Reading: Reading Fluency & Strategies: A2 Lesson 3: Understanding Basic Punctuation (Commas in lists, Exclamation marks)

Reading: Reading Fluency & Strategies

A2 Lesson 3: Understanding Basic Punctuation (Commas in lists, Exclamation marks)

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Reading with Feeling and Rhythm

We already know about the "stop signs" of reading: the full stop (.) and the question mark (?).

Today, we will learn two new punctuation marks that help us read with better rhythm and emotion⁴. We will learn about the Comma¹ in a list and the Exclamation Mark².

Part 1: The Comma ( , ) in a List

This is a comma. One of its main jobs is to separate items in a list³. When you see a comma in a list, you should make a very short pause.

,

It means: A short pause to separate ideas or items.
For your voice: Take a small, quick breath. It helps the listener understand each item in the list.

Example: Listen to the short pauses when I read this shopping list.

At the market in Kampot, I need to buy mangoes, fish, vegetables, and rice.

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Part 2: The Exclamation Mark ( ! )

This is an exclamation mark. It is used at the end of a sentence to show a strong feeling, like excitement, surprise, or happiness.

!

It means: Strong feeling!
For your voice: Read the sentence with more energy and emotion. Your voice might go up.

Let's Compare!

Listen carefully to the difference in emotion between these two sentences.

Normal Statement (calm feeling):

That is a big fish.

Excited Statement (surprised feeling):

That is a big fish!

Your Turn to Punctuate!

Practice Quiz

1. Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• A. I like chicken rice and soup.
• B. I like chicken, rice, and soup.
• C. I like chicken rice, and, soup.

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Answer: B. The commas correctly separate the three items in the list.

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2. Which sentence shows the most excitement?

• A. We won the game.
• B. We won the game?
• C. We won the game!

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Answer: C. The exclamation mark shows strong, happy emotion.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Comma (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ក្បៀស (,) (K'bies)
   The punctuation mark `,` used to show a short pause or to separate items in a list. ↩ back to text
2. Exclamation Mark (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: សញ្ញាឧទាន (!) (Sanh-nha U-tien)
   The punctuation mark `!` used to show strong emotion, like surprise or excitement. ↩ back to text
3. List (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: បញ្ជី (Banh-chee)
   A series of three or more words or items, usually separated by commas. ↩ back to text
4. Emotion (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: អារម្មណ៍ (Aa-rom)
   A strong feeling, such as happiness, surprise, anger, or sadness. ↩ back to text

Homework Task

Write with Rhythm and Feeling!

1. Write one sentence that lists three things you see in your classroom. Remember to use commas correctly.
2. Write one sentence about something that makes you happy or excited. End it with an exclamation mark!

Example 1: "In my classroom, I see a whiteboard, many chairs, and a clock."

Example 2: "School is finished for the day!"