#Punctuation Power-Up: Your Last-Minute SAT Guide

Hey there! Punctuation might seem like a small detail, but it's a HUGE deal on the SAT. Think of it as the traffic signals of writing—guiding your reader smoothly through your ideas. Let's get you prepped to ace those questions! 🚦

#Punctuation Rules for Sentences

#Commas and Semicolons

• Commas:
  • Use commas to separate independent clauses when they're linked by a FANBOYS conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
  • Use commas to set off nonessential info (nonrestrictive elements), list items, and introductory elements.
  • Example: She loves to paint, and she spends hours in her studio.
• Semicolons:
  • Use semicolons to join closely related independent clauses that aren't connected by a FANBOYS conjunction.
  • Use semicolons to separate items in a list when those items already contain commas.
  • Example: She loves cooking, especially baking; reading mystery novels; and hiking in the mountains. 🏔️

#Colons and Dashes

• Colons:
  • Use colons to introduce lists, explanations, or examples.
  • Use colons to separate independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first.
  • Example: There's only one thing I want for my birthday: a new laptop. 💻
• Dashes:
  • Use dashes to set off parenthetical elements that contain commas, emphasize points, or indicate a sudden shift in thought.
  • Use dashes to set off appositives.
  • Em dashes (—) replace commas, parentheses, or colons, while en dashes (–) show ranges or link compound adjectives.
  • Example: The conference attendees came from three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—to discuss climate change. 🌍

#Punctuation Marks in Writing

#Apostrophes and Quotation Marks

• Apostrophes: ...