Of the two, the question mark is easy. The exclamation mark is hideously difficult. When it comes to marks of expression, the symbols on the typewriter keyboard cannot really cope with the range of the human voice. Stick, then, at first to the stoppers and the semicolon linker. That, till you get the hang of it, is really enough, believe me.
Sophistication can wait.
Ian A. Gordon is emeritus professor of English language and literature in the University of Wellington, New Zealand. With thanks to the New Scientist for allowing us to use this article.