Punctuation Vocab
A period, exclamation point or question mark to end a sentence.
What is... end punctuation?
Man's best friend has historically been considered a dog. But dogs are not the only animal friend whose camaraderie people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent house pets because they are good companions, they are civilized members of the household, and they are easy to care for. Let me tell you why.
What is... Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent house pets...
The central idea or message of a work of literature, often expressed as a general statement about life.
What is... theme?
Miss Thornton's first name.
What is... Mattison/Matti?
The main idea/argument/claim of your essay, usually made in the form of a sentence.
What is... thesis?
Punctuation to indicate a pause in a sentence or to separate items in a list.
What is... a comma?
I am a movie fanatic. When friends want to know what picture won the Oscar in 2001, they ask me. When friends want to know who voiced Optimus Prime in Transformers, they ask me. However, my buddies have stopped asking me if I want to go out to the movies. While I love movies as much as ever, I find it more enjoyable to wait for a movie’s release on Netflix because of the inconvenience of going out, the temptations of the concession stand, and the behavior of some patrons.
What is... While I love movies as much as ever, I find it more enjoyable to wait for a movie’s release on Netflix...
The time and place of the events in a work of literature.
What is... setting?
Miss Thornton's middle name.
What is... June?
The final paragraph in your essay, which briefly summarizes what you wrote.
What is... conclusion?
Punctuation used to enclose a direct quotation and dialogue, or set off certain expressions and titles.
What is... quotation marks?
I love using the five-paragraph model for writing. I can find three points to argue for or exemplify just about any topic imaginable. Cats are good pets because they’re good companions, they’re clean, and they’re easy to care for. Jaws is a classic film because of its acting, its cinematography, and its musical score. Three examples of the U.S. government’s checks and balances are its executive branch, its legislative branch, and its judicial branches. The five-paragraph model is a valuable tool for many writing situations because it structures my writing, it aids my readers, and it is versatile.
What is... The five-paragraph model is a valuable tool for many writing situations because it structures my writing, it aids my readers, and it is versatile...
The sequence of events that take place in a work of literature.
What is... plot?
Miss Thornton's favorite color.
What is... purple?
The first sentence of your essay, used to grab the reader's attention.
What is... hook/grabber?
A symbol that joins two or more phrases or independent clauses.
What is... a semi-colon?
Everywhere people turn -- websites, magazines, and infomercials -- advice for improving health bombards them. Much of this advice is commercially motivated by those eager to sell questionable supplements and diet gimmicks. However, some of it, especially that advocating a regular exercise program, merits serious attention. Such a program, if it consists of at least thirty minutes three times a week and if a person's physician approves it, provides numerous benefits. Regular exercise releases tension, improves muscle tone, and increases stamina.
What is... Such a program, if it consists of at least thirty minutes three times a week and if a person's physician approves it, provides numerous benefits.
The type of narration used, as in first person, second person, or third person.
What is... point of view?
The number of siblings Miss Thornton has.
What is... 2?
A paragraph in the middle of the essay, which supports/explains your thesis.
What is... a body paragraph/supporting paragraph?
A symbol that introduces a list of phrases or a quotation, or joins two clauses when the second clause emphasizes or illustrates the first.
What is... a colon?
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently,” wrote Henry Ford. People are constantly shaped and influenced by their experiences. People learn by doing. Often, people learn considerably more from their mistakes than their success. For proof of failure driving success, consider examples from both science and art, including Thomas Edison, Vincent Van Gogh, and Stephen King.
What is... Often, people learn considerably more from their mistakes than their success.
The main problem or struggle in a work of literature.
What is... conflict?
Miss Thornton's favorite book.
What is... The Catcher in the Rye?
The plan you will make/use to write your essay.
What is... outline?