Mastering Comma Usage in Lists

The video tutorial teaches the writing skill of using lists to enhance clarity and description. It discusses the importance of using commas correctly in lists to avoid confusion and improve writing. The tutorial analyzes a famous example by Maya Angelou, highlighting how lists can surprise readers. It provides rules for using commas and colons in lists, emphasizing clarity and completeness of thought. The video concludes with exercises for students to practice these skills.

What is the main purpose of using lists in writing?

• To confuse the reader

• To add detail and clarity

• To make the text longer

• To remove important information

In the example from Maya Angelou's novel, what is surprising about the list?

• It includes a smell that is not typical

• It has more than three items

• It uses semicolons instead of commas

• It is not a complete sentence

Why is it important to use commas correctly in lists?

• To make the text look neat

• To add more items to the list

• To avoid confusing the reader

• To make the list longer

Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas in a list?

• I like cooking, my family and, pets.

• I like cooking my family, and pets.

• I like cooking, my family, and pets.

• I like cooking my family and pets.

What is the rule for using commas in a list of three or more items?

• Do not use commas at all

• Use a comma only after the first item

• Use commas to separate each item except the last one

• Use a comma after every item

When should you not use a comma in a list?

• When the list is in the middle of a sentence

• When listing more than three items

• When listing only two items

• When the list is at the end of a sentence

What punctuation mark is used to introduce a list after statements like 'as follows' or 'the following'?

• Period

• Colon

• Semicolon

• Comma

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list?

• Jack went to the store to buy: tomatoes, lettuce, bread, and olive oil.

• Jack went to the store to buy the following items: tomatoes, lettuce, bread, and olive oil.

• Jack went to the store to buy tomatoes, lettuce, bread, and olive oil.

• Jack went to the store: to buy tomatoes, lettuce, bread, and olive oil.

What is a keyword that indicates a colon should be used before a list?

• And

• Or

• But

• These

Which of the following sentences does not need a colon?

• Bring these items: mayo and mustard.

• The sandwich toppings are as follows: cheese, mustard, and potato chips.

• The sandwich toppings are cheese, mustard, and potato chips.

• Jack went to the store to buy the following items: tomatoes, lettuce, bread, and olive oil.