HSPT Language Skills

Master the essential language skills needed to succeed on the HSPT, including grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Grammar FundamentalsVocabulary BuildingPunctuation and Capitalization
Sentence Structure and TypesCommon Usage ErrorsAnalogies and Relationships
Effective CommunicationReading ComprehensionWriting for Different Purposes
Time Management on the HSPTElimination and Guessing TechniquesCareful Reading and Double-Checking
Grammar FundamentalsVocabulary BuildingPunctuation and Capi...Sentence Structure a...Common Usage ErrorsAnalogies and Relati...Effective Communicat...Reading Comprehensio...Writing for Differen...Time Management on t...Elimination and Gues...Careful Reading and ...
Basic Concepts

Punctuation and Capitalization

The Power of Punctuation

Punctuation marks help organize your writing and make your meaning clear. Capitalization shows the importance of certain words.

Common Punctuation Marks

  • Period (.) ends a statement.
  • Comma (,) separates items or clauses.
  • Question mark (?) ends a question.
  • Exclamation mark (!) shows excitement.
  • Apostrophe (') shows possession or contractions.

Capitalization Rules

  • Capitalize the first word of a sentence.
  • Capitalize names, places, and days of the week.
  • Don’t capitalize common nouns unless they start a sentence.

Why It Matters

Correct punctuation and capitalization make your writing professional and easy to read.

Examples

  • Did you see Mr. Smith at the park?

  • It's Sarah's favorite book!

In a Nutshell

Punctuation and capitalization help your writing make sense and look polished.

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Sentence Structure and Types