Homework: Punctuation

Section 15.12 Homework: Punctuation

Subsection 15.12.1 Part 1: Comma Usage (approx. 10 minutes)

Instructions.

Add commas where needed in each sentence and briefly explain the function of each comma you add (compound sentence, introductory element, series, nonrestrictive modifier, coordinate adjectives, etc.).

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Example (completed).

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After the meeting ended we discussed the proposal.

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Corrected: After the meeting ended, we discussed the proposal.

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Function: comma after introductory adverb clause

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Exercises.

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Exercise 1. When the storm passed we surveyed the damage and began cleanup efforts.

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Corrected:

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Function(s):

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Exercise 2. She is talented hardworking and creative.

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Corrected:

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Function(s):

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Exercise 3. My brother who lives in Seattle is visiting next week.

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Corrected:

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Function(s):

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Exercise 4. The meeting was productive but it ran overtime.

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Corrected:

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Function(s):

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Exercise 5. The tall distinguished professor gave an inspiring lecture.

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Corrected:

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Function(s):

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Exercise 6. Explain why the following sentence does NOT need a comma:

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The students who completed the assignment received extra credit.

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Explanation:

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Subsection 15.12.2 Part 2: Semicolons and Colons (approx. 5 minutes)

Instructions.

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Choose the correct punctuation mark (colon or semicolon) for each sentence and explain your reasoning.

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Example (completed).

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She had three goals ( : / ; ) to finish her degree, to find a job, and to buy a house.

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Choice: colon

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Reasoning: A colon introduces a list after a complete sentence.

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Exercises.

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Exercise 7. She had one goal ( : / ; ) to finish the project on time.

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Choice:

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Reasoning:

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Exercise 8. The rain stopped ( : / ; ) we went outside immediately.

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Choice:

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Reasoning:

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Exercise 9. The committee includes three officers ( : / ; ) Dr. Lee, president; Ms. Park, secretary; and Mr. Kim, treasurer.

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Choice:

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Reasoning:

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Exercise 10. He was exhausted ( : / ; ) however, he continued working.

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Choice:

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Reasoning:

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Subsection 15.12.3 Part 3: Apostrophes (approx. 5 minutes)

Instructions.

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Correct any apostrophe errors in each sentence.

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Example (completed).

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The dogs tail was wagging.

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Corrected: The dog’s tail was wagging.

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Exercises.

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Exercise 11. Its important to understand its function in the sentence.

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Corrected:

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Exercise 12. The students books were left in the classroom.

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Corrected:

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Exercise 13. The Joneses car is parked in the driveway.

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Corrected:

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Exercise 14. Theyre going to their house over there.

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Corrected:

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Exercise 15. The womens team won the championship.

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Corrected:

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Subsection 15.12.4 Part 4: Diagramming Punctuation-Relevant Structures

Instructions.

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For each sentence, complete the labeling table (Role, Phrase, Word, POS), write the bracket notation, and draw a tree diagram. Pay attention to how the sentence structure relates to punctuation: compound sentences (comma + conjunction), non-restrictive clauses (comma pairs), adverbial fronting (introductory comma), and conjuncts.

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Exercises.

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Exercise 16. The storm ended, and the sun came out.

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Role
Phrase
Word	The	storm	ended	and	the	sun	came	out
POS

Bracket notation: _____
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Diagram:
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Exercise 17. Although she was tired, she finished the report.

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Role
Phrase
Word	Although	she	was	tired	she	finished	the	report
POS

Bracket notation: _____
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Diagram:
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Exercise 18. The professor, however, disagreed completely.

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Role
Phrase
Word	The	professor	however	disagreed	completely
POS

Bracket notation: _____
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Diagram:
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Exercise 19. My sister, who lives in Boston, visits often.

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Role
Phrase
Word	My	sister	who	lives	in	Boston	visits	often
POS

Bracket notation: _____
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Diagram:
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Exercise 20. After the lecture, students asked many questions.

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Role
Phrase
Word	After	the	lecture	students	asked	many	questions
POS

Bracket notation: _____
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Diagram:
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Subsection 15.12.5 Part 5: Analysis and Application (approx. 10 minutes)

Instructions.

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Answer the following questions about punctuation.

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Meaning and Punctuation.

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Exercises.

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Exercise 21. The following sentences are punctuated differently. Explain how the meaning changes:

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a) The students who studied passed the exam.

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b) The students, who studied, passed the exam.

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Explanation of (a):

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Explanation of (b):

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How does punctuation change the meaning?

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Parenthetical Choices.

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Exercise 22. Rewrite the following sentence three ways—using commas, dashes, and parentheses—and identify where each mark falls on the emphasis spectrum from Section 15.10 (loud, neutral, or quiet):

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The new policy which takes effect Monday will change everything.

With commas:

Emphasis level:

With dashes:

Emphasis level:

With parentheses:

Emphasis level:

Real-World Application.

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Exercise 23. Find or create a paragraph of 3-4 sentences. Identify at least four different punctuation marks and explain the grammatical reason for each.

Paragraph:

Punctuation mark 1:

Reason:

Punctuation mark 2:

Reason:

Punctuation mark 3: