Mastering Punctuation for English Tests

Introduction Punctuation plays a crucial role in clarifying meaning, improving readability, and ensuring your writing flows logically. Good punctuation usage is essential for success in English tests, as it helps convey your ideas clearly and effectively. This guide will cover the most important punctuation marks, their usage, and provide helpful exercises to improve your punctuation skills. Common Punctuation Marks 1. Full Stop (Period) Purpose: A full stop marks the end of a declarative sentence. Example: She enjoys reading books. Tip: Always use a full stop at the end of a statement unless it’s a question or an exclamation. 2. Comma Purpose: Commas are used to separate items in a list, clauses in a sentence, or to set off non-essential information. Example: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas. Tip: Use commas to separate independent and dependent clauses when joined by conjunctions, e.g., "I went to the park, and I played soccer." 3. Question Mark Purpose: A question mark is used at th…