Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

How can teachers support students' punctuation usage in writing?

1. Encouraging students to use punctuation marks randomly

2. Explicitly teaching each punctuation mark and encouraging students to edit their writing with intonation and phrasing

3. Avoiding the use of punctuation use in informal writing activities

4. Using punctuation marks only in final drafts of writing

The correct answer is: Encouraging students to use punctuation marks randomly

The approach to supporting students' punctuation usage in writing is about providing structured guidance rather than randomness. The correct method involves explicitly teaching each punctuation mark, which allows students to understand their specific functions and how they contribute to the clarity and meaning of sentences. By encouraging students to edit their writing with attention to intonation and phrasing, teachers help students become more mindful of how punctuation impacts the flow and comprehension of their writing. This systematic teaching fosters confidence and skill in using punctuation effectively, which is essential for developing strong writing abilities.