Final answer:
The correct way to punctuate the instruction is with a colon after the phrase introduced by 'YOU'LL NEED THE FOLLOWING TO BUILD THE SHELF:' followed by the list of items needed. Additionally, standard capitalization should be used for readability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Punctuating Instructions
When writing a set of instructions, it is important to use punctuation that clearly communicates to the reader. In this case, the correct way to punctuate the sentence would be with a colon after the phrase “YOU'LL NEED THE FOLLOWING TO BUILD THE SHELF” as it is followed by a list of items. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) YOU'LL NEED THE FOLLOWING TO BUILD THE SHELF: A hammer, a screwdriver, and nails. The colon acts as a gateway to the list of necessary tools and provides a pause for the reader before moving on to the specifics.
The use of all caps for the entire sentence is not standard, and it may come across as shouting. It is better to use standard capitalization for professional and clear communication. Also, remember that the colon should not be preceded by a space but followed by one.
It is also essential to realize how punctuation can affect the clarity of communication. Rather than including multiple instructions or items in a single sentence, it is better to separate them appropriately for easier comprehension and to avoid clutter. This also aids in the organization of thoughts and instructions, which is crucial in technical writing such as instruction manuals.