π When to Use a Period vs. a Question Mark: A First Grade Guide
Periods and question marks are punctuation marks that come at the end of sentences. They tell us how to read the sentence and what kind of information it gives us. Let's explore when to use each one!
π Definition of a Period (.)
A period (.) is used at the end of a sentence that makes a statement. It tells us something. It's like saying, "This is a fact!"
- β
Example: The sky is blue.
- π‘ Example: I like to read books.
- βοΈ Example: The sun is shining today.
β Definition of a Question Mark (?)
A question mark (?) is used at the end of a sentence that asks a question. It shows that we want to know something. It's like saying, "I'm curious!"
- π€ Example: What is your name?
- β Example: Do you like pizza?
- π§ Example: Where are we going?
π Comparison Table
| Feature |
Period (.) |
Question Mark (?) |
| Purpose |
Ends a statement |
Ends a question |
| What it shows |
Tells us something |
Asks us something |
| Example Sentence |
The cat is sleeping. |
Is the cat sleeping? |
π‘ Key Takeaways
- π― Statements: Use a period (.) when you are telling someone something.
- π§ Questions: Use a question mark (?) when you are asking someone something.
- βοΈ Read Carefully: Pay attention to what the sentence is doing to decide which punctuation mark to use.