If
we want to write clearly, we must learn how to punctuate correctly.
In fact, every mark of punctuation carries some meaning and gives
hints to the readers. An incorrect punctuation mark can often change
the meaning of a sentence and cause misunderstanding. Some students
tend to use the full stop everywhere in their writing. For example,
"The mother loved her children very much. She worked hard. And
she saved money for them. But they don't quite understand. The mother
is very sad. And that is too bad." This really sounds terrible. A
good writer is always careful about the punctuation. We can be good,
too. Now let's begin!
1. Punctuate the following sentences.
1
Lovers walk hand in hand in the park paying no attention to people
around.
2
The worker was very tired from his work and he couldn’t go on without
a good sleep.
3
Xiao Ling is a good student although he failed chemistry and barely
passed mathematics.
4
Not all highly educated people enjoy traveling but many world travelers
are well educated.
5
The new worker quit after a week surely the pressure was too great
for him.
6
She had three articles published in three popular magazines TV Guide
Reader’s Digest and Woman’s Day.
7
One of my friends asked What did they mean when they said We won’t
buy the story.
8
Finish the report by Thursday said the manager If you finish early
you can take Friday off.
Answer:
1. Lovers walk hand in hand in the
park, paying no attention to people around.
2. The worker was very tired from his work. (;) he couldn’t go on
without a good sleep.
3. .Xiao Ling is a good student, although he failed chemistry and
barely passed mathematcs.
4. Not all highly educated people enjoy traveling, but many world
travelers are well educated.
5. The new worker quit after a week; surely, the pressure was too
great for him.
6. She had three articles published in three popular magazines:
TV Guide, Reader’s Digest, and Woman’s Day.
7. One of my friends asked, “What did they mean?” when they said,
“We won’t buy the story?”
8. “Finish the report by Thursday,” said the manager. “If you finish
early, you can take Friday off.”
2.Correct the mistakes in punctuation.
1. Oh Dear, what are you doing on the roof?
2. The editor told me what I wanted to hear, my article had been accepted.
3. The Smiths new house is not far from the railway station.
4. I realized at once that something was wrong I was not, however,
the only person who was concerned.
5. To be or not to be, that is the question. ... Hamlet
6. The bell was about to ring, the students closed their books and
every one watched the clock anxiously.
Answer:
1. Oh Dear! What (what) are you doing on the roof.
2. The editor told me what I wanted to hear: my article had been accepted.
3. The Smiths' new house is not far from the railway station.
4. I realized at once that something was wrong; I was not, however, the only person who was concerned.
5. "To be or not to be, that is the question." --- Hamlet
6. The bell was about to ring, the students closed their books, and every one watched the clock anxiously.
3.Read the following passage carefully and make the necessary corrections in punctuation.
From the first day that I entered college, I knew exactly which career I was destined for -the practice of medicine. I wanted to become a doctor, mostly because of my unique family background. Growing up in a family with eight brothers and sisters, it seemed that someone always needed my help, either physically, or emotionally. As a big brother to so many younger brothers and sisters. I learned that helping others in need is more than simply a career choice; I feel that it is my moral responsibility. Because I am able to help I feel happy to help those in need. This has led me to serve my fellow students and citizens in many ways: as senior class president and a member of our student council, and as a volunteer in the community and at local hospitals. Each week, despite my busy coursework and research, I manage to help patients with what I have learned. The hearty smiles from those I have helped always encourage me to devote my time and energy for others' happiness.
Answer:
From the first day that I entered college, I knew exactly which career I was destined for°TM the practice of medicine. I wanted to become a doctor mostly because of my unique family background. Growing up in a family with eight brothers and sisters, it seemed that someone always needed my help, either physically or emotionally. As a big brother to so many younger brothers and sisters, I learned that helping others in need is more than simply a career choice; I feel that it is my moral responsibility. Because I am able to help, I feel happy to help those in need. This has led me to serve my fellow students and citizens in many ways: as senior class president and a member of our student council, and as a volunteer in the community and at local hospitals. Each week, despite my busy coursework and research, I manage to help patients with what I have learned. The hearty smiles from those I have helped always encourage me to devote my time and energy for others’ happiness.