The Exclamation Mark, The Apostrophe, and Quotation Marks Questions Grammer English Studies

Grammar: Punctuation Marks Continued – The Exclamation Mark, The Apostrophe, and Quotation Marks

Subject: English Language
Class: JSS 2
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 11 – 13 years
Duration: 40 minutes

---

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define punctuation marks and explain their importance.
2. Identify and explain the uses of the exclamation mark, the apostrophe, and quotation marks.
3. Use these punctuation marks correctly in sentences.
4. Differentiate between apostrophes used for possession and contraction.

---

Keywords

• Punctuation
• Exclamation mark
• Apostrophe
• Contraction
• Possession
• Quotation marks

---

Set Induction

The teacher writes the following sentences on the board:

1. Wow what a wonderful day
2. Its raining outside
3. John said I love reading books

The teacher asks students what is missing in each sentence and guides them to see the importance of punctuation.

---

Entry Behavior

Students have learned about the full stop, comma, question mark, colon, and semi-colon in previous lessons.

---

Learning Resources and Materials

• Flashcards with punctuation marks
• Sentence strips with missing punctuation
• Whiteboard and marker

---

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher reminds students that punctuation marks help to structure sentences and make their meanings clear.

---

Embedded Core Skills

• Grammar and sentence construction
• Communication skills
• Writing skills

---

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• English Language textbook
• Examples of sentences with punctuation marks

---

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• New Oxford English for JSS 2
• Effective English for JSS 2

---

Lesson Content

Definition of Punctuation Marks

Punctuation marks are symbols used in writing to structure sentences and improve clarity.

In this lesson, we will focus on the exclamation mark (!), the apostrophe (’), and quotation marks (“ ”).

---

The Exclamation Mark (!)

The exclamation mark is used to show strong emotions, commands, or exclamations.

Uses of the Exclamation Mark

1. To Express Strong Feelings or Emotions

   • Examples:
     • Wow! That was amazing!
     • What a beautiful dress!

2. In Commands or Warnings

   • Examples:
     • Stop! You are going the wrong way.
     • Watch out! The floor is slippery.

3. In Interjections (Sudden Expressions of Emotion)

   • Examples:
     • Oh no! I forgot my homework.
     • Hurrah! We won the match.

---

The Apostrophe (’)

The apostrophe is used for contractions and to show possession.

Uses of the Apostrophe

1. To Show Possession

   • Examples:
     • The boy’s book (the book belongs to the boy)
     • My sister’s dress (the dress belongs to my sister)
   • For plural nouns ending in ‘s’, place the apostrophe after ‘s’:
     • The teachers’ meeting (the meeting of the teachers)

2. To Form Contractions (Shortened Forms of Words)

   • Examples:
     • I am → I’m
     • They are → They’re
     • It is → It’s

3. To Indicate Omitted Letters in Informal Speech

   • Examples:
     • Do not → Don’t
     • She will → She’ll

---

Quotation Marks (“ ”)

Quotation marks are used to show direct speech, quotes, or titles of short works.

Uses of Quotation Marks

1. To Indicate Direct Speech

   • Examples:
     • She said, “I am very happy.”
     • John asked, “Can I go with you?”

2. To Highlight Titles of Short Works (e.g., Poems, Articles, Short Stories)

   • Examples:
     • The poem “The Road Not Taken” is famous.
     • I read the article “Climate Change and Its Effects.”

3. To Show Words Used in a Special Way

   • Examples:
     • He was “the best” player in the team.
     • She is known as the “queen” of fashion.

---

Examples of Sentences with the Exclamation Mark, Apostrophe, and Quotation Marks

1. Wow! That was a great performance. (Exclamation Mark)
2. It’s raining heavily today. (Apostrophe for contraction)
3. The teacher’s desk is near the window. (Apostrophe for possession)
4. She said, “I love reading books.” (Quotation Marks)
5. “Where are you going?” asked John. (Quotation Marks)

---

Evaluation (Choose the Correct Punctuation Mark for Each Sentence)

1. What a beautiful dress___ ( . ! ,)
2. I cant wait to see you___ ( ‘ ? “)
3. She said___ “I am very happy.” ( ; ? “)
4. This is my brothers bag___ ( ? ‘ “)
5. Wow___ That was amazing___ ( ! ” .)

---

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs and Answers)

1. What is an exclamation mark used for?
   It shows strong emotions, excitement, or commands.

2. What is an apostrophe used for?
   It shows possession and contractions.

3. What are quotation marks used for?
   They indicate direct speech, quotes, or titles of short works.

4. Can we use an exclamation mark in every sentence?
   No, only in sentences that express strong emotions or commands.

5. What is the difference between “its” and “it’s”?

   • Its shows possession (The dog wagged its tail).
   • It’s is a contraction of “it is” (It’s a sunny day).

6. How do we use apostrophes with plural nouns?

   • If the noun is plural and ends in “s” → Add the apostrophe after “s” (The students’ books).
   • If the noun is singular or does not end in “s” → Add an apostrophe before “s” (The child’s toy).

7. Can we use single quotation marks?
   Yes, single quotation marks (‘ ’) are used for quotes inside quotes.

8. What is the difference between direct and indirect speech?

   • Direct Speech: He said, “I am happy.”
   • Indirect Speech: He said that he was happy.

9. Do exclamation marks go inside quotation marks?
   Yes, if the exclamation belongs to the quoted sentence (She said, “Wow! That’s amazing.”).

10. Can apostrophes be used to make words plural?
    No, apostrophes should not be used to make plurals (Wrong: Apple’s are tasty → Correct: Apples are tasty).

---

Assessment (Evaluation Questions)

1. Write five sentences using the exclamation mark correctly.
2. Write three sentences using the apostrophe for possession.
3. Write three sentences using the apostrophe for contraction.
4. Write two sentences using quotation marks.
5. Correct this sentence:
   • its a beautiful day and im going to the park

---

Conclusion

The teacher marks students’ work, provides corrections, and assigns homework on writing ten sentences using the exclamation mark, apostrophe, and quotation marks correctly.