The document provides 6 rules for using capitalization in writing. The rules cover capitalizing the first word of every sentence, proper nouns, titles before or directly addressing a person, the first word of a quote, and compass directions referring to specific regions. An example is given for each rule. The document then provides an exercise to find 20 capitalization mistakes in a sample text and another to correct capitalization mistakes in 18 sentences.

1. CAPITALIZATION
Below are six important rules for using capitalization in your writing.
Rule #1: Capitalize the first word of
every sentence.
Rule #2: Capitalize proper nouns (names
of people, places and things).
Examples: Examples:
 There are two cups on the table.  My best friend is Sarah.
 Do you have a pen?  I think Spain is located in Europe.
Rule #3: Capitalize a person’s title
when it comes before his or her
name.
Rule #4: Capitalize any person’s title
when it is used to directly talk/write to
that person.
Examples: Examples:
 I saw Dr. Jones last week.  Thank you, Teacher, for helping me.
 She saw Mr. and Mrs. Smith yesterday.  Will the needle hurt, Doctor?
Rule #5: Capitalize the first word in a
quoted sentence.
Rule #6: Capitalize compass directions
in reference to specific regions.
Examples: Examples:
 Our teacher said, “Good morning.”  Europe was divided into East and West.
 He asked, “What time is it?”  The Civil War was fought between the
North and the South.
 Find the 20 capitalization mistakes below. (The first one is done for you.)
many of john’s friends think he has a boring daily routine, but
john likes it. he always gets up at six o’clock every morning
and says, “good morning” to his wife and kids, and after
breakfast he arrives at work around seven-thirty. he works
at a small store called supersave supermarket. it's located in
new york. after work, he says, “good-bye” to his boss, mr.
smith, and then goes home. on weekends, he likes to play
with his son, thomas, and his daughter, barbara. maybe
john’s routine really is a little boring, but he enjoys it!

2. CAPITALIZATION
 Find and correct the TEN mistakes below (one mistake per sentence).
 Put a check next to the SIX sentences that have NO MISTAKES.
1. My classmate is from sweden.
2. Chris drove to the University yesterday.
3. I study in the library every Tuesday afternoon.
4. We saw lions, tigers and camels at the zoo.
5. maybe Carla will see a movie tonight.
6. My family and i live in an apartment building.
7. Peru is located in south America.
8. Did You talk to our teacher last week?
9. Let’s get out our telescope and look at the moon.
10. I ordered a cheeseburger and soda at the school cafeteria.
11. I can speak three languages, but I can’t speak german.
12. Cambridge University is one of the oldest universities in the world.
13. Thomas really wants to see the new Star wars movie at the theater.
14. Will you be able to come to the picnic on the weekend?
15. Did you know that mr. Johnson is a policeman?
16. They want to meet us at seven O’clock tomorrow night.

3. CAPITALIZATION
 Complete these eighteen sentences to score your knowledge of CAPITALIZATION rules.
1. My … is going to meet us at the 10. Who is the … of the United States of
library. America?
a) father a) president
b) Father b) President
2. My friends and … had a great time 11. Last year, … Obama visited our
at the birthday party. school.
a) i a) President
b) I b) president
3. What is the capital city 12. What kinds of sports do you like to
of …? play in …?
a) France a) summer
b) france b) Summer
4. Our teacher said that we are going 13. I really love to play … with my
to have a test on …. friends.
a) thursday a) Football
b) Thursday b) football
5. I’m very happy because we will 14. The Pacific Ocean is the largest
have a … next week. … in the world.
a) holiday a) ocean
b) Holiday b) Ocean
6. Excuse me. Where is … Smith? 15. He asked me, “… time does the
I need to talk to him. test begin?”
a) mr. a) what
b) Mr. b) What
7. My … are very noisy. They had a 16. … is one of my favorite websites.
party late last night. It has a lot of useful information.
a) neighbors a) Wikipedia
b) Neighbors b) wikipedia
8. My brothers were both born in the 17. Oxford … is one of the oldest
month of …. universities in the world.
a) june a) university
b) June b) University
9. William works as a … in a restaurant 18. I like to look at the … with my new
downtown. telescope.
a) Waiter a) Moon
b) waiter b) moon