Lesson 2.3: Punctuation & Capitalization Rules | SEA ELA | My Carib Academy
SEA 2025-2028 Framework Aligned

✏️ Lesson 2.3: Punctuation & Capitalization Rules

Master punctuation and capitalization for writing accuracy. This lesson covers SEA ELA Objectives from the Writing Mechanics Strand.

35 Minutes
Module 2: ELA
Objectives 16-22
1 Video
Lesson Progress 0%

Previous Lesson

Completed Lesson 2.2? Review Parts of Speech →

📋 What Students Will Learn

  • Use commas correctly in lists, dates, addresses, and compound sentences
  • Apply apostrophes for possessives and contractions
  • Use quotation marks for dialogue and titles
  • Capitalize proper nouns, titles, and sentence beginnings
  • Identify and fix punctuation errors in writing

🎯 SEA Exam Focus

Punctuation identification in Section I multiple choice. Editing tasks in Section II requiring correction of errors. Composition scoring in Section III includes punctuation accuracy. (SEA Framework Page 23-24)

Watch: Punctuation & Capitalization

Start by watching this video to learn punctuation and capitalization rules. Take notes as you watch! 📝

Punctuation & Capitalization – ELA Video Lesson

Quick Check

Did you understand the video? Review the notes below before continuing! ✅

Essential Punctuation Marks

These punctuation marks are tested frequently on the SEA exam. Master them all!

Comma (,)

Separates items in lists, clauses, and phrases

Apostrophe (‘)

Shows possession or contractions

Quotation Marks (” “)

Shows dialogue or titles

Period (.)

Ends declarative sentences

Comma Rules Reference Chart

Use this chart to know when to use commas correctly!

Comma Rule Example Why?
Items in a list I bought apples, oranges, and bananas. Separates 3+ items
Compound sentences I studied hard, so I passed the test. Before FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
After introductory phrase After school, I went home. Separates intro from main clause
Dates March 5, 2025, is the exam date. Separates day from year
Addresses Port of Spain, Trinidad, Caribbean Separates parts of address
Direct address John, please come here. Separates name from rest of sentence

Common Mistake

Don’t use a comma between subject and verb! ❌ “The boy, runs fast.” → ✅ “The boy runs fast.”

Apostrophe Rules

Apostrophes show possession OR contractions. Know the difference!

Apostrophe Rules

  1. Singular possession: Add ‘s (the boy’s book = the book belongs to the boy)
  2. Plural possession (ends in s): Add only ‘ (the boys’ books = books belong to multiple boys)
  3. Plural possession (doesn’t end in s): Add ‘s (the children’s toys)
  4. Contractions: Replace missing letters (do not = don’t, I am = I’m)
  5. NEVER use apostrophe for plural nouns: ❌ “apple’s for sale” → ✅ “apples for sale”

💡 Practice Examples:

Correct the Errors
  • ❌ The dog’s are barking. → ✅ The dogs are barking. (plural, not possessive)
  • ❌ Maria book is on the table. → ✅ Maria’s book is on the table. (possessive)
  • ❌ The students’s desks. → ✅ The students’ desks. (plural possessive)
  • ❌ Its a beautiful day. → ✅ It’s a beautiful day. (contraction = it is)

Capitalization Rules

Capitalize Examples Don’t Capitalize
First word of sentence The exam is tomorrow. (always capitalize first word)
Proper nouns Trinidad, Maria, SEA island, girl, exam (common nouns)
Days & months Monday, March seasons (spring, summer)
Titles Mr. John, Dr. Smith the teacher, a doctor (without name)
Places Port of Spain, Caribbean Sea the city, the sea (general)
The pronoun “I” When I study, I succeed. (always capitalize “I”)

Quotation Marks for Dialogue

Dialogue Rules
  • Start new paragraph when speaker changes
  • Comma before closing quotation mark for dialogue tags
  • Period inside quotation marks
  • Capital letter starts the quoted sentence

💡 Dialogue Examples:

Correct Dialogue Format
  • ✅ “I’m ready for the exam,” said Maria.
  • ✅ John asked, “Did you study for the test?”
  • ✅ “Yes, I studied all week,” she replied. “I feel confident.”
  • ❌ “I’m ready for the exam”. said Maria → ✅ “I’m ready for the exam,” said Maria.

📝 Practice Activities

What You’ll Practice
  • Add missing punctuation to unpunctuated paragraphs
  • Correct capitalization errors in sample texts
  • Write dialogue using proper quotation mark rules
  • Edit peer compositions for punctuation accuracy
  • Identify apostrophe errors (possessive vs. plural)
  • Practice comma placement in compound sentences

Download Practice Materials

Download our free punctuation worksheets with answer keys! Get Worksheets →

Quick Quiz

Test your understanding! Select an answer for each question. ✏️

6 Questions
12 Minutes
70% to Pass

1. Choose the correct sentence:

2. Which is correct for possessive?

3. Which word should be capitalized?

4. Choose correct dialogue punctuation:

5. What’s the contraction for “do not”?

6. When do you use a comma in compound sentences?

0/6

Lesson Complete!

Great job finishing Lesson 2.3! You’re mastering punctuation for the SEA exam! 🎉

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