’sRoger spent three hour’s writing Christina’s
paper.paper.
C.C. Roger spent three hours writing Christina’sRoger spent three hours writing Christina’s
paper.paper.
24. Item 8Item 8Item 8Item 8
A.A. When the crickets and the frogs sing LuisWhen the crickets and the frogs sing Luis
cannot get a good nights sleep.cannot get a good nights sleep.
B.B. When the crickets and the frogs sing, LuisWhen the crickets and the frogs sing, Luis
cannot get a good night’s sleep.cannot get a good night’s sleep.
C.C. When the cricket’s and the frog’s sing, LuisWhen the cricket’s and the frog’s sing, Luis
cannot get a good nights sleep.cannot get a good nights sleep.
A.A. When the crickets and the frogs sing LuisWhen the crickets and the frogs sing Luis
cannot get a good nights sleep.cannot get a good nights sleep.
B.B. When the crickets and the frogs sing, LuisWhen the crickets and the frogs sing, Luis
cannot get a good night’s sleep.cannot get a good night’s sleep.
C.C. When the cricket’s and the frog’s sing, LuisWhen the cricket’s and the frog’s sing, Luis
cannot get a good nights sleep.cannot get a good nights sleep.
25. Item 9Item 9Item 9Item 9
A.A. Before you start painting the walls, you’ll needBefore you start painting the walls, you’ll need
a drop cloth and a ladder.a drop cloth and a ladder.
B.B. Before you start painting the walls you’llBefore you start painting the walls you’ll
need a drop cloth, and a ladder.need a drop cloth, and a ladder.
C.C. Before you start painting the walls, youll needBefore you start painting the walls, youll need
a drop cloth, and a ladder.a drop cloth, and a ladder.
A.A. Before you start painting the walls, you’llBefore you start painting the walls, you’ll
need a drop cloth and a ladder.need a drop cloth and a ladder.
B.B. Before you start painting the walls you’llBefore you start painting the walls you’ll
need a drop cloth, and a ladder.need a drop cloth, and a ladder.
C.C. Before you start painting the walls, youll needBefore you start painting the walls, youll need
a drop cloth, and a ladder.a drop cloth, and a ladder.
26. Item 10Item 10Item 10Item 10
A.A. Darlene laughed at Jebs haircut; it looked,Darlene laughed at Jebs haircut; it looked,
as if goat’s had grazed on his head.as if goat’s had grazed on his head.
B.B. Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut; it lookedDarlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut; it looked
as if goats had grazed on his head.as if goats had grazed on his head.
C.C. Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut, it lookedDarlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut, it looked
as if goats had grazed on his’s head.as if goats had grazed on his’s head.
A.A. Darlene laughed at Jebs haircut; it looked,Darlene laughed at Jebs haircut; it looked,
as if goat’s had grazed on his head.as if goat’s had grazed on his head.
B.B. Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut; it lookedDarlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut; it looked
as if goats had grazed on his head.as if goats had grazed on his head.
C.C. Darlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut, it lookedDarlene laughed at Jeb’s haircut, it looked
as if goats had grazed on his’s head.as if goats had grazed on his’s head.
