Punctuation Marks in Writing

Signs of Punctuation

• Signs of punctuation are auxiliary writing marks crucial for sentence meaning.
• They guide sentence interpretation, as the same sentence can have different meanings based on punctuation.
• For university admission exams, master commas, semicolons, and colons; they are frequently used to connect coordinate sentences and coordinate juxtaposed sentences.
• Main punctuation types include:
  • Enumerative comma: Separates elements within a shared semantic field, often used in lists like shopping items.
  • Vocative comma: Isolates the message's recipient, the person directly addressed.
  • Elliptical comma: Replaces a verb or phrase, typically following a conjunction, common in literary style.
  • Hyperbatic comma: Shows a sentence's usual subject-verb-complement order is disrupted, created for a stylistic effect.
  • Explicative comma: Adds clarifying information about a prior element, unlike the vocative comma which directly addresses an individual.
  • Gramatical nexus comma: Appears before adversative, consecutive, and explicative conjunctions.

Types of Punctuation Marks: Their Use and Function

• Enumerative comma: Separates similar elements, forming a semantic field (e.g., "The father bought shoes, boots, books, notebooks, bananas, and apples.").
• Vocative comma: Directly addresses a recipient (e.g., "I said, 'Maria, help me with this problem'").
• Elliptical comma: Omits a verb or phrase after a conjunction (e.g., "For a look, a world, for a smile, a sky").
• Hyperbatic comma: Changes sentence order for stylistic effect (e.g., "With high motivation, the students study.").
• Explicative comma: Adds information about a previously mentioned element (e.g., "Benedicto, the Pope, died.").
• Gramatical nexus comma: Precedes adversative, consecutive, and explicative conjunctions (e.g., "She is smart, but she is tired.").

Example Sentence

• "The father bought shoes, boots, books, notebooks, bananas, and apples."
• "Maria, help me with this problem."
• "For a look, a world, for a smile, a sky."
• "With high motivation, the students study."
• "Benedicto, the Pope, died."
• "He is intelligent, but he is relaxed."

Commas

• Types of commas:

  • Enumerative -Vocative -Elliptical
  • Fermatic
  • Explanatory
  • Expository
  • Grammatical nexus
  • Conditional

• Comma for "but" or "therefore": A comma can replace "but" or "therefore" when "and" establishes contrast or consequence.

• Comma for "then" or "consequently": A comma can replace "then" or "consequently" when "and" indicates a sequence.

Semicolons

• Semicolon role: Replaces "but," "therefore," "however,", "consequently," and "thus."
• Semicolon usage: Connects independent clauses in lengthy sentences.

Colons

• Colon role: Introduces lists, explanations, or summaries after a complete thought.
• Colon usage for enumerations: Introduces elaborating lists after an independent clause.
• Colon usage for summaries and explanations: Introduces a summary or explanation of the preceding independent clause.
• Colon usage for direct quotes: Places before a direct quote.
• Order in direct quotes: Direct quotes must be presented exactly as written.
• Indirect quotes and colons: Avoid colons for indirect quotations.
• Colon usage for titles: Used before titles of books, articles, poems, etc.
• Colon usage for time or ratios: Separates components in time expressions or ratios.
• Colon usage for contrasting emphasis: Used for emphasis on contrast after an independent clause.

Quotation Marks

• Quotation marks for direct quotes: Enclose direct speech.
• Quotation marks for titles: Used for shorter works (short stories, poems, songs, essays, chapters).
• Quotation marks for examples: Highlight specific words or phrases.
• Quotation marks for irony/sarcasm: Indicate non-literal use of words or phrases.

General Notes

• Practice: Essential for mastery of punctuation.
• Resources: Varied resources enhance understanding.
• Seek help: Don't hesitate to ask questions.

Titles of Literary Works

• Short stories: Lowercase, in quotation marks.
• Poems: Quotation marks, no capitals.
• Novels: No quotation marks.

San Marcos Admission Exam

• Exam content often includes literary work titles.
• Example: "La ciudad y los perros."
• Example: Rubén Darío's "Azul."

Irony

• Irony: A statement that contradicts reality (e.g., "That honest president is in jail").

Emphasizing Words

• Correct spelling: "chichón," "extintor," "préstame."

Punctuation (San Marcos)

• Punctuation is a common San Marcos exam topic.
• Key punctuation marks: Commas (8 cases), semicolons (3 cases), colons (4 cases), and quotation marks (various).

San Marcos Exam Key Points

• 15 practice questions for San Marcos style punctuation.
• Tricky wording and distractors are common exam features.
• Analyze provided text and understand punctuation rules.
• Review material and participate in additional classes for practice.

Key Takeaways

• Focused on language preparation for the San Marcos admission exam.
• Punctuation is vital for the exam.
• Understanding punctuation rules and their usage is crucial.
• Active learning and practice are essential.
• Seeking help is encouraged.

This quiz focuses on the essential signs of punctuation used in writing, particularly in the context of university admission exams. You'll learn about various types of commas, semicolons, and colons, as well as their specific uses in sentence construction. Mastering these punctuation marks is vital for clear communication.