Unit 4 Lesson 9: Punctuation

Question 1

independent clause

Answer 1

a group of words that includes a subject and a verb and forms a complete thought

Question 2

The Giver by Lois Lowry is unmatched in its haunting but relatable vision for the future; Lowry is the most gifted science fiction writer of her generation.
Breakdown this sentence

Answer 2

The sentence contains two independent clauses, each complete with a subject and a verb. A semicolon is a punctuation mark typically used in a sentence between two or more independent clauses that are related or connected in some way. In the sentence about Lowry, a semicolon separates the clauses and indicates a pause. The clauses are connected in topic. The writer uses the semicolon to make their claim about Lowry’s talent.

Question 3

Why did the writer write the setnec elike this: The Giver by Lois Lowry is unmatched in its haunting but relatable vision for the future; Lowry is the most gifted science fiction writer of her generation.
Instead of this:The Giver by Lois Lowry is unmatched in its haunting but relatable vision for the future. Lowry is the most gifted science fiction writer of her generation.

Answer 3

However, the writer chose to use the semicolon to create an effect. The semicolon emphasizes the writer’s claim about Lowry’s status as the most gifted science fiction writer of her generation.

Question 4

Rules for Using Semicolons:

Answer 4

• A capital letter should be used after a semicolon when the word following the semicolon is a proper noun. If the word following a semicolon is not a proper noun, it should not be capitalized.
• Another rule is about dependent clauses. An independent clause and a dependent clause should not be joined with a semicolon. Use a comma when joining an independent clause and a dependent clause

Question 5

colon

Answer 5

the punctuation mark written as: and often used to introduce a list or quotation or to provide clarification

Question 6

colon Introducing a Quotation

Answer 6

• As a marine biologist explains: “The world’s coral reefs are essential to the healthy functioning of the oceans.”
  Note that the quotation directly follows the colon. Note also that the quotation—assuming it is a full sentence itself—begins with a capital letter, and that the final punctuation—in this case, a period—is included within the quotation marks. If the quotation is not a full sentence, writers should not capitalize the first word, as in the following example.