Writing Argumentative Paragraph II. Punctuation:
1. Definition:
I. Definition:
Punctuation marks are signs such as periods (.), commas (,) and question marks (?). We use them in sentences
Argumentative writing means arguing for/ against and idea, or trying to persuade your reader of a specific to make the meaning clear.
point of view.
2. Use:
II. Structure of a paragraph:
Period/ full stop (.) : We put a period at the end of a sentence. Ex: Albert is my good friend.
A paragraph is made up of three main sentences:
Comma (,): -We use a comma between nouns in a list.
A topic sentence: the function of this sentence is introducing the topic and giving the general idea of the
Ex: At school we study English, math, and science.
paragraph
- Use commas between adjectives when you use several of them to describe something.
Supporting sentences: it is also called detailed sentences. It is used to support the topic sentence with details,
arguments, and examples. We use a supporting sentence to explain the idea in the topic sentence. Ex: A giraffe is a tall, long-necked, long-legged animal.
A concluding sentence: the function of this sentence is to remind us or the reader of the main idea. Namely, we - Use a comma after yes and no, and before please in sentences.
mainly repeat the idea in the topic sentence in other words.
Ex: No, it has stopped. / Yes, I agree/ Can I borrow your pen, please?
III. Example of an argumentative paragraphs:
- Use a comma after certain linking words and phrases.
Karim is a good student. To begin with, Karim is a polite student and he respect his peers and teachers.
Ex: Besides, he is a businessman. / First of all, you need some vegetables.
He always participates in the classroom. In addition, he is a hardworking student. Besides, he does his Exclamation point (!) : An exclamation point is often used after a command, or a word that shows surprise
or anger. Ex: Sit down! / What a surprise! / Quiet!
homework on the time. Moreover, he always comes first in his class. Finally, we can say that Karim is an ideal
Question Mark (?): Use a question mark after a question. Ex: What’s your name?
student.
Apostrophe (‘): Use an apostrophe with an s (’s) to show possession. The ’s is added after singular nouns
or names. Ex: Jane is wearing her mother’s shoes. / I took a ride in Tom’s car.
Review of Punctuation & Capital letter
- Follow the same rule when a name or a singular noun ends in -s. Write an apostrophe first and then add
I. Capital letter (Big letter): another s. Ex: The princess’s shoe fell down. / Dad is at his boss’s party.
1. Definition: (Big letter = N / Small letter = n) -For plural nouns that end in -s, put the apostrophe after the -s.
The capital letter is also called a big letter or upper- case letter, or sometimes just a capital. Ex: Miss Lee is marking her pupils’ work. / Henry goes to a boys’ school.
2. Use of capital letter: - Some plural nouns do not end in -s. Just add ’s to these plural nouns.
-When to use a capital letter? Ex: The children’s room is big. / The men’s changing room is occupied.
Use a capital letter for the first letter in a sentence. Ex: The dog is barking.
- The apostrophe can also be used to show contraction.
Always use a capital letter for the pronoun I. Ex: I am eight years old. / My brother and I are twins.
Ex: She is = she’s/ we have = we’ve / they are = they’re …etc
Use a capital letter for the names of people. EX: Alice, Tom, James, Karim, Snow White…etc
Use a capital letter for the names of places: Ex: National Museum, Bronx Zoo, London, Zmmamra ..etc
Use a capital letter for festivals, holidays, days of the week, months of the year. Ex: Monday, Thursday,
Ramadan, New Year’s Day, Christmas, Labor Day, May, October ..etc
