Punctuation Rules That are Particularly Relevant for IELTS Writing:
1. Full Stops (Periods) [.]
- Use a full stop to end a complete sentence.
- Example: “The climate is changing. We need to act now.”
2. Commas [,]
- Use commas to separate items in a list.
- Example: “I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.”
- Use a comma after introductory phrases or clauses.
- Example: “After the meeting, we went for lunch.”
- Use commas to set off non-essential information or clauses.
- Example: “My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us next week.”
- Use commas before conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) when they join two independent
clauses.
- Example: “She wanted to go to the beach, but it started raining.”
3. Semicolons [;]
- Use semicolons to link closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction.
- Example: “I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.”
- Use semicolons to separate items in a complex list.
- Example: “We visited Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Rome, Italy.”
4. Colons [:]
- Use colons to introduce a list or explanation.
- Example: “You need to bring the following: a pen, a notebook, and a calculator.”
- Use colons to emphasize a point or to introduce a quote.
- Example: “He had only one goal: to win the championship.”
5. Apostrophes [’]
- Use apostrophes to show possession.
- Example: “Sarah’s book” (the book belonging to Sarah).
- Use apostrophes to form contractions.
- Example: “Don’t” (do not).
6. Quotation Marks [“”]
- Use quotation marks to enclose direct speech or quotes.
- Example: “The teacher said, ‘Please submit your assignments by Friday.’”
- Use quotation marks to highlight specific terms or phrases.
- Example: “The term ‘global warming’ is often used in discussions about climate change.”
7. Hyphens [-]
- Use hyphens to join words or parts of words together.
- Example: “The well-known author” (compound adjective).
- Use hyphens to avoid ambiguity in compound words.
- Example: “Re-cover” (to cover again) vs. “Recover” (to regain health).
8. Dashes [—]
- Use em dashes to add emphasis or to include additional information.
- Example: “She was the best candidate—the most experienced and qualified.”
- Use en dashes to show ranges or connections.
- Example: “The meeting is scheduled for July 10–15.”
9. Parentheses [( )]
- Use parentheses to add supplementary information or clarifications.
- Example: “The experiment (which was conducted last year) yielded surprising results.”
10. Ellipses […]
- Use ellipses to indicate an omission in a quote or a pause in speech.
- Example: “The report stated that the results were inconclusive… further studies are needed.”
1. After "but"
- Generally: Do not place a comma before "but" when it is used to connect two clauses, unless the
clauses are long or complex and require additional clarity.
- Example without comma: “I wanted to go for a walk but it started raining.”
- Example with comma (for clarity): “I wanted to go for a walk, but since it was raining heavily, I
decided to stay home.”
2. After "and"
- Generally: Do not use a comma before "and" when it connects two elements in a list or joins two
clauses unless it's part of a series of complex clauses.
- Example: “We bought apples, oranges, and bananas.”
- Example with comma (for clarity): “She studied hard, and, as a result, she passed the exam with
flying colors.”
3. After "or"
- Generally: A comma is not used before "or" when it connects two options or alternatives in a
simple list or clause.
- Example: “You can have coffee or tea.”
- Example with comma (for clarity): “We can go to the park, or if it’s too cold, we can stay
indoors.”
4. After "nor"
- Generally: Do not use a comma before "nor" when it is used to connect two negative clauses.
- Example: “She doesn’t like apples, nor does she enjoy oranges.”
5. After "so"
- Generally: Use a comma before "so" when it is used to connect two clauses where “so” means
“therefore” or “as a result.”
- Example: “He was tired, so he went to bed early.”
6. After "yet"
- Generally: Use a comma before "yet" when it connects two independent clauses and "yet"
means “but at the same time” or “nevertheless.”
- Example: “She was tired, yet she finished her work on time.”
7. After "therefore" and "however"
- Generally: Use a comma after "therefore," "however," and similar transitional words or phrases
when they are used to begin a sentence or follow a semicolon.
- Example: “She was late; however, she still managed to complete her task.”
- Example: “The deadline is approaching. Therefore, we need to act quickly.”
8. After "for example" and "such as"
- Generally: Use a comma after "for example" and "such as" when they introduce examples in a
sentence.
- Example: “There are several types of fruit, for example, apples, oranges, and bananas.”
- Example: “I enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming.”
9. After "in addition" and "moreover"
- Generally: Use a comma after "in addition" and "moreover" when they are used at the beginning
of a sentence.
- Example: “The new policy will save money. Moreover, it will improve efficiency.”
10. After "like" and "including"
- Generally: A comma is often used after "like" or "including" when introducing a list or example.
- Example: “She enjoys many outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and swimming.”
- Example: “Several fruits, including apples and oranges, are rich in vitamin C.”
11. After "e.g." and "i.e."
- Generally: Use a comma after "e.g." (exempli gratia) and "i.e." (id est) when they are used in a
sentence.
- Example: “You will need some supplies, e.g., pencils, paper, and a notebook.”
- Example: “We need to study the key concepts, i.e., the theories of evolution and natural
selection.”
12. After "therefore," "thus," and "hence"
- Generally: Use a comma after these words when they introduce a result or conclusion.
- Example: “The weather was bad; therefore, the event was canceled.”
Semicolons [;]
1. Linking Independent Clauses:
- Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a
conjunction.
- Example: “She loves reading; he prefers watching movies.”
2. Before Conjunctive Adverbs:
- When connecting two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore,
moreover, consequently), use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.
- Example: “She was tired; however, she continued working.”
3. Complex Lists:
- Use semicolons to separate items in a complex list, particularly when the items themselves
contain commas.
- Example: “The conference has attendees from Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Rome, Italy.”
Before Conjunctions
1. Comma Before Conjunctions:
- Use a comma before conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) when they are used to join two
independent clauses.
- Example: “I wanted to go to the beach, but it started raining.”
2. No Comma with Simple Connections:
- Do not use a comma before conjunctions when they connect simple elements in a sentence
(e.g., items in a list).
- Example: “I need to buy bread and milk.”
3. Joining Clauses with Conjunctions:
- When using a conjunction to connect two independent clauses, a comma is typically used
before the conjunction.
- Example: “She was excited about the trip, so she started packing early.”
4. Complex Sentences:
- In complex sentences where an independent clause is joined by a conjunction to a dependent
clause, no comma is needed before the conjunction.
- Example: “She stayed at home because she was feeling unwell.”
1. Commas Before and After
1.1. Non-Essential (Parenthetical) Clauses or Phrases
- These provide additional information that can be omitted without changing the meaning of the
sentence.
- Example: “My brother, who lives in London, is visiting us next week.”
- Example: “The event, which was originally planned for June, has been postponed.”
1.2. Introductory Phrases or Clauses
- Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause that precedes the main clause.
- Example: “After the meeting, we went for dinner.”
- Example: “In the morning, I like to go for a run.”
1.3. Appositives
- Appositives rename or provide additional information about a noun or pronoun.
- Example: “The book, a thrilling mystery novel, was hard to put down.”
- Example: “The concert, a charity event for local schools, was a huge success.”
2. Semicolon Before and Comma After
2.1. Conjunctive Adverbs
- When connecting two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore,
moreover), use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.
- Example: “She was tired; however, she decided to keep working.”
- Example: “The project was completed on time; therefore, the team received a bonus.”
2.2. Complex Lists
- Use a semicolon to separate items in a complex list where the items themselves contain commas,
and a comma is used after the semicolon to separate the next item in the list.
- Example: “We visited Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Rome, Italy.”
- Example: “For the event, we need to purchase eggs, flour, and sugar; milk, butter, and vanilla; and
fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas.”
Essay with Missing Punctuation
Title: The Impact of Technology on Education
Technology has revolutionized many aspects of our lives one of the most significant changes has
occurred in the field of education. With the advent of digital tools and resources students and
teachers now have access to a vast array of information and learning materials. However this
transformation has both positive and negative implications for the educational system.
On the one hand technology has greatly enhanced the learning experience. Interactive software
and educational apps make learning more engaging and personalized. For example students can
use language learning apps to practice vocabulary and grammar exercises at their own pace.
Furthermore online courses and virtual classrooms have made education more accessible to
people around the world. Students from remote areas can now attend lectures and participate in
discussions without having to travel long distances.
On the other hand there are concerns about the impact of technology on education. Excessive
screen time can lead to distractions and reduce students ability to focus. Additionally not all
students have equal access to technology which can widen the educational gap between different
socioeconomic groups. Some argue that the reliance on technology might diminish traditional skills
such as critical thinking and problem solving which are essential in academic and professional
settings.
In conclusion technology has brought both opportunities and challenges to education. While it
offers innovative ways to enhance learning and expand access to knowledge it also poses potential
risks that need to be addressed. It is important for educators and policymakers to find a balance
that leverages the benefits of technology while mitigating its drawbacks. By doing so we can ensure
that technology serves as a tool for positive change in education rather than a hindrance.
Your Task:
Add the necessary punctuation marks to the essay to correct any grammatical errors and enhance
readability.
The same essay with the correct punctuation added:
The Impact of Technology on Education
Technology has revolutionized many aspects of our lives. One of the most significant changes has
occurred in the field of education. With the advent of digital tools and resources, students and
teachers now have access to a vast array of information and learning materials. However, this
transformation has both positive and negative implications for the educational system.
On the one hand, technology has greatly enhanced the learning experience. Interactive software
and educational apps make learning more engaging and personalized. For example, students can
use language learning apps to practice vocabulary and grammar exercises at their own pace.
Furthermore, online courses and virtual classrooms have made education more accessible to
people around the world. Students from remote areas can now attend lectures and participate in
discussions without having to travel long distances.
On the other hand, there are concerns about the impact of technology on education. Excessive
screen time can lead to distractions and reduce students' ability to focus. Additionally, not all
students have equal access to technology, which can widen the educational gap between different
socioeconomic groups. Some argue that the reliance on technology might diminish traditional
skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, which are essential in academic and
professional settings.
In conclusion, technology has brought both opportunities and challenges to education. While it
offers innovative ways to enhance learning and expand access to knowledge, it also poses potential
risks that need to be addressed. It is important for educators and policymakers to find a balance
that leverages the benefits of technology while mitigating its drawbacks. By doing so, we can ensure
that technology serves as a tool for positive change in education rather than a hindrance.
This version of the essay includes appropriate commas, periods, and other punctuation marks to
enhance clarity and readability.
