viernes, 17 de abril de 2009

Improve your writing.
It is quite important to know and use the punctuation marks in a correct way in order to write good compositions. I am going to explain the punctuation rules in English and provide you some activities.
Punctuation is the use of marks and signs to separate words into sentences, clauses, and phrases in order to clarify meaning. When you speak, you can pause, stop, or change your tone
of voice to make your meaning clear. When writing, you must use punctuation marks such as
commas and question marks to make you be understood clearly.
Each punctuation mark can be used in many ways.
Period or stop(.)
- Use a period at the end of a declarative sentence.
I like fish and chips.
- Use a period to end an abbreviation.Mrs.
Johnson is our new neighbour.
Comma (,)
- Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series.
My favourite subjects are history, maths and French.
- Use a comma to separate independent clauses in a sentence.
Susan likes the beach, but Tom prefers the mountains.
- Use a comma to set off dates and addresses.
I was born on July 2nd, 1965.
Semicolon (;)
- Use a semicolon when two independent clauses in a sentence are not separated by a conjunction .
I got good marks in English; my sister failed.
- Use a semicolon between independent clauses in a sentence that are separated by any of the following transitional words or phrases: accordingly, consequently, for example, for instance, furthermore, however, instead, moreover, nevertheless, otherwise, and therefore.
We decided to have a picnic; however, it rained and we couldn´t go.
Colon (:)
- Use a colon before a list.
We have to buy: apples, bread, milk, biscuits.
- Use a colon to divide hours from minutes.
I have an appointment at 12:30.
Question Mark (?)
-Use a question mark at the end of an interrogative sentence.
Does she live in London?
Exclamation Mark (!)
- Use an exclamation mark at the end of a sentence to show strong emotion.
It’s delicious!
- Use an exclamation mark at the end of a sentence for emphasis.
You have to study harder!
- Use an exclamation mark after an interjection.
Ouch!
Apostrophe (')
- Use an apostrophe to indicate a missing letter or letters in a contraction.
It’s a beautiful girl.
- Use an apostrophe plus the letter "s" to show possession. When the noun finishes in an -s, it is only added the apostrophe.
That’s my father’s car.

Click on the websites to find writing activit¡es and improve your written Emglish.
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/interactive/literacy2.htm#punctuation

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_55.htm

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