Asterisks Worksheets

About Our Asterisk Worksheets

Together, these worksheets guide students from mechanical placement-"putting the symbol (*) in"-to higher-order understanding: why it belongs there, how it changes meaning, and where stylistic norms demand or discourage it. This layered progression-from symbol introduction to purposeful combination with writing contexts-ensures learners not only recognize asterisks but master their proper, effective use in varied academic and informal genres.

Each worksheet begins with a clear explanation of what an asterisk (*) is and how it's used in writing. For example, one worksheet might present a short paragraph with missing footnote markers, prompting students to insert asterisks where authors typically signal an explanatory note or caveat. This anchors students in the fundamental purpose of the symbol: guiding readers to ancillary information or denoting editorial notes. By actively placing asterisks themselves, learners develop an intuitive sense of when extra clarification or supplemental detail is needed in a text.

Other worksheets contrast asterisks with similar punctuation-like daggers (†) or parentheses-to reinforce accurate usage. Students might read two versions of a sentence and identify which one appropriately uses an asterisk versus parentheses, for instance. This comparative approach sharpens their understanding that asterisks signal footnotes or emphasis-but are not substitutes for commas, hyphens, or ellipses. By sorting or correcting punctuation in sample sentences, students hone the nuanced judgment needed to choose the asterisk over more visually or functionally similar symbols.

The worksheets also introduce longer texts-such as a short informational snippet or excerpt-embedded with asterisks but missing the actual footnotes. Students must match each asterisk in the main text to its corresponding footnote explanation at the bottom. This two-part exercise helps learners practice that classic writing scenario: you spot an asterisk in a student‐style article or textbook, then scan to the fine print or sidebar for more detail. This back-and‑forth interaction builds fluency in reading and writing documents that rely on supplementary notes.

In another set, students are given unformatted academic-style blurbs with brackets indicating where footnotes should go. The task is to rewrite the text correctly, inserting asterisks in the body and aligning each with its footnote at the bottom. Beyond punctuation placement, this encourages precision in structure-knowing exactly where to attach the symbol so that footnotes appear logically without rhetorical interruption. This mirrors the careful formatting required in essays, research papers, and formal writing contexts.

Some of the worksheets explore less common-but critical-aesthetic uses of asterisks: marking corrections (e.g., typo corrected after posting), emphasizing words in informal writing ("This is so important!"), or denoting editorial side notes. Short email and social media-style passages are provided, and students decide when asterisks add clarity rather than create clutter. This module underlines style judgment: not every emphasis call warrants bold or italics; sometimes asterisks are just right. By evaluating examples and suggesting revisions, students learn when the asterisk enhances readability or meaning.

What is the Asterisk?

The asterisk (*) is a small, star-shaped punctuation mark used in writing to draw attention to additional information, clarifications, or footnotes. Its primary role is to signal to the reader that something extra is being referenced-often at the bottom of the page or end of a text-such as a citation, a side note, or an explanation. Though it's a simple symbol, its placement and usage carry significant meaning in both formal and informal writing contexts. When used properly, the asterisk helps clarify complex ideas without disrupting the flow of the main text, acting as a subtle yet effective pointer.

In formal writing, the most recognized use of the asterisk is to denote a footnote. Writers insert the asterisk immediately after the relevant word or sentence, and then provide the additional information elsewhere, often at the bottom of the page. This allows authors to expand on ideas or cite sources without cluttering the main narrative. Asterisks are also employed to signal corrections, especially in edited or revised texts-commonly in online content. In less formal writing, such as personal emails or social media posts, asterisks can be used to emphasize words or replace bold/italic styling when such formatting isn't available. For example: "That was amazing!"

However, the asterisk should not be overused or misapplied. It's important not to rely on it for emphasis when formal punctuation or text formatting would be more appropriate. Using asterisks to randomly highlight or decorate sentences, or inserting them without a corresponding note or explanation, can confuse the reader and disrupt readability. Additionally, using asterisks to censor profanity in professional writing or academic contexts is discouraged; more thoughtful language choices are preferred. Writers must always ensure that every asterisk has a clear and purposeful function in the text.

In general, an asterisk should be used when there's a genuine need to direct the reader to a related note, a correction, or a subtle form of emphasis. It should not be used simply for decoration or when its meaning is unclear. The key to proper usage lies in clarity and relevance: every asterisk should enhance the reader's understanding, not distract from it. Writers should ask themselves, "Does this asterisk serve a specific purpose?" If the answer is no, then it's best left out.

Proper Use of the Asterisk

1. She finally submitted the report on time.*

*The deadline had already been extended by two days.

2. The term "photosynthesis" refers to a process where plants convert light into energy.*

*See Chapter 3 for a full explanation.

Improper Use of the Asterisk

1. That was the best cake I've ever had * * *

(Asterisks are being used decoratively without purpose.)

2. The quick* brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

(No footnote or follow-up explanation; the asterisk use is unexplained.)