Punctuation Basics
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What is Punctuation?
Punctuation marks are special symbols we use in writing. They help readers know when to stop, pause, or change their voice!
Three Important Punctuation Marks
Period (.)
Use a period at the end of a telling sentence (a statement).
Example: "I like pizza."
The period says: "This thought is done. Stop here."
Question Mark (?)
Use a question mark at the end of an asking sentence (a question).
Example: "Do you like pizza?"
The question mark says: "Someone is asking something!"
Exclamation Point (!)
Use an exclamation point at the end of a sentence that shows strong feeling (excitement, surprise, warning).
Example: "I love pizza!"
The exclamation point says: "This is exciting or important!"
Capital Letters
Always start a sentence with a capital letter!
- Wrong: "the cat is soft."
- Right: "The cat is soft."
Examples
What punctuation mark goes at the end?
Example 1: "I have a pet dog"
Type: This is a telling sentence (statement)
Punctuation: Period (.)
Complete: "I have a pet dog."
Example 2: "What is your name"
Type: This is an asking sentence (question)
Punctuation: Question mark (?)
Complete: "What is your name?"
Example 3: "Watch out"
Type: This shows strong feeling (warning)
Punctuation: Exclamation point (!)
Complete: "Watch out!"
Example 4: "We won the game"
Type: This could be a statement OR show excitement!
Statement: "We won the game." (just telling you)
Excited: "We won the game!" (celebrating!)
Example 5: "Can you help me"
Type: This is asking for help (question)
Punctuation: Question mark (?)
Complete: "Can you help me?"
Practice Problems
Add the correct punctuation mark at the end of each sentence!
1. "I see a rainbow"
Show Answer
"I see a rainbow." (telling sentence - period)
2. "Where are my shoes"
Show Answer
"Where are my shoes?" (question - question mark)
3. "That was amazing"
Show Answer
"That was amazing!" (strong feeling - exclamation point)
4. "My birthday is in May"
Show Answer
"My birthday is in May." (telling sentence - period)
5. "Do you want to play"
Show Answer
"Do you want to play?" (question - question mark)
6. "Be careful"
Show Answer
"Be careful!" (warning - exclamation point)
7. "The sky is blue"
Show Answer
"The sky is blue." (telling sentence - period)
8. "How old are you"
Show Answer
"How old are you?" (question - question mark)
9. "I got a present"
Show Answer
"I got a present." or "I got a present!" (both work - depends on excitement!)
10. "What time is lunch"
Show Answer
"What time is lunch?" (question - question mark)
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about punctuation!
1. What punctuation mark ends a telling sentence?
Show Answer
A period (.) ends a telling sentence.
2. What punctuation mark do you use when asking a question?
Show Answer
A question mark (?) goes at the end of a question.
3. When should you use an exclamation point?
Show Answer
Use an exclamation point when showing strong feeling like excitement, surprise, or warning!
4. What kind of letter should start every sentence?
Show Answer
Every sentence should start with a capital letter.
Next Steps
- Practice using periods, question marks, and exclamation points
- Check your writing - does every sentence end with punctuation?
- Go back to Complete Sentences if you need to review
- Excellent work learning punctuation!