The Goal Of This Activity Is To Review Punctuation

The Goal Of This Activity Is That You Review Punctuation As a Set Of

The goal of this activity is that you review punctuation as a set of "signals" that support the meaning of your sentences and paragraphs. We'll use The Punctuation Guide (Links to an external site.) to study three punctuation marks that may be new to you—the em dash, the colon, and the semicolon. If you're familiar with another punctuation guide, such as one of Diana Hacker's classic texts or the Tongue & Quill from the USAF, please feel free to use it instead of The Punctuation Guide. Several former students have recommended various online guides; for example, links to reputable sources on punctuation are abundant. Feel free to choose one that suits your needs and that you can refer to in the future.

Please consult our course calendar for due dates and review the grading rubric to understand the criteria for success. Below is a Plain Language Step 4 sample layout for your main post, which follows a five-step process designed for clarity and effectiveness:

Paper For Above instruction

The primary goal of this activity is to reinforce understanding of how punctuation functions as a vital aspect of clear and effective writing. In particular, the focus is on mastering the use of the em dash, colon, and semicolon, three punctuation marks that often pose challenges for writers due to their specific functions and varied applications.

The activity begins with a review of each punctuation mark’s rules for use. The em dash, for instance, is typically typed with two hyphens ("--") or inserted via the symbol menu, and it serves to create emphasis, insert additional information, or indicate a break in thought. The colon is used to introduce a list, quote, or explanation, providing a clear signal to the reader that elaboration is forthcoming. The semicolon connects closely related ideas, often linking independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction, thereby balancing the sentence structure.

Next, students are instructed to identify effective examples of these punctuation marks in their personal reading materials, such as newspapers, magazines, blogs, novels, or online articles. This encourages active reading and helps contextualize the punctuation rules within authentic usage, moving beyond textbook examples into real-world application.

The third step involves analyzing one exemplar of each punctuation mark’s correct use. This critical analysis fosters a deeper understanding of how these signals support meaning and clarity in writing. Student responses should include quotations from their chosen texts, with titles or names of larger works italicized, and shorter works like articles or chapters placed within quotation marks to adhere to standard citation practices.

If students wish to enhance their editing skills further, they are encouraged to explore online editing tools. A recommended webpage provides an overview of seven reputable options, aiding writers in proofreading and refining their punctuation usage.

Overall, this activity aims to develop an intuitive grasp of punctuation as a set of signaling tools that clarify meaning, improve readability, and elevate writing quality. By engaging with authentic examples, analyzing usage, and considering technological aids, students will enhance their punctuation proficiency in a practical, memorable way.

References

  • Bartholomae, D. (2005). Writing about writing. Bedford/St. Martin's.
  • Hacker, D. (2013). A Writer's Reference (7th ed.). Bedford/St. Martin's.
  • Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). The Elements of Style (4th ed.). Pearson.
  • The Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). Punctuation. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation.html
  • Truss, L. (2003). Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation. Gotham Books.
  • Chicago Manual of Style. (2017). Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.). University of Chicago Press.
  • American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA.
  • Fowler, H. W. (2014). The King's English. Dover Publications.
  • The Chicago Manual of Style Online. (n.d.). Questions about punctuation. https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org
  • Gordon, R. (2011). The Elements of Editing. Addison Wesley.

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