Grammar for Everyone - Barbara Dykes 2007
Ellipsis
Introduction
Part II The parts of speech
Definition: The word is via Latin from the Greek, ellipsis, meaning ’coming short’ - hence an omission, and it is indicated by three dots ...
The omissions are mainly for two purposes.
• Leaving out something not relevant to the rest of the statement, often in a quotation.
For example:
In Africa, while staying near the swamp, we contracted malaria.
In Africa .... we contracted malaria.
• For dramatic effect.
For example:
The glass shattered on the floor and a form appeared in the window ...
'It's ... It's ... a g...ghost,' she whispered.
20.2 Activities: punctuation
1. The best way to learn about the use of punctuation is by reading good literature of various kinds. Students need to read aloud to appreciate fully what the punctuation is telling them. This can be done in turns around the class or by reading parts in plays and should be accepted as a regular classroom activity. In this way, students become familiar with punctuation use and appreciate its functions. Choose passages from set texts, selected drama, political speeches or Shakespeare’s plays. Allow students sometimes to choose texts themselves.
2. Students write a paragraph on a subject of their choice, in which they demonstrate the use of one or more given punctuation mark.
3. Students are given sentences to punctuate, either with specified marks or with those they themselves deem to be most suitable. The following examples are taken from Victorian Readers IVEdition 1989. Each one is a single sentence.
a. Mrs Cratchits made the gravy ready beforehand in a little saucepan hissing hot.
b. His parents called him Robert Lewis Balfour Stevenson but when he was older he preferred to spell his name the French way Louis.
c. Upon this my savage for so I call him now made a motion to me to lend him my sword.
d. And Hereward was drenched says The Chronicle with wine and beer and sorely baited and badgered.
e. I’m called William that’s the name you’ll have to call if you want anything, just you say William and I’ll be round in a second my names William and I’ve been here a matter of seven and thirty years.
Checklist: punctuation
Students should now be able to
• explain the usage for all forms of punctuation
• punctuate a sentence of average length and moderate complexity
• demonstrate the use of a variety of punctuation marks in their own composition