When we talk about punctuation, far too often people just assume we’re talking about full stops and commas.
But…there are so many other types of punctuation!
Why Should I use them?
The GCSE mark scheme works a little but like a checklist. The examiner looks at your work and mentally ticks off what you have included and the quality of those things.
For example, a low-level candidate might use simple sentences written with some accuracy. A mid-level student might use a range of sentences which are mostly accurate. Finally, a top-level student will use a range of sophisticated sentences with precise accuracy. Check out my guide to writing a description here!
And…it works the same with punctuation.
The more types of punctuation you use, the higher up the mark scheme you go!
1. Question Marks
First of all, we have question marks. These are so easy to use and so easy to forget!
If you’re writing a description or a story, add in some direct speech and use some question marks.
If you want to be extra fancy, use some rhetorical questions. These are questions that don’t need an answer. They are AMAZING for persuasive writing – don’t you agree?
Check out my guide to persuasive writing here!
Example:
“Is this really the kind of world we want to live in?”
2. Exclamation Marks
Another really simple solution – exclamation marks!
They are fantastic for stories and descriptions to add excitement and action.
Even better, they can also be used in persuasive writing to give more power and emphasis to your statements.
Example:
“The voting age should be lowered to give more young people power and autonomy!”
3. Semicolons
The dreaded semicolon!
Most people, apologies if you’re not one of them, either don’t know how to use this so they stay away from it or they think they do and they it wrong!
It is one of the most misused punctuation marks!
A semicolon is used to connect two main clauses in a sentence. Usually we would connect two main clauses using a conjunction such as ‘and’. A semicolon provides you with another option to add more sophistication to your work and change the rhythm of your sentences.
Example:
“The wind smashed powerfully into the fragile walls; rain pounded like bullets onto the cracked windows.”
4. Colons
You might already be familiar with this one!
Colons are excellent because you can use them at the start of a list.
They are really simple to use but can add more variety to your sentences!
Example:
“The room was bare and bereft except for a few forgotten objects: a top hat with a red ribbon, an empty bottle of whiskey and a mysterious collection of rusted keys.”
5. Ellpisis
And…finally…last but not least we have ellipsis!
This is when we use three consecutive full stops…
It is great for adding in tension and suspense your story. Everyone loves a dramatic pause!
It’s like when you’re watching a movie and it suddenly goes: Duh, Duh, DAHHHHHHHH!
Example:
“Suddenly, out of nowhere, she felt a hand grab onto her shoulder…”
And…that’s a wrap! Have you used any of those before? How many types of punctuation do you usually use in your writing? Get experimenting and try using a greater range! Don’t forget to also add language devices into your writing, check out my free eBook all about language devices here! Comment below with your favourite type of punctuation!