Lesson 1 1.

Marking Punctuation
2. Checking Mechanics
- Capitalization

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module, learners would be able to:

a. demonstrate content knowledge and understanding of the basic elements of writing: grammar and
mechanics;
b. identify the different punctuation mark and their uses;
c. demonstrate when to use different but appropriate punctuation marks in writing; and
d. distinguish the rules in capitalization by giving examples for each rule.

LET US TRY

Define the word below:

Punctuation -

Mechanics -

Capitalization -

GE – Intensive English Review 1

Lesson 1 1. Marking Punctuation
2. Checking Mechanics
- Capitalization

Information Buzz:

MARKING PUNCTUATION

WHAT IS PUNCTUATION?

Punctuation Consists of the marks that you use in your writing to separate words, parts of
sentences, and complete thoughts. It gives the audience a set of directions on how to read writing.

GE – Intensive English Review 2

Lesson 1 1. Marking Punctuation
2. Checking Mechanics
- Capitalization

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF USING CORRECT PUNCTUATIONS?

✓ Using punctuation in your writing helps the reader to clearly understand the message that is being
conveyed.

✓ Punctuation primarily helps to indicate the pauses and the emphasis on certain ideas or thoughts
that are discussed in the text.

CHECKING MECHANICS: CAPITALIZATION

English Capitalization Rules:

1. Capitalize the First Word of the Sentence

The cat is sleeping.

Where did I put the book?

Hey! It’s great to see you! How have you been?

2. Capitalize Names and Other Proper Nouns

You should capitalize people’s names.

My favorite author is Jane Austen.

Tom and Diane met at Judy’s house.

Have you met my dog, Boomer?

3. Capitalize Names and Other Proper Nouns

Names are proper nouns. The names of the cities, countries, companies, religions, and political parties are
also proper nouns, so you should capitalize them, too.

We experienced some beautiful Southern California weather last fall when we attended a
Catholic wedding in San Diego.

GE – Intensive English Review 3

Lesson 1 1. Marking Punctuation
2. Checking Mechanics
- Capitalization

4. Do not Capitalize After a Colon (usually)

In most cases, you don’t need to capitalize after a colon.

I have one true passion: wombat racing.

There are couple of common exceptions. One is when the word following the colon is a proper noun.

There is only one place I want to visit: New York City.

The other exception is when the words following the colon form one or more complete sentences.

Maggie wears a brimmed cap at all times for thee two reasons: Strong light often gives her
a headache. She also likes the way it looks.

5. Capitalize the First Word of a Quote

Capitalize the first word of a quote when the quote is a complete sentence.

Mario asked, “What is everyone doing this weekend?”

Stacy answered, “My sister and I are going to the park.”

Do not capitalize the first word of a partial quote.

Gretchen said she was “way too busy” to join the gym.

Mr. Thompson described the rules as “extremely difficult to understand if you don’t have a
law degree”.

6. Capitalize Days, Month, and Holidays, But Not Seasons

The names of days, months, and holidays are proper nouns, so you should capitalize them.

I hate Mondays!

Tom’s birthday is in June.

Oh no! I forgot about Valentine’s Day!

The names of the seasons, however, are not proper nouns, so there is no need to capitalize them.

I hate winter!

Having a summer birthday is the best.

GE – Intensive English Review 4

Lesson 1 1. Marking Punctuation
2. Checking Mechanics
- Capitalization

7. Capitalize Most Words in Titles

The capitalization rules for titles of the book, movies, and other works vary a little between style guides. In
general, you should capitalize the first word, all nouns, all verbs (even short ones, like is), all adjectives, and
all proper nouns. That means you should lowercase articles, conjunctions, and prepositions – however,
some style guides say to capitalize conjunctions and prepositions that are longer than five letters.

Sense and Sensibility is better than Pride and Prejudice.

The first movie of the series is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

8. Capitalize Cities, Countries, Nationalities, and Languages

The names of cities, countries, nationalities, and languages are proper nouns, so you should capitalize
them.

English is made up of many languages, including Latin, German, and French.

My mother is British, and my father is Dutch.

The capital of Botswana is Gaborone.

9. Capitalize Time Periods and Events (sometimes)

Specific periods, eras, and historical events that have proper names should be capitalized.

Most of the World War I veterans are now deceased.

In the Middle Ages, poor hygiene was partly responsible for the spreading of bubonic
plague.

Middle school students often enjoy studying the social changes that took place during the
Roaring Twenties.

However, centuries – and the numbers before them – are not capitalized.

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, England blossomed into an empire.

GE – Intensive English Review 5

Lesson 1 1. Marking Punctuation
2. Checking Mechanics
- Capitalization

LET US MEASURE

Task 1

Complete the sentences by putting the proper punctuation mark.

1. Bertha Moreno a clerk in the Admissions Office reviewed each application

________________________________________________________________________

2. Samuel wanted to take a vacation but he could not take the time

________________________________________________________________________

3. Will is leaving early said Martha

________________________________________________________________________

4. Ramon asked the conductor is that my train

________________________________________________________________________

5. How’s your day

________________________________________________________________________

GE – Intensive English Review 6

Lesson 1 1. Marking Punctuation
2. Checking Mechanics
- Capitalization

Task 2

Give the correct capitalization of the sentences below.

1. my aunt has lived in Miami, florida, since June.

________________________________________________________________________

2. i spoke to uncle jim and mr flores last Tuesday.

________________________________________________________________________

3. my doctor lives in east los angeles but works in Encino

________________________________________________________________________

4. did mrs chung drive east or went to te ventura freeway?

________________________________________________________________________

5. my american literature class will study the old man and the sea in July.

________________________________________________________________________

GE – Intensive English Review 7

Lesson 1 1. Marking Punctuation
2. Checking Mechanics
- Capitalization

Key to Answers
Assess student’s understanding, use this rubric:

Score Range Description

The student has mastered necessary information needed for

86 – 100 Outstanding the preceding lessons. He / she was able to understand the
concepts related to the nature of language.

The student has understood the topic. There are some areas
76 – 85 Average that the student needs to focus on and consult with the
teacher for mastery.

The student has understood some minor parts of the lesson.

5 – 75 Poor There is a need to deepen his / he understanding about the
topic. Further conduct of assessment is recommended.

The student has little to no understanding about the topic.

0 – 49 For remedial Remedial interventions should be enforced to aid student
learning.

REFERENCES

Internet

https://www.academia.edu/28414296/Intensive_English_Curriculum_Proposal
https://www.academia.edu/9397472/%20English_Intensive_Class_Abreviation_and_Acronymachttps://ww
w.academia.edu/1681644/Intensive_English_Online

GE – Intensive English Review 8