Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain why conventional grammar and mechanics enable clear communication, and when errors matter on the exam. (Guide: “Conventions exist so that readers can follow you”; Practice question 1)
- I can name what each mark of punctuation can do: clarify, organise, emphasise, indicate purpose, supplement or set tone. (Guide: “What punctuation can do”; Practice question 2)
- I can explain the difference between a colon, a semicolon and a dash. (Guide: “What punctuation can do”; Practice question 3)
Skills
- I can identify and fix a comma splice, a run-on and a fragment. (Guide: “Errors that interfere with meaning”; Practice questions 4 and 5)
- I can edit a short paragraph so that errors that block meaning are removed, and explain each change. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice question 6)
- I can use a colon, semicolon or dash for a purpose in my own sentences. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice question 7)
Reasoning
- I can explain how a punctuation choice contributes to a sentence’s effect and the writer’s purpose. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice question 8)
- I can analyse the dashes in a public-domain passage, such as Lincoln’s at Gettysburg. (Guide: “Public-domain examples”; Practice question 8)
- I can avoid analysis that only names a mark without saying what it does. (Guide: “Common misconceptions”)
All ticked? Move on to the Topic 7.7 study guide, Design Features for Emphasis.