Short Answer 
The answer outlines three steps to improve punctuation skills: 1) identify correctly punctuated sentences by examining their structure, 2) understand key punctuation rules involving parentheses, dashes, and commas for clarity, and 3) practice these rules by writing sentences with varied punctuation for enhancement.
Step 1: Identify the Correct Sentences
To determine which sentences are punctuated correctly, focus on the structure of each sentence. The correct ones will display proper use of punctuation marks such as commas, parentheses, and dashes. For example:
- ‚ÄöAuGabriel will travel to Peru (where his mother was born) next month.‚ÄöAu
- ‚ÄöAuBears in Space‚ÄöAiwhich is my favorite movie‚ÄöAiis on at eight o’clock tonight.‚ÄöAu
- ‚ÄöAuCharlie, my oldest cousin, just got a job at the car wash.‚ÄöAu
Step 2: Understand the Use of Punctuation
Accurate punctuation is essential for clarity in writing. It helps convey the intended meaning by properly separating ideas and providing context. Some key punctuation rules include:
- Using parentheses to add extra information that is not crucial to the sentence.
- Employing dashes to emphasize additional information or create an interruption in the thought.
- Inserting commas to separate clauses or introduce details about the subject.
Step 3: Practice Punctuation Rules
After identifying and understanding the correct use of punctuation, practice is crucial for improvement. Creating sentences with varied punctuation can enhance your writing skills. Consider trying your hand at:
- Writing sentences that include parentheses for extra information.
- Using dashes to highlight important facts or thoughts.
- Incorporating commas for clarity in complex sentences.