Intermediate Test Prep ELA 8 (Grades7-8) Literary Devices

The end marks of punctuation - the period, question mark, and exclamation point are used to end sentences. Their purpose is to help your reader follow your ideas and know how to read your writing.

The period is used to end a statement or command.

For example:

My friends and I went ice skating on the pond behind our house.
Jody Tiflin is the main character in the book The Red Pony.
My favorite food is pizza with pepperoni, green peppers, and mushrooms.
Stop at the store and buy some milk and bread on your way home.

The question mark is used to end a question.

For example:

Have you ever eaten a whole Super Sundae by yourself?
What time will your birthday party begin on Saturday?
Do you think that your parents will let you get a puppy?
When are you leaving on your trip to Florida ?

The exclamation point is used to end a sentence that shows strong feeling or surprise.

For example:

	Watch out for that speeding car!
	Ouch! That scrape really hurt!
	Wow, that fish is huge!
	Aunt Janet, that present you got me is the best!

Be sure to use the correct end mark at the end of each sentence to show the reader exactly how the sentence should be read and to make your meaning clear.

Click on the chalk board to practice using end marks!