Using Parentheses: Adding Nonessential Information

The video tutorial teaches how to use parentheses to include non-essential information in writing. It explains the purpose of parentheses, provides examples, and offers interactive exercises for practice. The tutorial emphasizes that parentheses should enclose information that is related but not crucial to the main message. It also covers stylistic choices, such as capitalization and punctuation within parentheses, and advises against overusing them. The lesson concludes with a draft revision exercise and final tips on effective usage.

What is the primary purpose of using parentheses in writing?

• To enclose related but non-essential information

• To replace commas in a sentence

• To add essential information

• To highlight the main idea

In the example 'Plants that grow in the desert, cacti, yucca, aloe, typically have a way to store water,' why are the words 'cacti, yucca, aloe' placed in parentheses?

• They are unrelated to the sentence

• They are examples of desert plants, not essential to the main message

• They are the only plants that store water

• They are the main focus of the sentence

How can you test if the use of parentheses is correct in a sentence?

• By changing the sentence structure

• By removing the parentheses and seeing if the main message is still clear

• By checking if the sentence is longer

• By adding more examples

What should you do if the information inside parentheses forms a complete sentence?

• Add a comma before the parentheses

• Leave it in lowercase

• Capitalize the first letter and use end punctuation

• Remove the parentheses

What is a stylistic choice you can make when using parentheses?

• Always use complete sentences inside parentheses

• Use lowercase for non-sentences inside parentheses

• Place a space before the parentheses

• Use parentheses only at the end of a paragraph

Why is it important not to overuse parentheses in writing?

• It can annoy the reader

• It can make the text less engaging

• It can confuse the reader

• It can make the text too formal

In the sentence 'I found that walking with my sister keeps me motivated,' why is this information considered non-essential?

• It is the main point of the paragraph

• It contradicts the main message

• It is a factual statement

• It is a personal anecdote not crucial to the main message