The Punctuational Enigma: The Ellipsis In the realm of punctuation, the ellipsis stands as an enigmatic symbol, its dots trailing off into a realm of unspoken thoughts and unfinished sentences. This humble sequence of three dots (…), also known as an ellipsis points, holds a profound power to convey unspoken emotions, create suspense, and add depth to writing. A Pause in Thought: At its most basic level, an ellipsis denotes a deliberate break or pause in thought. In dialogue, it can indicate an uncompleted sentence, a moment of hesitation, or a trailing off into silence. By inserting an ellipsis, writers create a sense of realism, allowing readers to feel the unspoken words that linger in the air. Suspense and Suggestion: The ellipsis possesses a unique ability to create anticipation and suspense. By leaving certain thoughts unfinished, writers can pique readers’ curiosity and leave them eagerly anticipating what comes next. This technique is often employed in mystery or thriller writing to build tension and keep readers on the edge of their seats. Unsaid Emotions and Subtext: Ellipses can convey a wide range of emotions that may be difficult to express explicitly. They can suggest embarrassment, sadness, regret, or even joy. By allowing readers to fill in the blanks with their own interpretations, writers can create a sense of intimacy and depth in their writing. Literary Devices and Stylistic Effects: In addition to its practical uses, the ellipsis can also serve as a powerful literary device. It can be used to emphasize certain words or phrases, create parallel structures, or convey a sense of ambiguity or incompleteness. In poetry, ellipses can evoke a sense of longing, lost moments, or unspoken connections. Technicalities and Usage: Ellipses are typically created by typing three full stops, with no spaces between them (…). When used in dialogue, they are placed inside quotation marks. In some cases, an ellipsis may be used at the beginning or end of a sentence, although this usage is less common. Conclusion: The ellipsis is a versatile and evocative punctuation mark that can add nuance, depth, and suspense to writing. Whether it’s used to pause a thought, build tension, or convey unspoken emotions, the ellipsis remains a powerful tool for writers. By harnessing its subtle power, writers can captivate readers and create unforgettable literary experiences.General News for Sunday, July 7, 2024General News for Sunday, July 7, 2024 Source: Ghanaweb.com Date: 07-07-2024 Headline: WAEC Warns Candidates to Beware of Fake Questions Ahead of the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a warning to candidates regarding fraudulent website operators circulating fake questions. WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, expressed concern at a recent press conference about the activities of unscrupulous individuals who are trying to trick candidates into paying money for alleged “apor” (exam questions). According to Mr. Kapi, these scams distract candidates from focusing on their studies and can lead to poor performance during the exams. Exam Details: The BECE will commence on Monday, July 8, 2024, with candidates taking English on the first day and Arabic on the final day, Monday, July 15. Public school candidates will be tested based on the new Common Core curriculum, while private school candidates will be tested on the old curriculum. A total of 569,095 candidates are expected to sit for the exams, with 282,648 male candidates and 286,447 female candidates. Warning Against Cheating: WAEC has strongly warned candidates against the use of mobile phones or other electronic devices in examination halls. Candidates found guilty of cheating will face severe consequences. Additional Information: * Candidates are advised to be vigilant and refrain from engaging with suspicious websites or individuals. * For more information and updates, candidates are encouraged to visit the WAEC website. * A link to a YouTube video addressing the issue of fake questions is provided at the end of the article.Hurricane Makes Landfall in Florida, Causing Widespread Damage A powerful hurricane made landfall in Florida on Tuesday, bringing with it winds of up to 150 miles per hour and torrential rain. The storm surge caused flooding in coastal areas, and downed trees and power lines throughout the state. Over one million homes and businesses were left without power, and thousands of people were evacuated from their homes. The governor has declared a state of emergency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is deploying teams to assist with the response effort. The hurricane is expected to continue to move inland, causing additional flooding and power outages. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay indoors and follow the instructions of local officials. Flooding in California Kills Dozens, Damages Homes Heavy rains and flooding in California have killed at least 20 people and damaged hundreds of homes. The storms have been caused by a series of atmospheric rivers, which are long, narrow bands of moisture in the atmosphere. The flooding has closed roads and highways, and forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes. Many communities are still under water, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The governor has declared a state of emergency, and FEMA is providing assistance to affected areas. Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to be prepared for further evacuations. Wildfires Rage in Texas, Threatening Lives and Property Multiple wildfires are burning in Texas, fueled by high winds and dry conditions. The fires have spread rapidly, destroying homes and forcing thousands of people to evacuate. The largest fire, known as the “Bastrop Fire,” has burned over 100,000 acres and is still not contained. Several other fires are also burning in the area, and the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. Firefighters are working around the clock to contain the fires, but the strong winds are making it difficult. Residents in affected areas are urged to be prepared for evacuation and to follow the instructions of local officials.