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1	"Elementary Test Prep" Elementary Test Prep © Copyright 2001-2003, Nancy Labbe
2	Capitalization After an author knows the purpose for a writing piece, a “good writer” quickly gets ideas down on paper and conferences so that the writing makes sense. When this is accomplished the EDITING PROCESS begins. Learning the following CAPITALIZATION rules will improve your writing skills.
3	Follow these steps Read each RULE! Look carefully at each example that is shown in RED. Think why the rule applies in each example.
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5	Always CAPITALIZE the first word of every sentence. The predator was an owl. It hunts mainly at night. This kind of animal is called nocturnal.
6	Always CAPITALIZE the pronoun I. I like to go owling. John and I go whenever there is a full moon. “Will we be able to go tonight?” I asked.
7	CAPITALIZE the first word of every direct quotation. “Mother may I go over to John’s house tonight?” Mom replied, “ If your work is done, you may go.”
8	CAPITALIZE the important words of the title of a book or short story. Owl Moon Sign of the Beaver A Hole in the Tree
9	CAPITALIZE the names of people, places, languages, races, religions and nationalities. Did Karen see a snow owl? The children were exploring in the Sawyer Forest. The Japanese visitors enjoyed the Raptor Nature Museum.
10	CAPITALIZE the names of the months, the days of the week, and special days such as holidays. Sunday is the first day of the full moon. Some owls lay their eggs in March. Arbor Day is celebrated in the spring and is important to all living things.
11	CAPITALIZE the names of particular people or things when they are part of a title, but never general ones. Uncle Herb took the boys to the library to learn more about owl pellets. Did your uncle visit the library? President Bush held a press conference about the environment. The president held a press conference in the Rose Garden.
12	CAPITALIZE East, West, South, and/or North if they are locations or part of the country, but never capitalize them if they are directions. The Eastern United States borders the Atlantic Ocean. If you drive east from Syracuse, you will eventually reach the Atlantic Ocean.
13	CAPITALIZE the abbreviations of titles, organizations, and states. Dr. Smith’s office is on Fourth Street. The YMCA sponsored a walk/run to raise money for endangered animals. Oswego, NY is located on Lake Ontario.
14	CAPITALIZE the names of teams, clubs and other groups. The DEC officers are a special section of the State Police and they protect the environment and the citizens. The 4-H Club meets on Saturdays to learn about conservation.
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