Title : Punctuation Basics Date : August 14, 2012

Presented by : Sheryl Bone, MAT Welcome to today’s workshop ! I am glad you are here !

To view the recorded workshop, click the link http://khe2.adobeconnect.com/p6vtj4j23pz/

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Here is an overview of what we will be discussing during our workshop today.

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Every sentence must have some kind of end punctuation. It lets your reader know your sentence is finished. There are three types of end marks you can use in your writing : Periods, question marks, exclamation marks. You must chose the end mark that is most appropriate for each sentence. You can use only one end mark in each sentence. The link on this page takes you directly to the KUWC reference library page on using end marks. Periods and Other End Marks

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Periods are used to end a sentence that is declarative. That means the sentence makes a statement. Periods are used to end a sentence that is imperative. That means the sentence gives an order. A period is also used to mark some abbreviations. We will look at some examples of this in the next slide.

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The fist sentence here is a declarative sentence. It states that there are ants in the kitchen. It ends with a period. The second sentence is an imperative sentence. The sentence gives an order. It orders someone to find out where the ants are coming from. It ends with a period.

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Are you wondering about the definition of an interrogative and an interrogative sentence? You likely already know, you just don’t realize it ……. An interrogative asks a question, straight out and directly. An indirect interrogative is questioning, but in a statement, not an actual question. The next slide will have an example of each.

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An interrogative should end in a question mark. The first example here is an interrogative. An indirect interrogative, while questioning, is actually a statement. It should end with a period. The second example here is an indirect interrogative.

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An exclamation mark ends a sentence that is declarative or imperative and expresses strong feeling. An exclamation mark can also follow a word or phrase that expresses strong feeling. An exclamation mark adds emphasis and strength to the words of the sentence.

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The examples above show how an exclamation mark adds emphasis to the content of a sentence.

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There are many uses for commas. They can be confusing to use, until you understand the rules for comma usage. Learning the rules will help guide you as you use commas in your writing. Once you become familiar with the rules, it takes practice to become familiar and comfortable with correctly using commas. Let’s look at some of the rules for comma usage. First, commas often go after introductory words or phrases. The example shows how following the introductory word actually there is a comma. Secondly, commas separate two independent clauses that are joined by a conjunction such as and, but, nor, or. The examples illustrate how a comma can be used to separate two separate phrases. The comma comes after the first phrase. Let’s look at some more rules for commas usage.

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Commas separate items in a series of three or more things. You do not need a comma if there are less than three items. Casey hates peas and cottage cheese would be correct. Only two items. No comma is necessary. Commas set off non essential information. Non essential information could be taken out of a sentence without changing the meaning of the sentence. The example above shows that the information set apart by commas, his favorite singer, could be removed and the meaning of the sentence would not change.

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Commas appear before or at the end of quotations. Where the commas belong depends on where the speaker of the quotation is indentified. The two sentences above show two different instances of using commas with dialogue. The link at the bottom of this slide is to the reference library page on using commas in the KUWC. Now let’s look at correctly using semicolons.

Comma and Semicolons

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Semicolons separate independent clauses that are not linked by a conjunction such as and, or, but. The first example shows a semicolon used to separate two independent clauses. The next example show a different way of writing the same information. You can use a period to write them as two separate sentences. Both ways are correct.

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Semicolons can be used to separate phrases that already contain commas. Usually you will see this in a series. Don’t be intimidated by the length of this example. When you break it down, the sentence essentially includes a series of descriptions (details) about Sam’s three favorite countries to visit. The semicolons are used to separate the countries, the commas separate the details about the countries.

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Semicolons appear before the words however and therefore when they connect independent clauses. The example shows that Becky was able to get a seat even though the plan was quite full. Notice the semicolon appears before the word however and it is followed by a comma. The link on the bottom of this slide takes you directly to the page on using semicolons in the KUWC reference library. Check it out for more help on correctly using semicolons !

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Let’s apply what we just learned. Try punctuating a few sentences.

Correct answers : My new printer, which cost $90, has already used up both its ink cartridges. Regardless of the reason, Sally was not allowed to miss curfew. What on earth were they thinking? Everyone watching wanted to know what they were thinking. Remember, every sentence needs an end mark.

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The best time to do a paper review in the Kaplan University Writing Center is after you have written your first draft. When you come to us early, we can help you the most by helping you with the structure of your paper. Many students send papers at the last minute because they want us to simply proofread their paper. However, KUWC writing tutors do not simply proofread the paper for you; we want to help you learn to write and proofread your own papers. Since you can come to the Writing Center 6 times a term, you can submit a first draft, then submit a later draft if you need further help on an assignment. If you need help before you write the first draft, you can use live tutoring. During live tutoring, you can ask questions and brainstorm with a tutor. Live tutors can help you with other stages in the paper writing process as well. Come visit us. We can be found under the My Studies tab, then under Academic Support Center.

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On the main Academic Support Center page, you will see the Writing Center links. These include Live Tutoring, Paper Review, the Writing Reference Library, Citation Guidelines, Workshops, English Language Learner, and Fundamental writing help. Notice, you can access the Kaplan Guide to Successful Writing on the right hand side in both print and audio form. Come visit us.

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The link on this page takes you directly to the KUWC.

When you have a few free minutes, take the time to learn your way around a little bit. See all the free services and resources that are available to you as a Kaplan student. Link to KU Writing Center If you spend some time now, when you need help you will know right where to go.

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Thank you for being here today.

I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with questions regarding today’s workshop. Thanks again for joining me today.

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