Punctuation: Comma, Dash & Ellipsis — Drills · Grade 8 English
Chapter: Language, Style & ConventionsWhat these drills covers
By the end of Punctuation: Comma, Dash & Ellipsis you should be able to:
- I can use commas, dashes, and ellipses correctly to create pauses, breaks, or emphasis in a sentence.
- I can choose the punctuation mark that best matches the effect I want to create.
2 questions, written answer, each with a worked explanation.
Vocabulary used: comma, dash (em dash), ellipsis.
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
Punctuation guides grouping, emphasis, and sentence boundaries. Explain what the mark does before changing it. Show an actual application before considering the method recalled.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Base the mark on clause structure and meaning. Speech pauses vary, whereas independent clauses require a suitable boundary or conjunction.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.