Key Takeaways
- Commas separate items, introductory elements, and nonessential information
- Apostrophes show possession or contractions
- Semicolons join independent clauses or separate complex list items
- Colons introduce lists or explanations after complete sentences
- Know the difference: its/it's, your/you're, their/they're/there
Punctuation
Correct punctuation clarifies meaning and indicates pauses, stops, and relationships between ideas. The ParaPro tests common punctuation rules.
End Punctuation
| Mark | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Period (.) | Statements and commands | She is a teacher. |
| Question Mark (?) | Direct questions | Is she a teacher? |
| Exclamation Point (!) | Strong emotion/emphasis | That's amazing! |
Commas
Use commas:
1. In a series (3+ items):
- We bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
2. Before coordinating conjunctions joining independent clauses:
- I studied hard, and I passed the test.
3. After introductory elements:
- After lunch, we went outside.
- However, the plan changed.
4. Around nonessential information:
- My sister, who lives in Texas, is visiting.
5. With dates, addresses, and titles:
- January 15, 2026
- Portland, Oregon
- Dr. Smith, PhD
6. With direct address:
- Students, please sit down.
7. With quotations:
- She said, "Hello."
Comma Errors to Avoid
Don't use commas:
- Between subject and verb: ✗ The tall student, ran fast.
- Between compound subjects/predicates: ✗ Tom, and Jerry are friends.
- Before the first item in a series: ✗ I bought, apples, oranges, and bananas.
Apostrophes
Possessives:
| Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular noun | Add 's | the dog's bone |
| Plural noun (ends in s) | Add ' | the dogs' bones |
| Plural noun (no s) | Add 's | the children's toys |
Contractions:
- do not → don't
- it is → it's
- they are → they're
Common Errors:
- its (possessive) vs. it's (it is)
- your (possessive) vs. you're (you are)
- their (possessive) vs. they're (they are) vs. there (place)
Semicolons
Use semicolons:
1. Between independent clauses without a conjunction:
- I love reading; she prefers writing.
2. Between items in a series containing internal commas:
- We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and London, England.
Colons
Use colons:
1. Before a list (after a complete sentence):
- She bought three things: bread, milk, and eggs.
2. Before an explanation or example:
- Remember this rule: always proofread your work.
Quotation Marks
Use quotation marks:
- For direct quotes: She said, "Hello."
- For titles of short works: "The Raven" (poem)
Punctuation with quotes:
- Periods and commas go INSIDE: "Hello," she said.
- Question marks/exclamation points go inside if part of the quote
Classroom Application
Help students with punctuation by:
- Using punctuation marks as visual cues during reading
- Creating punctuation anchor charts
- Practicing with dictation exercises
- Teaching one punctuation mark at a time
- Playing punctuation games and activities
Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly?
Which sentence uses commas correctly?