1. LA 8: Unit I: Writing Mechanics Capitalization and Punctuation

2. Capitalization  Every first word in a sentence, proper noun (eg. France), and proper adjective (eg. French).  Capitalize every first word in a line of poetry, and the first, last, and all important words in book, song, movie title. (eg. Attack of the Clones)  Capitalize the first word in a quotation.  Capitalize abbreviations and anagrams (eg. P.O.V. and Feb.)

3. End Punctuation  A declarative sentence is one that makes a statement. A PERIOD ends a declarative sentence.  An interrogative sentence is one that asks a question. A question mark ends these sentences.  Exclamation marks are used when the sentence makes an extraordinary claim or is spoken emphatically.

4. Using Commas  Commas are used to separate groups of words in a series.  Commas are used to separate the two parts of a compound sentence. (eg. Bill won the lottery a year ago, and now he’s almost broke.  Commas are used after a subordinate clause when it starts a sentence. (HINT: the subject in these sentences are near the end of the sentence.)

5. Commas (Cont’d)  Commas are used to separate a quotation from regular text.  Commas are used to separate a name of a person when they’re addressed.  Commas are used to set off an appositive. (eg. Toyota, the number two auto maker in the world, is the maker of the Prius.  Commas are also when words such as yes, well, oh are used to start a sentence.

6. Apostrophes  Are used in contractions: Cannot becomes can’t.  Are used to form a possessive noun. Add ‘s to a singular noun (eg. Lucy’s) and add ‘ to a plural noun (Bus Drivers’ union.)

7. Colons  Colons introduce lists: The greatest basketball players include: Michael Jordan, Clyde Drexler, and Karl Malone.  They’re also used after some greetings in letters: To whom it may concern:

8. Semicolons  Are used to separate the parts of a compound sentence WHEN THERE IS NOT CONJUCTION BEING USED.  Note: Do not capitalize words (except proper nouns and adjectives) after a semicolon.  Eg. (Bill won the lottery a year ago; now he’s almost broke.)

9. Hyphens and Dashes  Hyphens are used to separate the parts of a compound word: brother-in-law.  Dashes are used to separate a part of a sentence that doesn’t go with the main idea, or interrupts its flow.  Eg. I hate-no, wait-I love teaching junior high.