Summary of "EVERY SAT Punctuation Rule in 37 Minutes"

This video provides a comprehensive overview of all the essential punctuation rules needed to excel on the SAT Writing section. It explains how to correctly use Commas, Colons, Semicolons, Dashes, and Parentheses, emphasizing their roles in sentence clarity and structure. The instructor also walks through multiple example questions, demonstrating how to apply these rules in typical SAT contexts.

Main Ideas and Concepts

1. Commas

Rule 1: Commas separate items in a list.
- Lists can include nouns, adjectives, or actions.
Rule 2: Commas set off nonessential information (comma sandwiches).
- Nonessential info can be removed without changing the sentence’s core meaning.
Rule 3: Commas divide independent clauses joined by FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
- The comma goes before the FANBOY.
Rule 4: Commas follow introductory words, phrases, or clauses.
- Introductory elements come before the subject and are followed by a comma.
FANBOYS refresher: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

2. Colons

Golden Rule: A colon must come after an independent clause.
Uses of Colons:
- Introduce lists.
- Give examples.
- Introduce quotes (rare on SAT).
- Resolve cliffhangers (create suspense, then reveal).
After the colon, the sentence does not need to be independent.

3. Semicolons

Main Rule: Semicolons act like periods and separate two independent clauses.
Additional Use: Semicolons can separate complex list items that contain Commas.
Sentences joined by Semicolons should be closely related in meaning.
If a period can be used, a semicolon can be used.

4. Dashes

Rule 1: Dashes set off nonessential information (dash sandwiches), similar to Commas or Parentheses.
Rule 2: Dashes "steal power" from other punctuation marks (Commas, Semicolons, Colons) and can replace them for stylistic or dramatic effect.
Dashes create a more dramatic pause than Commas.
When using Dashes to set off nonessential info, they must come in pairs (start and end).
You cannot mix Dashes with Commas for the same nonessential phrase.

5. Parentheses

Function similarly to Dashes and Commas in setting off nonessential information.
Not deeply covered but mentioned as an alternative.

Methodology / Instructional Approach

Step 1: Identify if clauses are independent or dependent.
Step 2: Determine if the punctuation is separating independent clauses, introducing a list, or setting off nonessential information.
Step 3: Apply the appropriate punctuation rule:
- Comma for lists, introductory elements, nonessential info, and before FANBOYS joining independent clauses.
- Colon only after independent clauses and for lists, examples, quotes, or cliffhangers.
- Semicolon between independent clauses or complex list items.
- Dash for nonessential info or dramatic pauses, replacing Commas, Colons, or Semicolons.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect choices by checking if the sentence still makes sense without the punctuation or the phrase it sets off.
Step 5: For punctuation sandwiches (Commas, Dashes, Parentheses), ensure matching pairs.

Key Tips and Reminders

Always check if the clause before a colon or semicolon is independent.
Remove nonessential information to test if Commas or Dashes are correct.
For FANBOYS, only use a comma if both clauses are independent.
Semicolons can replace periods but are never stylistically required on the SAT.
Use Semicolons in complex lists where Commas alone would confuse.
Dashes can replace Commas or Parentheses but must be consistent.
Do not mix Dashes and Commas to set off the same phrase.
Dramatic pauses indicated by Dashes are a stylistic choice, but on the SAT, punctuation is about correctness, not style.
If two independent clauses are joined without a FANBOY, use a semicolon or period, never a comma (avoid comma splice).

Examples Covered (Conceptual Highlights)

Comma separating items: "Ice cream, pizza, and mangoes."
Comma sandwich for nonessential info: "Eating, which is my favorite activity, is essential."
Comma before FANBOY: "I told a joke, but there was no reaction."
Colon introducing list: "My favorite foods are: ice cream, pizza, and mangoes." (Incorrect because no independent clause before colon)
Colon introducing example or cliffhanger