Punctuation For Effect

TASKS:
1. What types of punctuation do you use in your writing?
2. What punctuation mark show someone is speaking?
3. What punctuation mark can add tension?
4. What punctuation mark can add emphasis?
5. Read through the following slides and be prepared to write your
own descriptive paragraph using a variety of punctuation marks.
 The Jobs of Punctuation Marks
• Ellipsis (...) Deliberately leaving out part of a sentence to build tension or to create a cliff-hanger
• Exclamation mark ( ! ) This is used to add drama or emphasis to the word used prior
• Question mark ( ? ) You use question marks to allow the reader to know whether a character is
asking a question or whether they are being asked a question.
• Speech marks (“ “) You use speech marks to introduce dialogue or when a character is speaking.
You start a new line every time a new character speaks.
• Apostrophes ( ‘ ) There are 3 types of apostrophes – contraction doesn’t possession = my friend’s
coat or to show more than one plural the girls’ coats were on the floor.
• Dash ( - ) This is often called parenthesis and it identifies that extra information is being added to
the sentence. This extra information can be taken away and the initial sentence should still make
sense.
• Colon ( : ) Used mainly to introduce lists but can also stand as an = sign e.g. Beach: Happy
• Semi-Colon ( ; ) This indicates a pause, typically between two main clauses, that is more
pronounced than that indicated by a comma. The second clause relies on the first clause to make
complete sense e.g. I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
Look at the example piece of writing based on the picture opposite. Read my model below and label 5 examples of
punctuation I have consciously used for effect. Label:
• What I have used
• How it impacts on the reading

“Hel..He..H…Help.” His voice was nothing more than a

murmur not loud enough to attract the attention of
the two men searching for survivors. He couldn’t
move his leg; the heavy antique wardrobe lay on it.
He looked around-a task incredibly difficult given the
deep cut seeping blood from his forehead. Hopeless:
nothing around him would be useful for making a
loud noise.

He lay in wait for death’s icy embrace…

“We’ve got a live one!” “Over here!” Corporal

Backchai heard the shout from his team and raced
over to assist.
 Punctuation Challenge!
Write one descriptive paragraph about the picture below
Your challenge is to use all of the punctuation below ACCURATELY and
FOR EFFECT.

Ellipsis (...)
Exclamation mark ( ! )
Question mark ( ? )
Speech marks (“ “)
Apostrophes ( ‘ )
Dash ( - )
Colon ( : )
Semi-Colon ( ; )