Website Review: Progressive Punctuation

PROGRESSIVE PUNCTUATION is a website showcasing fascinating punctuation marks.

This easy-to-use website features old and new punctuation that never became part of standard practice. Users move forward and back through examples that include a description, inventor, year, location, and appropriate uses of the marks. The resource explores how punctuation is used to bridge the gap between verbal language and written language. The project is intended to encourage conversations about written communication. Users can even download a font containing the punctuation marks.

Librarians will find that this website is a hit with English teachers. Use the website as a creative way to introduce punctuation rules. Encourage students to discuss their favorite punctuation marks and invent their own.

To visit the website, go to http://progressivepunctuation.com/.

Website Review: Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)

For two decades, the PURDUE ONLINE WRITING LAB (OWL) has been providing hundreds of free resources for students.

Sponsored by the English Department at Purdue University, this online resource includes the areas of writing and teaching writing; research; grammar and mechanics; style guides; ESL; and job search and professional writing.

Tutorials of particular note include their APA and MLA style guides, ideas for avoiding plagiarism, business letter writing tool, and instructions for developing an effective resume.

The “Purdue OWL Vidcasts” connect to a YouTube channel providing dozens of short, instructional videos on topics such as writing, citation styles, rhetoric, and grammar.

Although some resources are designed specifically for Purdue students, the majority of materials are intended for all users.

A keyword search tool provides quick access to useful resources. The “Site Map” provides easy access to a master list of topics and links.

To learn more, go to the OWL website at https://owl.english.purdue.edu/.