Unit 3: Punctuation

Can-do Statement

I can understand and use everyday English to talk about punctuation.

Punctuation marks help us read and understand sentences. They show where to stop, ask a question, show strong feelings, or separate ideas.

Vocabulary

Word Meaning Example
period A mark (.) at the end of a statement. I am happy.
question mark A mark (?) for questions. How are you?
exclamation point A mark (!) for strong feelings. Great!
comma A mark (,) that separates words or ideas. I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
semi-colon A mark (;) connecting related sentences. I was tired; I went home.
colon A mark (:) before a list or explanation. Bring these: a pen, a book, and paper.
dash A long line (—) adding extra information. Tom—my friend—is here.
quotation marks Marks (“ ”) around spoken words. She said, “Hello.”
parentheses Marks ( ) with extra information. Sam (my cousin) lives in London.
apostrophe A mark (') showing possession or missing letters. John's book; don't
hyphen A mark (-) joining words. well-known
decimal point A point in a number. 3.14
abbreviations Short forms of words. Mr., Dr.
contraction A short form using an apostrophe. I'm, she's
compound word Two words joined together. sunflower
prefixes Letters added to the beginning of a word. unhappy

Punctuation in Everyday English

Exercise Context
A bright classroom with a teacher pointing to a whiteboard that shows punctuation marks including a period question mark exclamation point comma and quotation marks, young students reading simple English sentences, friendly learning atmosphere, clear educational scene for beginner English learners

When we write English, punctuation helps readers understand our meaning.

  • Use a period to finish a statement.
  • Use a question mark to ask a question.
  • Use an exclamation point to show excitement or surprise.
  • Use a comma to separate items or ideas.

Grammar: How to Use Punctuation Marks

1. Use of the Period (.)

Use a period at the end of a statement.

Example: I live in Singapore.

2. Use of the Question Mark (?)

Use a question mark at the end of a question.

Example: Where do you live?

3. Use of the Exclamation Point (!)

Use it to show strong feelings.

Example: What a beautiful day!

4. Use of the Comma (,)

Use commas in a list.

Example: I bought milk, bread, and eggs.

5. Use of the Semi-colon (;)

Use a semi-colon to connect two related sentences.

Example: It was raining; we stayed inside.

6. Use of the Colon (:)

Use a colon before a list or explanation.

Example: I need three things: a pen, paper, and a ruler.

7. Use of the Dash (—)

Use a dash to add extra information.

Example: My brother—who lives in Japan—is visiting.

8. Use of Quotation Marks (“ ”)

Use quotation marks around direct speech.

Example: She said, “Good morning.”

9. Use of Parentheses ( )

Use parentheses for extra information.

Example: Anna (my teacher) is very kind.

10. Use of the Apostrophe (')

Use an apostrophe for possession and contractions.

Possession: Sarah's bag

Contraction: don't, I'm

11. Use of the Hyphen (-)

Use a hyphen to join words.

Example: part-time job, well-known singer

Special Notes

Abbreviations

Some abbreviations use periods.

Examples: Mr., Dr., p.m.

Contractions

A contraction is a short form of two words.

Examples: I'm = I am, she's = she is, don't = do not

Compound Words

Compound words are made from two words.

  • sunflower
  • classroom
  • toothbrush

Prefixes

A prefix comes before a word and changes its meaning.

  • happy → unhappy
  • possible → impossible
  • write → rewrite

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Sentence: What time is it

Step: This is a question.

Correct sentence: What time is it?

Worked Example 2

Sentence: I like tea coffee and juice

Step: We need commas in a list.

Correct sentence: I like tea, coffee, and juice.

Worked Example 3

Sentence: She said Hello

Step: Direct speech needs quotation marks.

Correct sentence: She said, “Hello.”

Quick Summary

  • . = statement
  • ? = question
  • ! = strong feeling
  • , = separate items
  • ; = connect related sentences
  • : = introduce a list
  • — = extra information
  • “ ” = direct speech
  • ( ) = extra information
  • ' = possession or contraction
  • - = join words
🔑 Đáp án & Giải thích

Tóm tắt bằng tiếng Việt:

  • Dấu chấm (.) kết thúc câu kể.
  • Dấu hỏi (?) dùng cho câu hỏi.
  • Dấu chấm than (!) diễn tả cảm xúc mạnh.
  • Dấu phẩy (,) ngăn cách các từ hoặc ý trong danh sách.
  • Dấu chấm phẩy (;) nối hai câu có liên quan.
  • Dấu hai chấm (:) giới thiệu danh sách hoặc giải thích.
  • Dấu gạch ngang (—) thêm thông tin bổ sung.
  • Dấu ngoặc kép (“ ”) dùng cho lời nói trực tiếp.
  • Dấu ngoặc đơn ( ) thêm thông tin phụ.
  • Dấu nháy đơn (') dùng cho sở hữu hoặc từ rút gọn.
  • Dấu gạch nối (-) nối các từ thành một cụm.