Punctuation Part II

Anybody. "Defer" March 2007
Public Domain

Below, I present two examples of "punctuation" found in my draft essay in comparison to the Rules for Writers readings.

The Comma/End Punctuation 

I have a pretty decent knowledge of the restrictive and nonrestrictive properties of a sentence when it come to the use of commas. But the readings showed me specific names for these elements as well as scenarios. Direct questions obviously end with a question mark, however polite requests end with a period. 

Ex. 
By inferring that her opponents are sociopaths, Machiavellian, or even favor far right political values Harmon undermines her credibility among more educated audiences.

Quotation Marks

I have a general understanding of the use of quotations in essays. One should use enclosed direct quotations when referring to a specific portion of an article relevant to your point in a paragraph.When using dialogue, a new paragraph must be started when there is a change in speaker. Quotation marks are not needed for paraphrasing, however. In terms of use of quotes within quotes, the use of a single quotation mark. Periods and commas remain inside quotation marks. 

The Apostrophe

Apostrophes are needed when a noun is possessive, or an indication of ownership is present. The addition of apostrophe "s" for such ownership. If the noun is already plural and ends with an "s" then add a singular apostrophe at the end. When there is no joint possession, use the apostrophe on only the last noun, and to show individual possession , make all nouns possessive.

Ex. 
Harmon’s understanding of her reader’s financial disposition  contributes greatly to the style of her writing, as she convinces her audience that the research is necessary for their future health and within their price range. Even if such an argument is rather ridiculous considering today’s healthcare quality.