Punctuation

Question 1

Punctuations

Answer 1

1) Periods: Use a period at the end of informative sentences in your paragraphs
2) Exclamation Marks: Do not use them in academic writing
3) Commas: Generally, use them whenever you hear a brief audible pause
4) Apostrophes: Only use apostrophes to show possession (e.g. France’s population,
Germany’s cars). Do not use them to show contraction (e.g. isn’t, doesn’t)
5) Capitalization: Only capitalize words at the start of the sentence and proper nouns
6) Semicolons: Use them to join two independent clauses that are closely related in ideas

Question 2

Commas
Commas can be very difficult to use in English. However, for the IELTS essays, these 4 rules
are the most relevant:

Answer 2

1. If the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, use a comma at the end
   of the dependent clause
   ○ Even though junk food is unhealthy, many people consume it due to cheaper costs
2. Use comma before any coordinating conjunction that links two independent clauses
   ○ Teachers should be paid higher wages, because their work is of utmost importance.
3. Use commas to separate the items in a list
   ○ People can improve their mood with a healthy diet, exercise, and a healthy social life.
4. Use a comma after an introductory cohesive device
   ○ Finally, … Alternatively, … For example, … As a result, … (NOT It is clear/This is due to)

Question 3

Apostrophes

Answer 3

Apostrophes are used to show contraction of words (e.g. isn’t, doesn’t, etc.) and possession (e.g. France’s population, Germany’s cars, etc.).
However, in academic writing, you can only use apostrophes to show possession. Do not use them for contraction.
1. For a singular noun → apostrophe + s
○ Our nation’s population is rapidly increasing.

2. For singular and plural nouns ending in “s” → apostrophe only (without “s”)
   ○ Ensuring job satisfaction of the employees is the boss’ responsibility.
   ○ The education of children is their teachers’ responsibility.
3. For irregular plural nouns → apostrophe + s
   ○ Children’s views are usually shaped by their parents. (NOT childrens’)
4. Do not use an apostrophe for pluralizing a regular noun
   ○ There are numerous tradition’s in the world.(Wrong)
   There are numerous traditions in the world.

Question 4

Capitalization

Answer 4

1. Capitalize the first letter of the first word in a sentence
   ○ Every country has a rich and unique history.
2. Capitalize proper nouns (names and places)
   ○ Research conducted by Harvard University in Massachusetts, shows that…
3. Months (January, February) and days of the week (Sunday, Monday) are treated as proper nouns and are thus capitalized, but seasons (summer, winter) are not
   ○ After a sharp growth in March, the profit from banana sales plummeted in December but recovered by the following summer.
4. Names of school subjects (math, algebra, geology, psychology) are not capitalized, with the exception of the names of languages (French, English)
   ○ My favorite subjects in high school were Spanish and psychology.

Question 5

Capitalization

Answer 5

1. Capitalize the first letter of the first word in a sentence
   ○ Every country has a rich and unique history.
2. Capitalize proper nouns (names and places)
   ○ Research conducted by Harvard University in Massachusetts, shows that…
3. Months (January, February) and days of the week (Sunday, Monday) are treated as proper nouns and are thus capitalized, but seasons (summer, winter) are not
   ○ After a sharp growth in March, the profit from banana sales plummeted in December but recovered by the following summer.
4. Names of school subjects (math, algebra, geology, psychology) are not capitalized, with the exception of the names of languages (French, English)
   ○ My favorite subjects in high school were Spanish and psychology.

Question 6

Semicolons

Answer 6

Semicolons indicate an audible pause that is longer than a comma, but shorter than a period.
You probably will not need to use it in your essay, but here are the main rules, just in case:

1. Semicolon is usually used to link two independent clauses that are closely related
   ○ Some people write on computers; others prefer to write by hand.
2. Avoid a semicolon when a dependent clause comes before an independent clause
   ○ Although they tried; they failed. wrong
   ○ Although they tried, they failed.
3. Use a semicolon before words/terms like namely, however, therefore, that is, for example, for instance, etc., when they introduce a complete sentence (followed by a comma)
   ○ Science is one of the most significant subjects; however, the arts are just as important.
4. Do not capitalize ordinary words after a semicolon
   ○ I am here; You are over there. wrong
   ○ I am here; you are over there.