Punctuation in Writing and the ACT

Introduction:

Punctuation is a critical aspect of effective writing, and it plays a vital role in conveying meaning and clarity in communication. Punctuation marks, such as commas, semicolons, and apostrophes, are used to create structure and coherence in written texts.

The ACT is a standardized test that assesses a student’s academic readiness for college. The test includes an English section that evaluates a student’s grammar, punctuation, and writing skills. Therefore, it’s essential to master punctuation rules to improve your ACT score.

Commas:

The Basic Uses of Commas:

Commas are used to separate words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence. They are used in the following ways:

1. To separate items in a list: I need to buy apples, bananas, and oranges.
2. To separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction: She loves reading, but she hates writing.
3. To separate introductory phrases or clauses from the main clause: In the morning, I usually have a cup of coffee.
4. To set off nonessential information: The book, which was written in the 19th century, is a classic.

Tricky Comma Rules:

There are several tricky comma rules that can be challenging to master. Here are some examples:

1. Using commas with restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses: Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence and do not require commas, while nonrestrictive clauses provide additional information and require commas. For example: The man who stole my purse was caught. (restrictive) vs. My friend, who lives in New York, is visiting me. (nonrestrictive)
2. Using commas with coordinate adjectives: When two or more adjectives modify the same noun and can be rearranged, use a comma between them. For example: She has a beautiful, red dress.

Common Comma Errors to Avoid:

Some common comma errors to avoid include:

1. Using a comma instead of a semicolon between two independent clauses.
2. Using a comma before the coordinating conjunction “and” when it’s not necessary.

Practice Exercises on Comma Usage:

1. Choose the sentence that uses commas correctly: A. I love pizza but, I hate anchovies. B. I love pizza, but I hate anchovies. C. I love pizza but I hate anchovies.
2. Add commas to the sentence below where necessary: I visited my friend who lives in Paris France.

Answers:

1. B
2. I visited my friend, who lives in Paris, France.

Semicolons:

The Basic Uses of Semicolons:

Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. They are also used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. For example: She’s been to Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Madrid, Spain.

Tricky Semicolon Rules:

There are a few tricky semicolon rules to keep in mind:

1. Using semicolons with conjunctive adverbs: When using a conjunctive adverb (such as “however” or “therefore”) to connect two independent clauses, place a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it. For example: She loves to read; however, she hates writing.
2. Using semicolons in a series with multiple clauses: When listing items in a series, and each item contains multiple clauses, use semicolons to separate the items instead of commas. For example: The book was long; it was also boring. The movie was exciting; it was also well-acted.

Common Semicolon Errors to Avoid:

Some common semicolon errors to avoid include:

1. Using a semicolon when a comma would be more appropriate.
2. Using a semicolon instead of a colon to introduce a list or explanation.

Practice Exercises on Semicolon Usage:

1. Choose the sentence that uses a semicolon correctly: A. She went to the store, and she bought milk; bread and cheese. B. She went to the store and she bought milk, bread, and cheese. C. She went to the store; and she bought milk, bread, and cheese.
2. Add semicolons to the following sentence where necessary: I need to pack my clothes my toothbrush and toothpaste my laptop and charger and my favorite book.

Answers:

1. B
2. I need to pack my clothes; my toothbrush and toothpaste; my laptop and charger; and my favorite book.

Apostrophes:

The Basic Uses of Apostrophes:

Apostrophes are used to indicate possession or contraction. They are used in the following ways:

1. To show possession: The cat’s tail.
2. To indicate a contraction: She’s going to the store.

Tricky Apostrophe Rules:

There are several tricky apostrophe rules that can be challenging to master. Here are some examples:

1. Using apostrophes with plural nouns: When indicating possession with plural nouns, add an apostrophe after the “s.” For example: The girls’ soccer team.
2. Using apostrophes with irregular plurals: When indicating possession with irregular plurals, add an apostrophe before the “s.” For example: The children’s toys.

Common Apostrophe Errors to Avoid:

Some common apostrophe errors to avoid include:

1. Using an apostrophe to make a noun plural.
2. Using an apostrophe to indicate possession with a pronoun.

Practice Exercises on Apostrophe Usage:

1. Choose the sentence that uses an apostrophe correctly: A. Its a beautiful day. B. It’s a beautiful day. C. The dog’s are barking.
2. Add apostrophes to the following sentence where necessary: The students homework was due yesterday.

Answers:

1. B
2. The student’s homework was due yesterday.

Putting It All Together:

Review of Punctuation Rules for Commas, Semicolons, and Apostrophes:

Commas are used to separate items in a list, separate independent clauses, and set off nonessential information. Semicolons are used to join independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction and separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas. Apostrophes are used to indicate possession and contraction.

Practice Exercises that Combine the Usage of Multiple Punctuation Marks:

1. Choose the sentence that uses multiple punctuation marks correctly: A. The cat’s meow, was loud; but, it was also cute. B. The cat’s meow was loud, but it was also cute. C. The cat’s meow was loud; but, it was also cute.
2. Add the necessary punctuation to the following sentence: I need to buy eggs milk bread and cheese.

Answers:

1. C
2. I need to buy eggs, milk, bread, and cheese.

Tips for Proofreading Your Writing for Correct Punctuation Usage:

1. Take a break: After writing, take a break before proofreading. This can help you to approach the text with fresh eyes.
2. Read aloud: Reading aloud can help you to identify errors in punctuation, as well as other grammatical errors.

Conclusion:

Mastering punctuation rules is essential for effective writing and can help to improve your ACT score. By understanding the basic uses, tricky rules, and common errors of commas, semicolons, and apostrophes, you can improve your punctuation skills and create more effective and coherent written communication. Additionally, practicing with exercises that combine the usage of multiple punctuation marks and proofreading your writing for correct punctuation usage can help you to become more confident in your abilities. By following these tips and putting in the effort to improve your punctuation skills, you can become a more effective writer and improve your chances of success on the ACT or other writing examinations and assignments.