Grade 2 English Writing – Punctuation Marks Notes
English — Writing: Punctuation Marks
Hello learners! These notes help you use punctuation marks correctly. Punctuation marks tell us how to read a sentence.
.
Full stop
Use at the end of a sentence.
Example: Amina plays.
?
Question mark
Use when asking something.
Example: Where is John?
!
Exclamation mark
Use for strong feeling or excitement.
Example: What a big mango!
,
Comma
Use to show a short pause or list.
Example: I like mangoes, bananas, and milk.
’
Apostrophe
Shows missing letters or ownership.
Example: It's cold. (It is cold.)
How to use them — short rules
- Full stop: Put one at the end of a simple sentence. Example: The teacher smiles.
- Question mark: Put one at the end of a question. Example: Do you like ugali?
- Exclamation mark: Put one after a strong feeling. Example: Hooray! We won.
- Comma: Use in a list or a small pause. Example: I see cats, dogs and birds.
- Apostrophe: Use for short forms (don't = do not) or to show possession (Mama's bag).
Remember: Sentences usually start with a capital letter and end with a punctuation mark.
Example: Nairobi is busy. (Starts with N — capital, ends with a full stop.)
Try these — add the right mark
- Amina is reading (add . ? or !)
- Where is the school (add . ? or !)
- What a lovely chicken (add . ? or !)
- We buy maize, rice and beans (add . ? or !)
- It is late (add . ? or !)
Answers
- Amina is reading. (full stop)
- Where is the school? (question mark)
- What a lovely chicken! (exclamation mark)
- We buy maize, rice and beans. (full stop and commas for the list)
- It is late. (full stop)
Little practice — show punctuation (write or say)
Look at the sentences below. Say the correct punctuation aloud, then write it down.
- Is this your book
- Papa is cooking
- Wow what a big fish
- Mum's basket is full
Tips for parents and teachers:
- Read sentences aloud and pause at commas and stops.
- Use familiar names and places (e.g., Aisha, Nairobi) in examples.
- Make small games: who can spot the right punctuation fastest?
😊 Keep practising — punctuation makes reading easy!