ANSWER: There are only two times you need to use an exclamantion mark.
1) Use an exclamation mark at the end of a statement sentence that tells with great emotion. Examples: "You stepped on my face!", or "The House is on fire!"
2) Use an exclamation in an imperative sentence where you are addressing someone and yelling/telling them to do something.
Example: "Help me!" or a command not to do something: "Do not step on my face!". There is a choice to make using the imperative. You will not need an exclamation mark if you are quietly telling someone to do something such as: "Hand me that book of poems."
Otherwise, when writing a poem or story, try to forget the exclamation mark. Trust the English language to do its work.
According to Peg Russell, a writer is only allowed to use one or two exclamation marks in their entire writing career. I agree with her.
