RBSE Solutions Class 5 English Grammar Punctuation Marks

Punctuation Marks are symbols used to separate sentences or different parts of sentences. They help to show pauses in a sentence and make meaning clear.

Uses of Comma (,)

A comma shows the shortest pause in a sentence and is used for several purposes:

1. To separate more than two words or items of the same kind in a list.
For example: We read Hindi, English, Mathematics, etc., in the class.

2. In the vocative case, when directly addressing someone.
For example: Ram, come here.

3. To separate a person's name from their title or designation.
For example: She is Seema Soni, the Physical Education Teacher.

4. To separate the Reporting Verb from Direct Speech.
For example: She said, "I am here."

Uses of Full Stop (.)

A full stop shows the longest pause in a sentence and is used in these situations:

1. At the end of a simple statement or declarative sentence.
For example: I read in V class.

2. At the end of an imperative (command) sentence.
For example: Come here.

3. To separate hours from minutes when showing time.
For example: I reach school at 7.30 in the morning.

4. To show the date in a particular format.
For example: Today's date is 21.11.20.

Uses of Inverted Commas (" ")

Inverted commas (also called quotation marks) are used:

1. To emphasize something or make it stand out effectively.
For example: I think today's education is aimless.

Uses of Question Mark (?)

A question mark is used:

1. At the end of a direct question.
For example: Where do you live?

2. At the end of an elliptical question (a short, incomplete question).
For example: In problem?

3. At the end of a question tag.
For example: She is coming, isn't she?

Exercise 1

Rewrite the following sentences using comma, full stop, inverted commas and question mark wherever needed:

Question 1. What is your name
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "What is your name?" We add a question mark at the end because it is a direct question.
In simple words: Put a question mark because someone is asking for information.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always end a direct question with a question mark. Remember that the first word of a sentence should begin with a capital letter.

Question 2. There are parrots crows sparrows etc
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "There are parrots, crows, sparrows, etc." Commas separate items in a list, and a full stop ends the statement. The word "etc." needs a full stop after it.
In simple words: Use commas between different birds in the list, and a full stop at the very end.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing three or more items, use a comma after each item except the last one. A comma should also precede "etc." in a list.

Question 3. You may draw flowers ballons stars birds or other such things
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "You may draw flowers, balloons, stars, birds, or other such things." Commas are used to separate the different items in the list, and a full stop is placed at the end of the sentence. The sentence starts with a capital letter.
In simple words: Put commas between all the different things you can draw, then end the sentence with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use commas to clearly separate each item when listing many things. The word "or" usually connects the last item without a preceding comma, but it's acceptable in long lists for clarity.

Question 4. Yes I will leave tobacco
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Yes, I will leave tobacco." A comma is needed after "Yes" when it starts a sentence, and a full stop ends the statement. The word "I" is always capitalized.
In simple words: Add a comma after 'Yes' and a full stop at the end. Make sure 'I' is a capital letter.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always capitalize "I" when it stands alone as a pronoun. Use a comma after introductory words like "Yes," "No," "Well," etc.

Question 5. Kavita Seema Ravi Salma and Piyush are her students
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Kavita, Seema, Ravi, Salma, and Piyush are her students." Commas separate each name in the list, and a full stop ends the sentence. All proper nouns (names) should start with capital letters.
In simple words: Put commas between all the names and a full stop at the very end. Start all names with a capital letter.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to capitalize all proper nouns, which include names of people. Use commas to separate individual names in a sequence.

Question 6. There are many festivals in India
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "There are many festivals in India." A full stop is placed at the end of this declarative sentence. The sentence begins with a capital letter, and "India" (a proper noun) is also capitalized.
In simple words: Start the sentence with a capital letter, capitalize 'India', and finish with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always capitalize the names of countries and proper nouns. End all statements with a full stop.

Question 7. When is the festival of Dussehra celebrated
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "When is the festival of Dussehra celebrated?" A question mark is used at the end because this is a direct question. "Dussehra" is a proper noun, so it begins with a capital letter.
In simple words: Since it's a question, end it with a question mark. Also, capitalize the name of the festival.

🎯 Exam Tip: Festivals are proper nouns and always require capitalization. Questions beginning with "When," "What," "Where," "Why," or "How" usually end with a question mark.

Question 8. Ruskin Bond's poem Firefly in My Room is about insects
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Ruskin Bond's poem 'Firefly in My Room' is about insects." The title of the poem is put inside inverted commas, and the sentence ends with a full stop. "Ruskin Bond" and "Firefly in My Room" are proper nouns and a title, so they are capitalized.
In simple words: Use inverted commas around the poem's title and finish with a full stop. Capitalize the author's name and the title words.

🎯 Exam Tip: Titles of books, poems, or songs are usually enclosed in single or double inverted commas. Remember to capitalize proper nouns like author names and significant words in titles.

Question 9. Vijay Stambh was built by Rana Kumbha after his victory over Mahmud Khilji the Sultan of Malwa
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Vijay Stambh was built by Rana Kumbha after his victory over Mahmud Khilji, the Sultan of Malwa." Commas separate the name from the title that follows it. All proper nouns like "Vijay Stambh", "Rana Kumbha", "Mahmud Khilji", and "Malwa" must be capitalized, and the sentence ends with a full stop.
In simple words: Capitalize all names and titles. Put a comma before the description of Mahmud Khilji, and end the sentence with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Capitalize proper nouns such as historical monuments, names of people, and places. Use commas to set off appositives (phrases that rename or describe a noun next to it).

Question 10. Twinkle twinkle all the night
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Twinkle, twinkle, all the night." This is part of a common rhyme. Commas are used to separate repeating words, and a full stop would typically end it if it's treated as a complete thought. Since it's usually part of a song title or a phrase, treating it as a phrase within a sentence, or a line of a poem that stands alone, a full stop is suitable.
In simple words: Put commas between the repeating words. End the line with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Short, repetitive phrases often use commas to create a pause and rhythm. Capitalize the first word of the sentence or poetic line.

Exercise 2

Rewrite the given sentences in your own handwriting using capital letters, small letters and correct punctuation marks wherever required.

Question 1. On this day Lord ram got victory over Rawan.
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "On this day, Lord Ram got victory over Ravan." We capitalize the first word, "On," and also the proper nouns "Lord Ram" and "Ravan." A comma is added after the introductory phrase "On this day," and a full stop ends the sentence.
In simple words: Start with a capital 'O', capitalize 'Lord Ram' and 'Ravan', add a comma after 'day', and end with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always capitalize proper nouns (names of specific people or deities). Use a comma after an introductory phrase that is followed by the main clause of the sentence.

Question 2. Raju said, "I clean my room myself.
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Raju said, "I clean my room myself."" The first word "Raju" is capitalized, and a comma separates the reporting verb from the direct speech. The direct speech is enclosed in inverted commas, and a full stop goes inside the closing inverted comma to end the sentence.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Raju', add a comma after 'said', put inverted commas around the spoken words, and place a full stop inside the last inverted comma.

🎯 Exam Tip: Punctuation marks like full stops and question marks at the end of direct speech should always be placed inside the closing inverted comma.

Question 3. yes sir, i got it.
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Yes, sir, I got it." We capitalize "Yes" at the start of the sentence and "I" as a pronoun. Commas are used after "Yes" and "sir" to separate them from the rest of the sentence. A full stop marks the end of the statement.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Yes' and 'I'. Add commas after 'Yes' and 'sir', and end with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always capitalize the pronoun "I". Use commas to set off vocative expressions like "sir," "madam," or a person's name when they are used in direct address.

Question 4. Why are there so few students in the class.
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Why are there so few students in the class?" The sentence starts with a capital "W" for "Why," and since it asks a direct question, it ends with a question mark instead of a full stop.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Why' and change the full stop to a question mark because it's asking something.

🎯 Exam Tip: Sentences that begin with interrogative words like "Why," "What," "When," "Where," and "How" are usually questions and require a question mark at the end.

Question 5. Do you remember Twinkle twinkle little star
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Do you remember 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star'?" The sentence starts with a capital "D" for "Do." The song title "Twinkle, twinkle, little star" should be enclosed in inverted commas, and commas separate the repeating words. Since it's a question, it ends with a question mark.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Do', put inverted commas around the song title, add commas inside the title, and end with a question mark.

🎯 Exam Tip: Titles of songs, poems, or short stories are typically enclosed in inverted commas. Remember to end a question with a question mark.

Question 6. The process of holding breath is called Kumbhak
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "The process of holding breath is called 'Kumbhak'." We capitalize "The" at the start. The specific term "Kumbhak" is often enclosed in single inverted commas for emphasis or to indicate a specific name or term, and the sentence ends with a full stop.
In simple words: Capitalize 'The', put single inverted commas around 'Kumbhak', and finish the sentence with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Special terms or foreign words can sometimes be highlighted using single inverted commas or italics. All declarative sentences must end with a full stop.

Question 7. Don't worry with a little practice you will learn it
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Don't worry; with a little practice, you will learn it." "Don't" is capitalized at the start, and it contains an apostrophe for the contraction "do not." A semicolon separates two closely related independent clauses, or a full stop could also be used here. A comma after "practice" sets off the introductory phrase. The sentence ends with a full stop.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Don't' and add its apostrophe. Use a semicolon after 'worry' (or a full stop to make two sentences). Add a comma after 'practice', and finish with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use an apostrophe for contractions (e.g., don't, can't). A semicolon can connect two complete sentences that are related in meaning.

Question 8. What are the benefits of pranayam
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "What are the benefits of pranayam?" The sentence starts with a capital "W" for "What," and since it asks a direct question, it ends with a question mark. "Pranayam" is a specific term that could be capitalized or lowercased depending on context, but here it's treated as a common noun.
In simple words: Capitalize 'What' and replace the missing punctuation with a question mark because it asks for information.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always identify if a sentence is asking a question or making a statement to choose between a question mark and a full stop. Start all sentences with a capital letter.

Question 9. Long long ago a group of rats lived happily in a forest
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Long, long ago, a group of rats lived happily in a forest." "Long" is capitalized at the start. Commas are used to separate the repeating introductory words "Long, long ago." The sentence ends with a full stop.
In simple words: Capitalize the first 'Long', add commas after the first and second 'Long', and end the sentence with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Repetitive introductory phrases often use commas to create a clear separation before the main part of the sentence. Remember to start sentences with a capital letter.

Question 10. Sir I also sweep my room
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Sir, I also sweep my room." We capitalize "Sir" at the start of the sentence and "I" as a pronoun. A comma is added after "Sir" because it is used in direct address. A full stop ends the statement.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Sir' and 'I'. Put a comma after 'Sir', and a full stop at the end.

🎯 Exam Tip: When addressing someone directly (e.g., "Sir," "Madam," "Ram"), use a comma after their name or title if it comes at the beginning of the sentence.

Question 11. Shouldn't we think of its cleanliness also
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Shouldn't we think of its cleanliness also?" We capitalize "Shouldn't" at the start and add an apostrophe for the contraction "should not." Since this is a question, it ends with a question mark.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Shouldn't', add its apostrophe, and finish the question with a question mark.

🎯 Exam Tip: Contractions like "shouldn't" or "can't" always need an apostrophe. Identify if a sentence is a question to use the correct end punctuation.

Question 12. In the same manner our school is also like our home
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "In the same manner, our school is also like our home." We capitalize "In" at the start. A comma is added after the introductory phrase "In the same manner," and a full stop ends the declarative sentence.
In simple words: Capitalize 'In', put a comma after 'manner', and end with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use a comma after an introductory phrase that helps transition or provides context before the main idea of the sentence.

Question 13. Don't you clean your room
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "Don't you clean your room?" We capitalize "Don't" at the start and include its apostrophe for the contraction. Since this is a question, it ends with a question mark.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Don't', add its apostrophe, and finish the question with a question mark.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always ensure contractions like "don't" or "isn't" have the correct apostrophe placement. Identify direct questions and end them with a question mark.

Question 14. How do the firefly light up little spaces
Answer: The correctly punctuated sentence is: "How do the fireflies light up little spaces?" We capitalize "How" at the start of the sentence. Since this is a direct question, it ends with a question mark. Also, "firefly" should be plural "fireflies" if referring to multiple.
In simple words: Capitalize 'How', change 'firefly' to 'fireflies', and put a question mark at the end because it asks 'how'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Questions starting with "How" always need a question mark. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement and plural forms of nouns.

Rewrite the given paragraph in your own handwriting using capital letters, small letters and correct punctuation marks.

Question 1. sir, I also sweep my room. I fetch water with my mother from a well. I help her in the kitchen. I help My father at our shop also. it is very good, my child. (Model paper)
Answer: The correctly punctuated paragraph is: "Sir, I also sweep my room. I fetch water with my mother from a well. I help her in the kitchen. I help my father at our shop also. It is very good, my child!" We capitalize "Sir" and add a comma after it. "I" is always capitalized. Each sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a full stop. The phrase "my child" is an exclamation, so an exclamation mark is used at the end.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Sir' and 'I'. Add a comma after 'Sir'. Start each new sentence with a capital letter and end it with a full stop. Change the last full stop to an exclamation mark for emphasis.

🎯 Exam Tip: When punctuating a paragraph, apply all rules: capitalize first words of sentences, capitalize "I", use commas for introductory words, and choose the correct end punctuation (full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark).

Question 2. Many homes of the Rats were destroyed under their big feet some rats were also killed. The King of rats Mooshakraj went to the king of elephants.
Answer: The correctly punctuated paragraph is: "Many homes of the rats were destroyed under their big feet; some rats were also killed. The King of rats, Mooshakraj, went to the king of elephants." We capitalize "Many" at the start. A semicolon separates two closely related independent clauses. "The King" is capitalized as a title, and commas are used around "Mooshakraj" to set off this appositive (a phrase that renames the noun). A full stop ends the last sentence.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Many'. Use a semicolon to join the two related sentences. Capitalize 'The King' and put commas around 'Mooshakraj'. Finish with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Semicolons are useful for connecting two complete sentences that are related in thought. Remember to set off titles or descriptions of people with commas when they follow the name.

Question 3. ma'am too have understood we pledge Never to chew gutkha and tobacoo again.
Answer: The correctly punctuated paragraph is: "Ma'am, we too have understood. We pledge never to chew gutkha and tobacco again." We capitalize "Ma'am" and add a comma after it as a direct address. The first sentence ends with a full stop, and the new sentence "We pledge..." starts with a capital "W." A full stop ends the entire paragraph. Also, "tobacoo" should be "tobacco."
In simple words: Capitalize 'Ma'am' and put a comma after it. Make sure each sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop. Correct 'tobacoo' to 'tobacco'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always use a comma after a vocative like "Ma'am" when it introduces a sentence. Be careful with spelling, as it also affects clarity and marks.

Question 4. we work at home ourselves and Help family members there we don't think whether our household activities are our jobs or not.
Answer: The correctly punctuated paragraph is: "We work at home ourselves and help family members. There, we don't think whether our household activities are our jobs or not." We capitalize "We" at the start. The first sentence ends with a full stop. The next sentence starts with a capital "T" for "There," and a comma follows "There" because it's an introductory adverb. The contraction "don't" needs an apostrophe, and a full stop ends the paragraph.
In simple words: Capitalize 'We'. End the first thought with a full stop. Capitalize 'There', add a comma after it, and put the apostrophe in 'don't'. Finish with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Break long sentences into shorter, clearer ones using full stops. Use a comma after an introductory adverb like "There" or "However" when it sets the stage for the sentence.

Question 5. there was a Yoga teacher who was giving instructions to others he said, “My Dear friends, lets learn pranayam in today's Yoga class."
Answer: The correctly punctuated paragraph is: "There was a yoga teacher who was giving instructions to others. He said, "My dear friends, let's learn pranayam in today's yoga class."" We capitalize "There" at the start. The first sentence ends with a full stop. "He" starts the next sentence with a capital. The direct speech is enclosed in inverted commas. Inside the direct speech, "My" is capitalized, a comma follows "friends," and the contraction "let's" needs an apostrophe. The full stop ends the direct speech and is placed inside the closing inverted comma.
In simple words: Capitalize 'There'. End the first sentence with a full stop. Capitalize 'He'. Put inverted commas around the spoken words. Inside the quotes, capitalize 'My', add a comma after 'friends', put the apostrophe in 'let's', and end with a full stop before the final inverted comma.

🎯 Exam Tip: For direct speech, ensure the exact words spoken are enclosed in inverted commas, and all punctuation marks that belong to the spoken words (like commas, question marks, full stops) are placed inside the closing inverted comma.

Question 6. what else can we do the pond is drying now if we stay here we will die of starvation.
Answer: The correctly punctuated paragraph is: "What else can we do? The pond is drying now. If we stay here, we will die of starvation." We capitalize "What" at the start and end it with a question mark as it is a direct question. The next sentence, "The pond is drying now," begins with a capital "T" and ends with a full stop. The last sentence, "If we stay here, we will die of starvation," begins with a capital "I," has a comma after the introductory clause "If we stay here," and ends with a full stop.
In simple words: Capitalize 'What' and end the first sentence with a question mark. Capitalize 'The' and end the second sentence with a full stop. Capitalize 'If', add a comma after 'here', and end the last sentence with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Break down longer passages into individual sentences. Punctuate each sentence correctly, ensuring proper capitalization at the start and the appropriate end punctuation.

Question 7. fairs are organized at various places on this auspicious occasion children enjoy themselves in Many ways.
Answer: The correctly punctuated paragraph is: "Fairs are organized at various places on this auspicious occasion. Children enjoy themselves in many ways." We capitalize "Fairs" at the start of the first sentence and end it with a full stop. The second sentence, "Children enjoy themselves in many ways," begins with a capital "C" and also ends with a full stop. "Many" is not a proper noun here, so it remains lowercase.
In simple words: Capitalize 'Fairs'. End the first sentence with a full stop. Capitalize 'Children' and end the second sentence with a full stop. 'Many' should be lowercase.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to proper nouns (names of specific things) versus common nouns. Only proper nouns need to be capitalized mid-sentence (unless they start a new sentence). Each complete thought needs to be a separate sentence.

Question 8. with this change in his behaviour he is now liked by everyone. his teachers Praise him for his punctuality and his parents feel proud of him.
Answer: The correctly punctuated paragraph is: "With this change in his behaviour, he is now liked by everyone. His teachers praise him for his punctuality, and his parents feel proud of him." We capitalize "With" at the start. A comma separates the introductory phrase "With this change in his behaviour." The first sentence ends with a full stop. The next sentence, "His teachers praise him for his punctuality, and his parents feel proud of him," begins with a capital "H," and a comma is added before "and" to connect the two clauses. A full stop ends the paragraph.
In simple words: Capitalize 'With' and put a comma after 'behaviour'. End the first sentence with a full stop. Capitalize 'His' and add a comma before 'and' in the second sentence. Finish with a full stop.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use a comma before "and" when it connects two independent clauses (complete sentences) within a single longer sentence. Always ensure clear sentence boundaries with capital letters and full stops.