REVISION NOTES

YEAR 6
UNIT ONE
PUNCTUATION MARKS, USAGE, AND EFFECT

THE UNIT CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING:

PUNCTUATION MARKS USAGE
PUNCTUATION MARKS EFFECT
HOW PUNCTUATION MARKS APPEARED IN CAMBRIDGE LATEST EXAMS

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 HOW TO USE THIS SHEET

THE SHEET IS DIVIDED INTO 7 CHAPTERS. EACH CHAPTER COVERS THE USE,
THE EFFECT, AND CAMBRIDGE PERVIOUS EXAMS QUESTIONS FOR EACH
PUNCTUATION MARK.

CHAPTER 1, COMMAS
CHAPTER 2, SEMI-COLONS
CHAPTER 3, COLONS
CHAPTER 4, DASHES
CHAPTER 5, ELLIPSIS
CHAPTER 6, BRACKETS
CHAPTER 7, INVERTED COMMAS

HOW IS THE CHAPTER PRESENTED?

CHAPTERS ARE ALWAYS PRESENTED IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT:

1) THE USE OF THE PUNCTUATION MARK,
2) THE EFFECT OF THE PUNCTUATION MARK,
3) LATEST CAMBRIDGE EXAM QUESTIONS, TO DEMONSTRATE HOW THE
PUNCTUATION MARK HAS BEEN USED IN PREVIOUS EXAMS.

INSTRUCTIONS

1) CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND THE USE OF THE PUNCTUATION

MARK,
2) THOROUGHLY READ AND UNDERSTAND THE EFFECT OF THE PUNCTUATION
MARK,
3) REVIEW THE FINAL SECTION OF THE CHAPTER TO SEE HOW THE
PUNCTUATION MARK WAS USED IN THE LATEST CAMBRIDGE EXAMS.

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS , CHAPTER 1

COMMAS (,)

Commas have various usages:

1- To separate items in a list: Commas are used to separate items in a list of
three or more things.
Example: ‘Second-class accommodation consisted of cabins with two or four
beds, limited storage, a sink and a mirror.’
2- Before coordinating conjunctions: Commas are used to separate
independent clauses (complete sentences) that are joined by coordinating
conjunctions such as (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Example: ‘I visited the part of Belfast known as the Titanic Quarter, and it
was a magnificent experience.’
3- To separate introductory elements: Commas are used to separate
introductory phrases and clauses from the main part of a sentence.
Example: - ‘One morning, I was looking through a pile of seaweed and Kokino
came over to help me.’ (To separate an introductory phrase)
- ‘As she set sail, the Titanic had 900 crew members and over 1300
passengers.’ (To separate an introductory clause)
4- To separate additional information: commas are used to separate
additional information (parenthetical elements such as appositives,
examples and non-defining relative clauses)
Example: ‘The third-class facilities, at the bottom of the ship, were much
more basic.’
- “Tall buildings can also provide nesting sites for birds of prey, kestrels for
instance, and seemingly empty corners of building sites can have all sorts of
insects and wild flowers.”

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 1

COMMAS (,)

5- To separate coordinate adjectives: Commas are used to separate two or

more coordinate adjectives that describe the same noun.
Example: ‘I had anchored a small, twiggy branch in the sand.’
6- To separate quotations: Commas are used to separate dialogue from the
rest of the sentence.
Example: “Tell me when William comes,” Russell said to the woman.
-The thin-faced servant turned and said, “Come along, I’ll show you to your
room.”

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 1

WHAT EFFECT CAN USING COMMAS CREATE?

There is a slight difference between the ‘usage’ and the ‘effect’. When
commas are used, they may create various effects depending on the
context they are used in:
1- Emphasizing a word or phrase: Commas can be used to place emphasis on
a particular word or phrase in a sentence.
Example: "I didn't cheat on the test, I swear!" Here, the comma after "test"
emphasizes the speaker's innocence.
2- Creating a pause: Commas can be used to create a brief pause in a
sentence, which can affect the pace and rhythm of the writing.
Example: "The wind whispered through the trees, rustling the leaves." The
comma after "trees" creates a pause that emphasizes the sound of the wind.
3- Showing contrast: Commas can be used to show contrast between two
ideas.
Example: "She's smart, but lazy." The comma after "smart" emphasizes the
contrast between her intelligence and her laziness.
4- Building suspense: Commas can be used to create a sense of suspense or
anticipation by interrupting a sentence and leaving the reader hanging.
Example: "He turned the corner and saw something that made his blood run
cold, something he never expected to see..."
5- Conveying emotion: Commas can be used to convey a range of emotions,
such as hesitation, excitement, or frustration.
Example: "I'm not sure, but I think I might resign." The comma after "sure"
conveys hesitation or uncertainty.

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 1

COMMAS USAGES THAT HAVE APPEARED IN

CAMBRIDGE LATEST PUBLISHED EXAMS

·Parenthetic commas: Progression Test 2023, paper 1, text A

Question: Give one example of a sentence with parenthetic commas ( , , ).
Write the whole sentence.
Answer: ‘The third-class facilities, at the bottom of the ship, were much
more basic.’
·to give an example: Progression Test 2022, paper 2, text B
Question: Look at lines 11–13.
‘Tall buildings can also provide nesting sites for birds of prey, kestrels for
instance, and seemingly empty corners of building sites can have all sorts of
insects and wild flowers.’
Why have commas ( , ) been used in this sentence? Tick one box.
Answer: to give an example.

· to add extra details: April 2021, Paper 1, Text A

Question: Look at lines 7–10. Why are commas ( , ) used? Tick one box.
“The exhibition, which opened on October 8, shows what some remarkable
robots can do.”
Answer: to add extra details about the exhibition.

·to separate items in a list: April 2021, Paper 2

Question: Look at lines 27–35. What is the purpose of the commas ( , ) in the
first sentence of the paragraph?
“I’ve done a circuit of the downstairs now: hall, kitchen, living room and back
to the hall.”
Answer: to separate items (in a list) / to separate the different examples

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 2

SEMI-COLONS (;)

Semi-colons have different usages:

1- To connect closely related independent clauses: A semicolon can be used
to connect two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a
conjunction forming a compound sentence.
Example: ‘I have an important exam tomorrow; I need to study all night.’
2- To separate items in a list: When items in a list contain commas or they
are ‘complex’ items, a semicolon can be used to separate these items,
making it easier to read.
Example: ‘I need to buy groceries: milk, which I use for cereal; bread, which I
use for sandwiches; and cheese, which I use for omelets.’ (Items with
internal commas)
-‘I need to buy three things: a new book to read; a pair of running
shoes for my morning jog; and a water bottle to stay hydrated.’ (Complex
items in a list)
3- To separate independent clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs: When
two independent clauses are joined by a conjunctive adverb (e.g. however,
therefore, moreover), a semicolon can be used to separate them.
Example: ‘I really want to go on vacation; however, I can't afford it right
now.’

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 2

WHAT EFFECT CAN USING SEMI-COLONS CREATE?

1- Emphasizes the relationship between two ideas: Semicolons are often

used to connect two closely related independent clauses. By using a
semicolon instead of a period, the writer emphasizes the relationship
between the two ideas and shows that they are closely connected.
2- Clarifies complex lists: Semicolons can be used to separate items in a list,
especially if the items themselves contain internal commas. This can help to
clarify complex lists and make them easier to read.
3- Adds variety to sentence structure: By using semicolons instead of
periods or conjunctions, writers can add variety to their sentence structure
and create a more interesting and engaging piece of writing.
4- Enhances the flow of writing: When used correctly, semicolons can help
to enhance the flow of writing by creating a smoother transition between
ideas and avoiding disjointed sentences.
5- Creating a sense of suspense: Similar to commas, semicolons can also be
used to create a sense of suspense or anticipation by breaking up a
sentence and leaving the reader hanging.
Example: "He waited nervously for the results; would he get the promotion
he had been hoping for?"
6- Conveying a sense of importance: Semicolons can be used to convey a
sense of importance or significance to an idea or statement.
Example: "There is one thing I know for sure; life is too short to waste on
regret."

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 2

SEMI-COLONS USAGES THAT HAVE APPEARED IN

CAMBRIDGE LATEST PUBLISHED EXAMS

·To join two related sentences: Progression Test 2022, paper 1, text A
Question: Look at lines 13–15.
“Carrying an aquarium*, I ran down to the sea again, filled the bottom with
sand and dashed back to the villa with it; then I had to run down to the sea
again three times with buckets to fill it up with the required amount of
water.”
Why has a semi-colon ( ; ) been used in this sentence?
Answer:
• to join two related sentences
• to join two main clauses (instead of having one long sentence / two
separate sentences).
• the second part of the sentence (after the semi-colon) adds to / builds on
first part of the sentence (before semi-colon)

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 3

COLONS (:)

Colons have different usages:

1- To introduce a list: A colon can be used to introduce a list of items.
Example: ‘My favorite colors are as follows: blue, green, and purple.’
REMEMBER: Colons should follow an independent clause that can stand on
its own as a complete sentence.
2- To introduce a quotation: When quoting someone or something, a colon
can be used to introduce the quote.
Example: ‘My teacher said it best: "Practice makes perfect.”
3- To introduce an explanation or elaboration: A colon can be used to
introduce an explanation or elaboration on a previous statement.
Example: ‘I have one goal for this year: to write a book.’
REMEMBER: Colons should follow an independent clause that can stand on
its own as a complete sentence.
4- To separate hours and minutes in time: A colon is commonly used to
separate hours and minutes in time.
Example: ‘The meeting is at 3:30 PM.’
5- To introduce a subtitle or a description that follows a title.
Examples: "The Catcher in the Rye: A Novel" (subtitle)
"The Great Gatsby: A Tale of Jazz Age New York" (description)
"The Elements of Style: The Classic Writing Style Guide" (subtitle)

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 3

WHAT EFFECT CAN USING COLONS CREATE?

1- Emphasizes the information that follows: A colon can be used to draw

attention to the information that follows it, indicating that it is important or
worthy of special attention.
2- Clarifies or elaborates on previous information: A colon can be used to
introduce an explanation, elaboration, or definition of a previous statement,
making it clearer and easier to understand.
3- Adds variety to sentence structure: By using colons, writers can add
variety to their sentence structure, creating more complex and nuanced
sentences that are more interesting to read.
4- Creates a formal tone: Colons are often used in formal writing, such as
academic papers, reports, and business documents, and their use can create
a more formal or professional tone.

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 3

COLONS USAGES THAT HAVE APPEARED IN

CAMBRIDGE LATEST PUBLISHED EXAMS

To introduce an explanation: Sample Test 2020, paper 2

Question: Why has the writer used a colon ( : ) in line 16?
“She looked at him curiously, having heard so much of Uncle Russell, and
found him not unlike she had imagined: a big, but shrunken-looking man,
with heavy shoulders and long, spindly legs, he was wrinkled, with a
flattened, broken nose and very fierce eyes.”
Answer: to introduce an explanation

·To add extra information (October 2021, Paper 1, Text B)

Question: Look at this sentence: ‘There are two main types of tree:
deciduous and evergreen.’ (Line 8)
Why is a colon ( : ) used in the sentence above? Tick one box.
Answer: to add extra information

·To introduce a list: April 2021, Paper 2

Question: Look at lines 27–35. What is the purpose of the colon ( : ) in the
first sentence of the paragraph?
“I’ve done a circuit of the downstairs now: hall, kitchen, living room and back
to the hall.”

• to introduce / start / begin a list.

• To introduce (extra) examples
• To separate a list from the rest of the sentence/clause

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 4

DASHES (—)

Dashes have different usages:

1- To set off parenthetical information: Dashes can be used to set off
parenthetical information that is more important than that set off by
commas or parentheses.
Example: "The library was closed—due to renovations—for the next two
weeks."
2- To indicate a break or interruption: Dashes can be used to indicate a
sudden break or interruption in a sentence.
Example: "She was about to speak, but—"
3- To create emphasis: Dashes can be used to create emphasis or draw
attention to a particular word or phrase.
Example: "She was determined to succeed—no matter what."
4- To indicate a range: Dashes can be used to indicate a range of numbers or
dates.
Example: "The years 1950—1960 were a time of great change."
5- To add a list after a sentence, as a kind of details: Dashes can be used to
introduce a list, similar to the way colons are used.
Example: "He bought all the supplies he needed—paint, brushes, canvases—
before starting his latest project."
6- To indicate an incomplete thought: Dashes can be used to indicate an
incomplete thought or trailing off a sentence.
Example: "I just can't believe that—"

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 4

WHAT EFFECT CAN USING DASHES CREATE?

1- Emphasis: Dashes can be used to emphasize a particular word or phrase

within a sentence, drawing attention to it and giving it extra weight.
Example: "She had spent years building up her business - sacrificing her
time, her energy, and even her relationships - and now, as she looked around
at the empty office, she couldn't help but wonder if it had all been worth it."
2- Interruption: Dashes can be used to interrupt or disrupt a sentence,
reflecting a sudden change or interruption in a character's thoughts or
actions.
Example: "She was running as fast as she could - but then she stumbled, and
everything went black."
3- Intensity: Dashes can be used to add intensity or urgency to a sentence,
creating a sense of heightened emotion or drama.
Example: "He was determined to win - no matter what it took."
4- Contrast: Dashes can be used to set up a contrast or opposition between
two ideas or images, creating a dynamic tension between them.
Example: "She was dangerous - with a quick temper and a sharp tongue - but
also beautiful, with her long blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes."

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 4

WHAT EFFECT CAN USING DASHES CREATE?

5- To create a dramatic pause that can indicate the following:

· a momentary pause in a sentence or passage, building suspense and
anticipation before a climactic event or revelation. (climax)
Example: "She stepped onto the stage, the lights shining in her eyes - and
then, with a deep breath, she began to sing, her voice filling the room and
the audience cheering."
· an abrupt shift in a sentence or passage, undercutting expectations and
creating an anti-climactic effect. (anti-climax)
Example: "She stepped onto the stage, the lights shining in her eyes - and
then, just as the music began to play, she froze."
· an aside or parenthetical thought, allowing a character to reveal their
innermost feelings or thoughts to the reader.
Example: "She smiled at him - or at least, she tried to - and then thought to
herself, What am I doing here? I don't even like him."

6- Pause or hesitation: Dashes can be used to create a pause or hesitation in

a sentence, reflecting a character's uncertainty or hesitation.
Example: "He wasn't sure what to do - should he stay and fight, or run for his
life?"

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 4

DASHES USAGES THAT HAVE APPEARED IN

CAMBRIDGE LATEST PUBLISHED EXAMS

·to add extra detail / more information (Progression Test 2022, paper 2)
Question: Look at lines 9–16.
Why are dashes ( – ) used in this part?
“Through the tower’s only porthole, a blond boy of thirteen with bright,
inquisitive eyes could be seen sitting on the cabin floor. The boy was
humming a tune to himself – a tune that matched the buzzing in the walls –
as he worked on a
miniature wagon. Jar lids made up the wagon’s wheels, flattened cans its
carriage. It had pencils for axles and wire for its yoke*.”

Answer: to add extra detail / more information

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 4

DASHES USAGES THAT HAVE APPEARED IN

CAMBRIDGE LATEST PUBLISHED EXAMS

• to add extra information / provides additional information (April 2022,

paper 1)
Question: Look at these two phrases:
‘…there’s a blanket of gases (the Earth’s atmosphere) which gets thinner
until it fades into nothing.’ (Lines 8–9)
‘…scientists have invented an imaginary line – the Karman line – 160
kilometres above the Earth.’ (Lines 10–12)
(a) Why have brackets and dashes been used in these phrases?
Answer: to add extra information / provides additional information
(b) What effect does the writer achieve by using dashes instead of
brackets?
Answer: • it makes the information stand out
• They highlight the information
• To add emphasis
• (So that) people will notice it

·For emphasis / to emphasise (October 2021, Paper 1)

Question: The writer wants you to remember the name Mercury Travel.
Explain how the writer emphasises the name in the text.
Give two explanations.
“By visiting the Redwood Parks with us – Mercury Travel – you can touch
living history.”

Answer: • the writer uses dashes / puts dashes around the name (to draw
attention to the name)

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 5

ELLIPSIS (…)

Ellipsis has different usages:

1- To indicate the omission of words, phrases, or entire sentences in a text,
implying that there is more to be said or described, without going into all
the details.
Example: "The concert was amazing... the music, the lights, everything was
perfect."
2- To indicate a pause / hesitation / confusion in speech (indicating a trailing
off of thought or speech.)
Example: "I don't know what to say... it's just so shocking."
"I'm not sure what to think about this... I mean, on the one hand, it
seems like a good idea, but on the other hand, there are so many potential
problems to consider..."
3- To show interruption: Ellipsis can indicate that a speaker has been cut off
mid-sentence, either by another speaker or by some external event
(incomplete thought).
Example: "I was just saying that I really... oh my gosh, look at that!"
4- To indicate a change of thoughts: the ellipsis is used to indicate that the
speaker was going say something, but then changed their mind and decided
not to (incomplete thought).
Example: "I was going to tell you what happened last night... never mind, it's
not important."

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 5

WHAT EFFECT CAN USING ELLIPSIS CREATE?

1- Suspense: Ellipsis can create a feeling of suspense or anticipation, leaving

the reader or listener wondering what might come next arousing their
curiosity.
Example: "As she approached the door, she heard a noise... she hesitated,
wondering what to do next."
2- Emphasis: By leaving out certain words or phrases, ellipsis can draw
attention to the most important parts of a sentence or thought.
Example: "I loved him... and I still do."
3- Fragmentation: Ellipsis can be used to indicate that the thoughts/
incidents are Shattered, which can be used to reflect a character's
emotional state or the chaotic nature of a situation.
Example: "The world was spinning... she couldn't breathe... everything was
falling apart."
4- Ambiguity: By omitting certain words or phrases, ellipsis can create
ambiguity, leaving the reader or listener to interpret the meaning of a
sentence or thought.
Example: "I thought I knew what I wanted... but now I'm not so sure."

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 5

ELLIPSIS USAGES THAT HAVE APPEARED IN

CAMBRIDGE LATEST PUBLISHED EXAMS

·To indicate a pause or hesitation: Progression 2023, paper 2

Question: Look at lines 6–8. Why is an ellipsis ( … ) used?
‘You omitted to say in your acceptance letter that you were
bringing...a...bird,’ he said, his cheeks tightening as he glanced first at
Helena’s father, and then at Helena.
Answer: to show that Mr. Westcott paused/hesitated while speaking / to
show that Mr. Westcott was trying to control his emotions / Mr. Westcott’s
dislike of the parrot
·To show interruption: October 2021, Paper 2
Question: ‘He pulled himself up to his full height …’ (Lines 26–27)
Why is an ellipsis (…) used in the sentence above? Tick one box.
Answer: to show that the story has been interrupted

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 6

BRACKETS ( )

Brackets have different usages:

1- To enclose additional information (parenthetical element) within
a sentence: Brackets can be used to include additional information within
a sentence that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Example: "The concert (which was sold out) was fantastic."
2- To indicate an abbreviation: Brackets can be used to indicate
an abbreviation.
Example: "The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is
a multinational technology company."

WHAT EFFECT CAN BRACKETS CREATE?

1- To create a sense of intimacy or connection: Brackets can be used to

create a sense of intimacy or connection between the writer and the
reader.
Example: "You (and I) both know the truth."
2- To indicate emphasis: Brackets can be used to indicate emphasis.
Example: "The politician claimed that he had (never) lied to the public."
Notice that commas, dashes, and brackets can be used to enclose
parenthetical elements (extra/ additional information). However, when
brackets are used in fiction writing, they can create a sense of intimacy
between the reader and the character making the reader more into the
character’s thoughts, emotions or personal reactions to a particular event
or situation. By enclosing these thoughts in brackets, the reader can feel as
if they are privy to the character's innermost thoughts and feelings.
Dashes, on the other hand, make the enclosed information stand out adding
more importance to it and grabbing the reader’s attention to its value.

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 PUNCTUATION MARKS, CHAPTER 7

INVERTED COMMAS (“ ” )

Inverted commas have different usages:

1- Direct speech: Inverted commas are used to indicate direct speech or
dialogue spoken by a character in a story, play, or script.
Example: "I'm going to the store," she said.
2- Quotations: Inverted commas are used to indicate a quotation / idiom/
famous saying or direct citation from a source, such as a book or article.
Example: The article stated, "Climate change is a major global issue."
3- Titles: Inverted commas are used to indicate the titles of short works,
such as poems, songs, or short stories.
Example: She read the poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost.
4- Irony or sarcasm: Inverted commas can be used to indicate irony or
sarcasm, suggesting that the writer is using the word or phrase with a
different or opposite meaning than usual.
Example: Committing the same mistakes while expecting different results
grant me the trophy of “smartness.”
5- Emphasis: Inverted commas can be used to emphasize a word or phrase,
drawing attention to it.
Example: Actually, calling it a bad day is not satisfactory enough…it is the
“worst” day of my entire life.
6- To indicate that a word or phrase is being used figuratively or with a
different meaning than its literal definition.
Example: The new boss is a "breath of fresh air".

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