1. ACT English
Punctuation

2. Today’s Goals Review rules for punctuation.
Demonstrate understanding of punctuation rules through discussion and individual work.

3. Commas
More than half of the punctuation questions on the ACT concern the proper use of commas.
Remember there are 10 questions on the ACT about punctuation.

4. The Serial Comma Commas are used to separate items in a series (list).
The comma should be placed after each item in the series.
What to look for:
Look at the entire sentence
Search for a list of three or more things

5. Separating Clauses Two independent clauses with a conjunction
An independent clause and a dependent clause.
An independent clause and a modifying phrase.

6. Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Elements
A “restrictive” clause or phrase is essential to the meaning of a sentence and should not be separated by a comma.
A “nonrestrictive” clause or phrase is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. It just adds a parenthetical thought (extra info) and needs to be separated by a comma.

7. Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Elements
Ex:
People who snore are advised to sleep on their sides.
Restrictive  no comma needed
Mary, who by now, was very confused stopped in front of the woman.
Nonrestrictive  “who by now” is extra information.
Separate it from the sentence with commas before and after the phrase.

8. Semicolons (;)
Used to put two or more clauses together to form one big sentence.
Ex:
Just then, the woman screamed; the bird jumped up and perched on her head.

9. Colons (:)
Used after a complete statement to introduce a list of related details.
EX:
Maria just purchased all the camping supplies for our trip: a backpack, a sleeping bag, and a pair of hiking boots.

10. Dashes (-)
Separate a word or group of words from the rest of the sentence.
Used to:
indicate an abrupt break in thought
to introduce an explanation or afterthought
Dashes often travel in pairs
EX:
I tried to express my gratitude – not that any words could be adequate – but she just nodded and walked away.

11. Apostrophes (‘) Used to: EX: Indicate possession
To mark missing letters in a word
EX:
Peter’s new car is extremely expensive.
I’m sorry. I couldn’t make it to your party.

12. Its/It’s/Its’ It’s  used only when you want to say “it is”
Its  used to show possession
Its’  not a word!!!!
ACT is trying to trick you!