ABSTRACT
Common Core Language Standard 5.2 addresses the use of punctuation as part of a broader statement that students should “Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling while writing” (Common Core Standards, 2010). Three specific requirements call for clear and purposeful punctuation use:
“Use punctuation to separate items in a series.” “Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest
of the sentence.” “Use a comma to set off the words yes and no (e.g., Yes, thank you), to
set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence, (e.g., It’s true, isn’t it?), and to indicate direct address (e.g., Is that you, Steve?).”
