PUNCTUATION MARKS PRACTICE

Activity 1 (Home)

Read these sentences and identify what punctuation is

missing or wrong. Add to or correct the punctuation.

1. Although change can provide the opportunity for improvement there is no need to
make unnecessary changes when things are working well.
2. Changes relating to travel work or study can help them to broaden their horizons
and learn something new
3. Change can lead to improvements in a persons outlook on life and ability to relate
to others.
4. However people can experience various difficulties when they have to adapt to
change.
5. If a company makes structural changes employees may have to get used to new
duties or may even lose their jobs.

Activity 2 (Home)

Now match the punctuation rules a–e with the sentences 1–6 in the previous exercise.

a. Use a comma between items in a list. A comma before ‘or’ is not necessary. Always
put a full stop at the end of a sentence.
b. Use a comma after a subordinate clause if the subordinate clause comes first in the
sentence.
c. When you begin a sentence with a linker, place a comma directly after it.
d. In a conditional sentence, use a comma after the ‘if’ clause if the ‘if’ clause comes
first in the sentence.
e. To show possession, add an apostrophe + ‘s’ to the singular noun.

Activity 3 (Home)

Look at this extract from a student’s essay. Add to or correct the punctuation.

Although some people are resistant to change I believe change is necessary. We are living
in a world where technological innovation’s such as smart phones artificial intelligence
and social media are changing our lifestyles There is no need to be afraid of technology. In
my view an individuals ability to adapt quickly to change is a definite advantage in todays
society.

Be ready to share your answers in class!

Adapted from: National Geographic Learning. Life EAP. Writing Unit 6 Worksheet.