Semicolons, colons, dashes and quotation marks; formal and informal language; linking ideas in a paragraph. · about 15 minutes
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What is it? Polished writing uses the full set of punctuation marks - semicolons, colons, dashes, quotation marks and apostrophes - chooses a suitable register (formal or informal), and links its ideas with connectors so that each paragraph is coherent.
Why does it matter? Punctuation controls the reader's pace and meaning; register shows respect and purpose; coherence lets your reader follow your thinking.
Where do we use it? Essays, applications and reports (formal); messages to friends (informal); every paragraph you write.
In this lesson you will: