COMMAS(,)

1- To separate items in a list: Commas are used to separate items

in a list of three or more things.
Example: ‘The market was filled with a variety of fruits and
vegetables, such as papayas, mangoes, avocados, watermelons,
apples, oranges, broccoli, carrots, and cucumbers.’
2- Before coordinating conjunctions: Commas are used to
separate independent clauses (complete sentences) that are
joined by coordinating conjunctions such as (for, and, nor, but,
or, yet, so).
Example: ‘The weather was perfect for hiking, so we decided to
take the trail that leads to the summit.’
3- To separate introductory elements: Commas are used to
separate introductory phrases and clauses from the main part of
a sentence.
Example: - ‘After a long day at work, I like to relax with a good
book.’ (To separate an introductory phrase)
- ‘Despite the fact that she had studied all night, she failed the
exam.’ (To separate an introductory clause)
4- To separate additional information: commas are used to
separate additional information (parenthetical elements such as
appositives, examples and non-defining relative clauses)
Example: - ‘The painting, a masterpiece by Rembrandt, was
worth millions of
dollars.’
- ‘The concert, which was held in a magnificent hall, featured a
renowned orchestra and a talented soloist.’
5- To separate coordinate adjectives: Commas are used to
separate two or
more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.
Example: ‘The dark, eerie forest was filled with tall, twisted trees
that
seemed to touch the sky.’
6- To separate quotations: Commas are used to separate
dialogue from the
rest of the sentence.
Example: “I have never been to Paris,” she said with a sigh.
-“The universe is full of magical things,” said the poet William
Butler Yeats, “patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.”

EFFECTS OF USING COMMAS:

There is a slight difference between the ‘usage’ and the ‘effect’.

When
commas are used, they may create various effects depending on
the
context they are used in:
1- Emphasizing a word or phrase: Commas can be used to place
emphasis on
a particular word or phrase in a sentence.
Example: ‘It was not the house that was haunted, but the
memories within.’
2- Creating a pause: Commas can be used to create a brief pause
in a
sentence, which can affect the pace and rhythm of the writing.
Example: ‘He waited patiently, his eyes fixed on the door, hoping
she would
arrive soon.’
The comma after "door" creates a pause that emphasizes the
sense of
anticipation and waiting in the sentence.’
3- Showing contrast: Commas can be used to show contrast
between two
ideas.
Example: ‘He was a brilliant scientist, respected by his
colleagues, but his
personal life was in shambles.’
The comma after "colleagues" creates a pause that emphasizes
the contrast
between the character's professional success and their personal
struggles.
4- Building suspense: Commas can be used to create a sense of
suspense or
anticipation by interrupting a sentence and leaving the reader
hanging.
Example: ‘He opened the envelope slowly, dreading what it
might contain.’
The comma after "slowly" creates a pause that emphasizes the
character's
fear and trepidation.
5- Conveying emotion: Commas can be used to convey a range of
emotions,
such as hesitation, excitement, or frustration.
Example: ‘She hesitated before answering the question, unsure
of how to
respond.’
The comma after "question" creates a pause that emphasizes the
character's uncertainty and hesitation.

SEMI-COLONS(;)
Semi-colons have different usages:
1- To connect closely related independent clauses: A semicolon
can be used
to connect two closely related independent clauses that are not
joined by a
conjunction forming a compound sentence.
Example: ‘She sings beautifully; her voice is like an angel's.’
2- To separate items in a list: When items in a list contain
commas or they
are ‘complex’ items, a semicolon can be used to separate these
items,
making it easier to read.
Example: ‘The store carries a variety of fruits and vegetables;
apples,
oranges, pears, and bananas are always in stock; and they also
have more
exotic items like dragon fruit, papaya, and kiwi.’
3- To separate independent clauses joined by conjunctive
adverbs: When
two independent clauses are joined by a conjunctive adverb (e.g.
however,
therefore, moreover), a semicolon can be used to separate
them.
Example: I have a lot of work to do; therefore, I can't go out
tonight.

EFFECTS OF USING SEMICOLONS

1- Emphasizes the relationship between two ideas: Semicolons

are often
used to connect two closely related independent clauses. By
using a
semicolon instead of a period, the writer emphasizes the
relationship
between the two ideas and shows that they are closely
connected.
2- Clarifies complex lists: Semicolons can be used to separate
items in a list,
especially if the items themselves contain internal commas. This
can help to
clarify complex lists and make them easier to read.
3- Adds variety to sentence structure: By using semicolons
instead of
periods or conjunctions, writers can add variety to their sentence
structure
and create a more interesting and engaging piece of writing.
4- Enhances the flow of writing: When used correctly, semicolons
can help
to enhance the flow of writing by creating a smoother transition
between
ideas and avoiding disjointed sentences.
5- Creating a sense of suspense: Similar to commas, semicolons
can also be
used to create a sense of suspense or anticipation by breaking up
a
sentence and leaving the reader hanging.
Example: "She waited in the dark; listening for any sound, any
sign of
movement."
The semicolon acts as a bridge between the two clauses, creating
a sense of
anticipation and making the reader wonder what will happen
next.
Semicolon is used instead of a comma to create a stronger
separation
between the two clauses and to create a pause that builds
suspense.
6- Conveying a sense of importance: Semicolons can be used to
convey a
sense of importance or significance to an idea or statement.
Example: "We must act now; the future of our planet depends
on it."

·to separate items on a list (Stage 9, Sample Test 2020, paper 1,

text A)
Question: Look at the second paragraph (lines 5–11).
Why does the writer use semicolons ( ; )? Tick one box.
“Sunflowers, for example, give a golden-yellow honey; clover
gives a sweet,
white honey; agave species give honey a bitter taste that is
popular in some
societies.”
Answer:
• to separate items on a list

COLONS(:)
Colons have different usages:
1- To introduce a list: A colon can be used to introduce a list of
items.
Example: ‘My favorite colors are as follows: blue, green, and
purple.’
REMEMBER: Colons should follow an independent clause that
can stand on
its own as a complete sentence.
2- To introduce a quotation: When quoting someone or
something, a colon
can be used to introduce the quote.
Example: ‘My teacher said it best: "Practice makes perfect.”
3- To introduce an explanation or elaboration: A colon can be
used to
introduce an explanation or elaboration on a previous
statement.
Example: ‘I have one goal for this year: to write a book.’
REMEMBER: Colons should follow an independent clause that
can stand on
its own as a complete sentence.
4- To separate hours and minutes in time: A colon is commonly
used to
separate hours and minutes in time.
Example: ‘The meeting is at 3:30 PM.’
5- To introduce a subtitle or a description that follows a title.
Examples: "The Catcher in the Rye: A Novel" (subtitle)
"The Great Gatsby: A Tale of Jazz Age New York" (description)
"The Elements of Style: The Classic Writing Style Guide" (subtitle)
EFFECTS OF USING COLONS
1- Emphasizes the information that follows: A colon can be used
to draw
attention to the information that follows it, indicating that it is
important or
worthy of special attention.
2- Clarifies or elaborates on previous information: A colon can be
used to
introduce an explanation, elaboration, or definition of a previous
statement,
making it clearer and easier to understand.
3- Adds variety to sentence structure: By using colons, writers
can add
variety to their sentence structure, creating more complex and
nuanced
sentences that are more interesting to read.
4- Creates a formal tone: Colons are often used in formal writing,
such as
academic papers, reports, and business documents, and their
use can create
a more formal or professional tone.

·To build up detail (Stage 8 Progression Test 2023, paper 1, Text

A)
Question: How does the writer build up detail in the last
sentence
(lines 13–15) through the use of punctuation? Give one way.
“The aim: to find the location of the elephants – and the
poachers who seek
to kill them – so the animals can be kept safe.”
Answer: • (the use of) a colon
·to introduce a list (of words/phrases) that explains / adds
information to
the words before the colon. (Y8 progression Test 2022, Paper 1,
Text A)
Question: Look at the fourth paragraph (lines 16–20). Why does
the writer
use a colon( : ) in the second sentence?
“If the plot doesn't grab you, the look of the film will. The
directors have
created a robot world to stir the imagination: each of the robots
is unique,
gaudy colours run riot, crazy contraptions.”
Answer: to introduce a list (of words/phrases) that explains /
adds
information to the words before the colon.
• to introduce a list / something / a list follows it
• to add information/examples. (Y8, April 2021, Paper 1, Text A)
Question: Look at lines 17–22. Why does the writer use a colon (
: )?
“I have been caving, on and off, for about ten years. Still,
Lechuguilla had
been a surprise. It was so big, so hot, so intimidating, that it had
taken me
several days to come to something close to full comprehension
of its
marvels: crystals the size of small trees, huge-domed pits, rooms
as high as
a thirty-storey building.”
Answer: • to introduce a list / something / a list follows it
• to add information/examples.

DASHES(—)
Dashes have different usages:
1- To set off parenthetical information: Dashes can be used to set
off
parenthetical information that is more important than that set
off by
commas or parentheses.
Example: "Our team - consisting of five members - won the
competition."
2- To indicate a break or interruption: Dashes can be used to
indicate a
sudden break or interruption in a sentence.
Example:” The car screeched to a halt - the driver had seen a
pedestrian
crossing the street.”
3- To create emphasis: Dashes can be used to create emphasis or
draw
attention to a particular word or phrase.
Example: “I absolutely cannot believe what I just heard - the
news is just too
shocking.”
“She was not just angry - she was furious.”
.4- To indicate a range: Dashes can be used to indicate a range of
numbers
or dates.
Example: "The years 1950—1960 were a time of great change."
5- To add a list after a sentence, as a kind of details: Dashes can
be used to
introduce a list, similar to the way colons are used.
Example: “The store has everything you need for your camping
trip - tents,
sleeping bags, lanterns, and cookware.”
6- To indicate an incomplete thought: Dashes can be used to
indicate an
incomplete thought or trailing off a sentence.
Example: “I know I need to exercise more, but I just can't seem
to find the
time - maybe tomorrow.”
EFFECTS OF USING DASHES
1- Emphasis: Dashes can be used to emphasize a particular word
or phrase
within a sentence, drawing attention to it and giving it extra
weight.
Example: "The best part of the trip was not the destination - it
was the
journey itself."
2- Interruption: Dashes can be used to interrupt or disrupt a
sentence,
reflecting a sudden change or interruption in a character's
thoughts or
actions.
Example: “She was about to confess her secret to him when - oh
no! - he got
a phone call and had to leave.”
3- Intensity: Dashes can be used to add intensity or urgency to a
sentence,
creating a sense of heightened emotion or drama.
Example: "The storm was coming fast - they needed to find
shelter, and food
fast!."
4- Contrast: Dashes can be used to set up a contrast or
opposition between
two ideas or images, creating a dynamic tension between them.
Example: "The city was both beautiful and terrifying - towering
skyscrapers
loomed over gritty alleyways and dilapidated buildings."
5- To create a dramatic pause that can indicate the following:
· a momentary pause in a sentence or passage, building suspense
and
anticipation before a climactic event or revelation. (climax)
Example: "She stepped onto the stage, the lights shining in her
eyes - and
then, with a deep breath, she began to sing, her voice filling the
room and
the audience cheering."
· an abrupt shift in a sentence or passage, undercutting
expectations and
creating an anti-climactic effect. (anti-climax)
Example: "She stepped onto the stage, the lights shining in her
eyes - and
then, just as the music began to play, she froze."
· an aside or parenthetical thought, allowing a character to reveal
their
innermost feelings or thoughts to the reader.
Example: "She smiled at him - or at least, she tried to - and then
thought to
herself, What am I doing here? I don't even like him."
6- Pause or hesitation: Dashes can be used to create a pause or
hesitation in
a sentence, reflecting a character's uncertainty or hesitation.
Example: "He wasn't sure what to do - should he stay and fight,
or run for his
life?"

·To build up detail (Stage 8 Progression Test 2023, paper 1, Text

A)
Question: How does the writer build up detail in the last
sentence
(lines 13–15) through the use of punctuation? Give one way.
“The aim: to find the location of the elephants – and the
poachers who seek
to kill them – so the animals can be kept safe.”
Answer: • (the use of) a dash / dashes
• to show interruption (Stage 8 Progression test 2022, paper 2)
Question: Look at lines 10–15. Why does the writer use a dash (
–)
in line 10?
‘…Oh my – ’ The beast stepped out from the tunnel, and the boy
actually
took a few steps back. It was as if his soul had crept out of his
body and was
tugging at him, begging him to get away.’ (Lines 8–9)
Answer: to show the speech is unfinished / has been interrupted.
·to show interruption
·to add extra information (Y8 Sample test 2020, paper 2)
Question: The writer uses dashes ( – ) for two different reasons.
Why does the writer use a dash in line 29?
Why does the writer use a dash in line 31?
“With a shake of his head, Frank hooked two thumbs under his
suspenders. ‘But
Liza –’ I held up a hand – he couldn’t tell me anything I didn’t already
know. ‘I’ve
got that figured, too. I’ll bet we could find some at North Creek – in
the mine.”
Answer: Line 29: to show interruption / to show that (Frank) is being
interrupted
(by Liza)
Line 31: to add extra information / to show the character/Liza is
adding extra
information.
·to contrast / to provide additional/extra information (Stage 9
Progression 2022,
Paper 1)
Question: Look at the third paragraph (lines 13–16). The writer uses
two dashes ( – ).
Give one reason why the writer does this.
“Tom Moran, an expert on abandoned stations, says: ‘They were
built to cater for
large crowds of people – unlike sewers and utility tunnels – and thus
contain all
the features of a public space, from fire escapes to ornate signage
and
advertising on the walls.”
Answer: • to contrast (between use of stations and sewers and other
tunnels)
• to provide additional/extra information.
· to contrast / to add extra information
(Stage 9 Sample Test 2020, paper 2)
Question: Why does the writer use a dash ( – ) in line 5?
“Jamie tipped out a promising title from the shelf, then pulled a
face and
pushed it back. Why didn’t they ever have anything new? Every
week it was
the same old plastic jackets full of boring-looking kids with
anoraks and
torches – no ghosts, or astronomy or crusaders. What he wanted
was a book
that was different.”
Answer: • It gives contrasting / alternative examples (of
interesting books).
• It contrasts the dull / boring books on the shelves/ in the
library
with ones
Jamie finds interesting.
• To add information
ELLIPSIS(…)
Ellipsis has different usages:
1- To indicate the omission of words, phrases, or entire
sentences in a text,
implying that there is more to be said or described, without
going into all
the details.
Example: "The company reported a 20% increase in sales this
quarter,
compared to last year. However, some analysts question the
sustainability
of this growth in the long term..."
Here, the ellipsis implies that there are additional reasons why
the analysts
question the sustainability of the growth, but the writer is not
elaborating
on them.
2- To indicate a pause / hesitation / confusion in speech
(indicating a trailing
off of thought or speech.)
Example: "Well, I was thinking... um... maybe we could go to
the... you
know... the new restaurant that just opened downtown?"
Here, the ellipsis indicates the speaker's hesitation and
uncertainty as they
search for the right words.
3- To show interruption: Ellipsis can indicate that a speaker has
been cut off
mid-sentence, either by another speaker or by some external
event
(incomplete thought).
Example: "I was just saying that I think we should... Hey, wait a
minute,
what's that noise outside?"
Here, the ellipsis indicates that the speaker's thought is being
interrupted
by some external event.
4- To indicate a change of thoughts: the ellipsis is used to
indicate that the
speaker was going say something, but then changed their mind
and decided
not to (incomplete thought).
Example: "I was going to say that the new project is going well...
but
actually, I'm not so sure anymore."
Here, the ellipsis indicates that the speaker changed their mind
and decided
not to make the positive statement they were originally going to
make.
EFFECTS OF USING ELLIPSIS
1- Suspense: Ellipsis can create a feeling of suspense or anticipation,
leaving the
reader or listener wondering what might come next arousing their
curiosity.
Example: "As she opened the door, she heard a noise... something
moving in the
darkness. She took a step forward, heart pounding, and then...
nothing. Silence."
Here, the ellipsis creates a moment of suspense, leaving the reader
wondering
what the noise was and what might happen next.
2- Emphasis: By leaving out certain words or phrases, ellipsis can
draw attention
to the most important parts of a sentence or thought.
Example: "The most important thing in life is not what you have, but
who you...
love."
Here, the ellipsis draws attention to the word "love," emphasizing its
importance
and leaving the reader to contemplate its significance.
3- Fragmentation: Ellipsis can be used to indicate that the thoughts/
incidents
are Shattered, which can be used to reflect a character's emotional
state or the
chaotic nature of a situation.
Example: "She woke up... to the sound of shattering glass. Her heart
raced as she
stumbled out of bed... and saw the broken window."
Here, the ellipsis fragments the narrative, reflecting the character's
disorientation and the chaotic nature of the situation.
4- Ambiguity: By omitting certain words or phrases, ellipsis can
create ambiguity,
leaving the reader or listener to interpret the meaning of a sentence
or thought.
Example: "I saw him in the park... with her."
Here, the ellipsis leaves the relationship between "him" and "her"
unclear, leaving
the reader to interpret the meaning of the sentence. Did the speaker
see "him"
with a friend, a colleague, or a romantic partner?

·To create a dramatic effect: (Stage 9, Progression 2023, paper 1, text

B)
Question: Look at the last sentence (lines 20–21). How does the
writer create
dramatic effect?
‘And if he should end up with a major award next year, well… how’s
that for an
American Dream?”
Answer: • use of ellipsis
·To show interruption: (Stage 9, Progression test 2020, Paper 2)
·To show fragmentation
Question: Look at lines 47–60. Why has the writer used ellipsis (…)?
“Uncle Owen says he can’t find the bottle-opener…”
“Has he looked under the hallstand?”
“Willy’s cut his finger …”
“Got your spade?”
“Uncle Owen says why should the bottle-opener be under the
hallstand?”
“Never again, never again …”
“I know I put the pepper somewhere…”
“Willy's bleeding …”
“Look, there’s a bootlace in my bucket…”
“Oh come on, come on …”
“Let’s have a look at the bootlace in your bucket.”
“If I lay my hands on that dog …”
“Uncle Owen’s found the bottle-opener …”
“Willy's bleeding over the cheese …”
Answer: • The conversations are interrupted / not finished.
• It shows parts of conversations (by different people).

BRACKETS()
Brackets have different usages:
1- To enclose additional information (parenthetical element) within a
sentence:
Brackets can be used to include additional information within a
sentence that is
not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Example: The new restaurant in town (which serves vegan food) has
become
quite popular among the locals.
In this sentence, the information within the brackets provides
additional
information about the new restaurant, but it is not essential to the
meaning of
the sentence.
2- To indicate an abbreviation: Brackets can be used to indicate an
abbreviation.
Example: “The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945.”
Explanation: The brackets are used to indicate that the abbreviation
"UN" is being
used to refer to "United Nations."

EFFECTS OF USING BRACKETS

1- To create a sense of intimacy or connection: Brackets can be used
to create a
sense of intimacy or connection between the writer and the reader.
Example: I can't believe it's been five years since we first met (at that
coffee
shop on Main Street).
By enclosing additional information about where the writer and
reader first met
in brackets, the writer is creating a sense of intimacy or connection
by
reminding the reader of a shared experience.
.2- To indicate emphasis: Brackets can be used to indicate emphasis.
Example: The athlete's performance in the final race was truly
remarkable [she
broke the world record by more than two seconds]!
Explanation: By placing the phrase "she broke the world record by
more than two
seconds" in brackets, the writer is emphasizing the exceptional
nature of the
athlete's performance.
Notice that commas, dashes, and brackets can be used to enclose
parenthetical
elements (extra/ additional information). However, when brackets
are used in
fiction writing, they can create a sense of intimacy between the
reader and the
character making the reader more into the character’s thoughts,
emotions or
personal reactions to a particular event or situation. By enclosing
these thoughts
in brackets, the reader can feel as if they are privy to the character's
innermost
thoughts and feelings. Dashes, on the other hand, make the enclosed
information stand out adding more importance to it and grabbing
the reader’s
attention to its value.
INVERTEDCOMMAS(“”)
Inverted commas have different usages:
1- Direct speech: Inverted commas are used to indicate direct speech
or dialogue
spoken by a character in a story, play, or script.
Example: "I can't believe you said that," she exclaimed.
The inverted commas are used to indicate the direct speech spoken
by the
character.
2- Quotations: Inverted commas are used to indicate a quotation /
idiom/ famous
saying or direct citation from a source, such as a book or article.
Example: According to Albert Einstein, "Imagination is more
important than
knowledge."
The inverted commas are used to indicate the direct quotation from
Albert
Einstein.
3- Titles: Inverted commas are used to indicate the titles of short
works, such as
poems, songs, or short stories.
Example: The poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost is one of
his most
famous works.
The inverted commas are used to indicate the title of the poem.
4- Irony or sarcasm: Inverted commas can be used to indicate irony
or sarcasm,
suggesting that the writer is using the word or phrase with a
different or
opposite meaning than usual.
Example: “He's such a "great" friend, always gossiping behind my
back.”
The inverted commas are used to indicate sarcasm, suggesting that
the writer
does not actually consider the person to be a good friend.
.5- Emphasis: Inverted commas can be used to emphasize a word or
phrase,
drawing attention to it.
Example: The dessert was simply "amazing."
The inverted commas are used to emphasize the word "amazing,"
indicating that
the writer thought the dessert was exceptionally good.
6- To indicate that a word or phrase is being used figuratively or with
a different
meaning than its literal definition.
Example: He has a "heart of stone" when it comes to criticism.
The inverted commas are used to indicate that the writer is using the
phrase
"heart of stone" figuratively to describe the person's emotional
response to
criticism.

EFFECTS OF USING INVERTED COMMAS

1- Highlighting dialogue:
Example: "You know," she said, "I never thought I'd end up like this."
The inverted commas around "You know" and "I never thought I'd
end up like this"
indicate that these are spoken words, while the rest of the sentence
is narration.
This creates a clear separation between the dialogue and the
surrounding text,
emphasizing the importance of what the character is saying.
2- Creating distance:
Example: He was such a "charming" guy.
The inverted commas around "charming" suggest that the writer
doesn't actually
think the guy is charming, but is using the word sarcastically. This
creates a
sense of detachment from the word and allows the writer to express
their true
feelings about the subject.
3- Signifying difference:
Example: The "dog" was actually a large rat.
By putting the word "dog" in inverted commas, the writer is
indicating that the
animal is not actually a dog, but is being referred to as such for some
reason.
This creates a playful sense of wordplay and can add depth to the
meaning of the
sentence.
4- Drawing attention:
Example: It's not just a "minor" issue - it could have serious
consequences.
The inverted commas around "minor" draw attention to the fact that
the issue is
actually much more serious than it appears. This can be a powerful
technique in
persuasive writing, as it allows the writer to emphasize the
importance of their
argument.

· To indicate that a word or phrase is being used figuratively. (Stage

8, Sample
test 2020, paper 1, text A)
Question: Look at the title. The world’s first ‘underground cinema’
Why has the writer used inverted commas ( ‘ ’ )?
Answer: • The writer is using the phrase figuratively not literally
• It is not really a cinema
·To indicate quoting (Stage 9, Progression test 2023, paper 2)
Question: Look at lines 51–52.
“I also found out why I should never reveal ‘why’ to others.”
Why has the writer used inverted commas ( ‘ ’ )?
Answer: • because the girl is quoting what the mother has previously
said / it was
an earlier quote.

EXCLAMATIONMARKS(!)
Exclamation marks have different usages and effects:
1- Expressing strong emotion: The exclamation mark is used to
emphasize the
intensity of the emotion being expressed.
Example: "I can't believe it!" The exclamation mark conveys shock or
disbelief.
-"Wow, that's amazing!" expresses admiration or awe.
- "Oh no, we're lost!" conveys anxiety or concern.
2- Indicating surprise: Exclamation marks are often used to indicate
surprise.
Example: "You won the lottery!" conveys excitement and disbelief
-"I can't believe you did that!" conveys shock or disbelief
-"They're getting married!" conveys surprise or excitement.
3- Showing emphasis: Exclamation marks are used to emphasize the
strength of
the statement being made. conveys a strong positive feeling, conveys
a strong
opinion, and emphasizes the speaker's enjoyment of the food.
Example: -"I absolutely love this song!" conveys a strong positive
feeling
-"That was the best movie ever!" conveys a strong opinion
-"This is the most delicious pizza I've ever tasted!" emphasizes the
speaker's enjoyment of the food.
4- Conveying urgency: Exclamation marks can be used to convey a
sense of
urgency.
Examples: "Help! I need assistance!" conveys a need for immediate
help.
"Stop! Don't do that!" conveys a sense of danger or warning.
"Hurry up! We're going to be late!" conveys a need to move quickly.
5- Demonstrating strong agreement: Exclamation marks can also be
used to
demonstrate agreement or enthusiasm.
Examples: "Yes! I completely agree!" conveys a strong affirmation.
"Absolutely! That's a fantastic idea!" conveys strong approval.
"Definitely! Let's do it!" which conveys eagerness or enthusiasm.

·to show shock/fear/awe. (Stage 8, Progression 2022, paper 2)

Question: Look at lines 1–9. Look at the exclamation mark ( ! ).
What does it tell the reader about the boy’s attitude to the beast’s
head?
“But still the beast stood in the archway, pawing at the floor. It was
bigger than a
man. It stood almost three metres tall and was massively built with
slabs of
muscle on its chest and shoulders. Below the waist it was bull-like. It
had a
swinging tail and mud-splattered hooves. Or was it mud? Above the
waist it was a
man except, that is, for the head. And what a head!”
Answer: • (The writer wants to show) shock/fear/awe.
• to show surprise / pride / amazement (Stage 9, Sample test 2020,
Paper 1,
text B)
Question: Why does the writer use an exclamation mark ( ! ) in line
9?
“At the end of the season I extracted 200 kilos of honey from those
five hives! I
will never forget it.”
Answer: • to show surprise / pride / amazement
·To show determination (Stage 9, Sample test 2020, Paper2)
Question: Look at line 48. What does the writer’s use of an
exclamation
mark ( ! ) tell the reader about Jamie?
“The stranger raced across the room and disappeared with a slam
and a draught.
Right! Jamie thought. He stood up and walked over to the desk. The
librarian
glared.”
Answer: • Jamie has made a decision.
• Jamie is determined to discover where the man has gone.
HYPHENS(-)
Hyphens have different usages:
1- To join words or parts of words to form compound words
Example: Long-term
Self-esteem
Mother-in-law
2- To link two or more adjectives that describe a noun
Example: The bright-red car
A well-respected teacher
A six-foot-tall man
3- To show word breaks at the end of a line of text
Example: The book is on the bookshelf.
4- To indicate a range of numbers or dates
Example: The pages 25-30
The years 1980-1990
The ages 20-25
5-To indicate a prefix or suffix that is not usually used with a
particular word
Example: Pre-World War II
Anti-American
Post-election