mini-lessons for clocking carole hyde pisd 2009. punctuation surrounding dialogue each time a new...

Mini-lessons for Mini-lessons for ClockingClocking

Carole Hyde Carole Hyde

PISD 2009PISD 2009

Punctuation Surrounding Punctuation Surrounding DialogueDialogue

Each time a new speaker speaks, a new Each time a new speaker speaks, a new paragraph should begin.paragraph should begin.

Everything a character says should be in Everything a character says should be in quotation marks.quotation marks.

Use a comma to separate conversational tags.Use a comma to separate conversational tags. Place an !, ?, or . inside the closing quotation Place an !, ?, or . inside the closing quotation

mark. Put a comma instead of a period if the mark. Put a comma instead of a period if the quotation does not end the sentence.quotation does not end the sentence.

Example:Example:““DonDon’’t fall down the hill!t fall down the hill!”” Jack exclaimed. Jack exclaimed.Jack said, Jack said, ““Jill, letJill, let’’s go up the hill.s go up the hill.””““We need a pail of water,We need a pail of water,”” said Jill. said Jill.

DialogueDialogue

Does all dialogue have quotation marks Does all dialogue have quotation marks around it?around it?

““I gave him his medicine at noonI gave him his medicine at noon,,”” she she confirmed.confirmed.

Jackie mumbled under her breathJackie mumbled under her breath,, ““But not But not all of itall of it..””

““What did you sayWhat did you say??”” she snapped. she snapped.

Dialogue PracticeDialogue Practice

I knew she wouldn't come. She is I knew she wouldn't come. She is always flaking out Jenny complained.always flaking out Jenny complained.

What time are we supposed to be What time are we supposed to be going tonight I asked?going tonight I asked?

She lifted her head up from her She lifted her head up from her phone and replied around midnight. Isnphone and replied around midnight. Isn’’t t that kind of late I said.that kind of late I said.

Answer to Dialogue PracticeAnswer to Dialogue Practice

““I knew she wouldn't come. She is I knew she wouldn't come. She is always flaking outalways flaking out,”,” Jenny complained. Jenny complained.

““What time are we supposed to be What time are we supposed to be going tonightgoing tonight?” ?” I askedI asked..

She lifted her head up from her She lifted her head up from her phone and repliedphone and replied, “A, “Around midnight.round midnight.””

““IsnIsn’’t that kind of latet that kind of late?”?” I said. I said.

New paragraph

6 Reasons to Begin a New 6 Reasons to Begin a New ParagraphParagraph

1. Start of an essay1. Start of an essay2. Place changes2. Place changes3. Action changes3. Action changes4. Time changes4. Time changes5. Setting changes5. Setting changes6. Topic changes 6. Topic changes (Expository essay)(Expository essay)

Run-on SentencesRun-on Sentences When two or more complete sentences are joined When two or more complete sentences are joined

together without the proper punctuationtogether without the proper punctuation

Example: I put small braids in my sisterExample: I put small braids in my sister’’s hair she is short s hair she is short and skinny.and skinny.

What would make this correct?What would make this correct? I put small braids in my sisterI put small braids in my sister’’s hair. She is short and s hair. She is short and

skinny.skinny.Even better, how could you combine these sentences?Even better, how could you combine these sentences?

I put small braids in my short and skinny sisterI put small braids in my short and skinny sister’’s hair.s hair.

Independent ClauseIndependent Clause(This slide is for the purpose of note taking only. Do not clock for errors until (This slide is for the purpose of note taking only. Do not clock for errors until

next slide)next slide)

An independent clause is a group of words An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.independent clause is a sentence.

Example: The child became placid as the Example: The child became placid as the mother condemned her behavior.mother condemned her behavior.

Dependent Clause/AKA- the Dependent Clause/AKA- the FRAGMENTFRAGMENT

(Don(Don’’t rotate. Use same clocker from last slide)t rotate. Use same clocker from last slide) A dependent clause is a group of words that contains A dependent clause is a group of words that contains

a subject and verb but does not express a complete a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word or subordinating conjunction.marker word or subordinating conjunction.

Examples: Examples: When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz.When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz.

After she said those horrible things.After she said those horrible things.

How could you fix this?How could you fix this?

After she said those horrible things, she felt remorse for not After she said those horrible things, she felt remorse for not holding her tongue.holding her tongue.

. ! ?. ! ?

.- goes at the end of a complete thought.- goes at the end of a complete thought ! – goes at the end of something being ! – goes at the end of something being

yelled or expressed in a dramatic way.yelled or expressed in a dramatic way.?- goes at the end of a question- DUH!?- goes at the end of a question- DUH!Practice:Practice:

““I told you never to see him again__I told you never to see him again__”” the the father screamed__father screamed__““This is so stupid__ Why canThis is so stupid__ Why can’’t I see him_t I see him___”” she mumbled under her breath__ she mumbled under her breath__

Sentence CombiningSentence Combining

Find a way to combine the following Find a way to combine the following simple sentences to make the writing simple sentences to make the writing sound more advanced.sound more advanced.

The bull pivoted and charged the cape.The bull pivoted and charged the cape.The bull was in full gallop.The bull was in full gallop.The bull’s head was down.The bull’s head was down.The bull’s tail was rising.The bull’s tail was rising.

CapitalizationCapitalization The main things to capitalizeThe main things to capitalize:: Proper names of people and placesProper names of people and places Months and days of the weekMonths and days of the week Company namesCompany names Countries, cities, statesCountries, cities, states HolidaysHolidays 11stst letter inside dialogue letter inside dialogue Important words in a titleImportant words in a title All letters of an exaggerated onomatopoeiaAll letters of an exaggerated onomatopoeia The beginning of every new sentenceThe beginning of every new sentence AcronymsAcronyms

Capitalization PracticeCapitalization Practice

i have Decided not to go with jane and lisa i have Decided not to go with jane and lisa to nasa space center as i’ll be out of town to nasa space center as i’ll be out of town next tuesday having Eye Surgery in dallas. next tuesday having Eye Surgery in dallas.

Some Spelling and Usage IssuesSome Spelling and Usage Issues Common Spelling and Usage Errors that won’t get their Common Spelling and Usage Errors that won’t get their

own slides:own slides:

- Whole numbers one through one hundred are Whole numbers one through one hundred are spelled spelled out (Chicago Manual of Style).out (Chicago Manual of Style).

- I I nownow knowknow how to spell. how to spell.

- Text message lingo is - Text message lingo is NOTNOT okay in a formal paper. okay in a formal paper.

- AlotAlot is not a word. ( is not a word. (““a lota lot”” is two words) is two words)

- Any symbol that stands for Any symbol that stands for ““andand”” is not okay. Spell is not okay. Spell it out.it out.

- Use - Use affectaffect as a verb and as a verb and effecteffect as a noun. as a noun.

Where, Were, We’re, WearWhere, Were, We’re, Wear

WhereWhere werewere you? you?WhereWhere refers to a place. refers to a place.

WereWere refers to a 2nd person singular refers to a 2nd person singular pt. pt. indicative, plural past indicative, and indicative, plural past indicative, and past subjunctive of past subjunctive of be.

We’reWe’re- a contraction of - a contraction of we arewe are

we + are = we’rewe + are = we’re

WearWear- the clothes or the smile that you - the clothes or the smile that you wearwear……

Your, YouYour, You’’rere

““YourYour”” – shows ownership – shows ownership

-Is this -Is this youryour textbook? textbook?

““YouYou’’rere””- a contraction of you are- a contraction of you are

you + are = youyou + are = you’’rere

--YouYou’’rere awesome! - correct awesome! - correct

--YourYour awesome! - incorrect awesome! - incorrect

Your and You’re PracticeYour and You’re Practice

___________ an amazing writer, and I just ___________ an amazing writer, and I just know that you will do well on _________ know that you will do well on _________ STAAR Test.STAAR Test.

There, Their, TheyThere, Their, They’’re, and Therere, and There’’ss

ThereThere- a place - a place -He sits over -He sits over therethere by the window. by the window.

TheirTheir- shows ownership of something to more than one - shows ownership of something to more than one personperson

--TheirTheir dog is always in my yard. dog is always in my yard.TheyThey’’rere- a contraction of - a contraction of ““theythey”” and and ““areare””

They + are = theyThey + are = they’’rere--TheyThey’’rere messing up the whole house with messing up the whole house with

those muddy shoes.those muddy shoes.ThereThere’’ss- a contraction of - a contraction of ““therethere”” and and ““isis””

There + is = thereThere + is = there’’ss- - ThereThere’’ss going to be a big party this weekend. going to be a big party this weekend.

There, Their, They’re, and There, Their, They’re, and There’s PracticeThere’s Practice

____________ always a reason to be kind ____________ always a reason to be kind to others. You never know what to others. You never know what ____________ home life is like. _______ ____________ home life is like. _______ could be a situation at home that we might could be a situation at home that we might not understand. _____________ human as not understand. _____________ human as well and deserve compassion. well and deserve compassion.

Then and ThanThen and ThanThenThen is used when applying to a time frame is used when applying to a time frame such as an event or consequence that such as an event or consequence that happens next.happens next.

When you study, you will When you study, you will thenthen be more likely to pass. be more likely to pass.

First, open the bag. First, open the bag. ThenThen, pour out the contents., pour out the contents.

Than is used when a comparison is being Than is used when a comparison is being made.made.

He is smarter He is smarter thanthan what he is showing you in class. what he is showing you in class.

She is more apt to doing homework She is more apt to doing homework thanthan her sister. her sister.

Follow these simple rules and _______ you’ll Follow these simple rules and _______ you’ll be using them better _______ anyone.be using them better _______ anyone.

ApostropheApostrophe The The apostropheapostrophe shows ownership shows ownership

-This is Karen-This is Karen’’s pencil.s pencil.Common misconceptionCommon misconception: All words ending in : All words ending in ““ss”” need an need an

apostrophe. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!apostrophe. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!-The hot dogs were the best I ever had.-The hot dogs were the best I ever had.

The hot dogs do not own anything in this sentence. Now look at this:The hot dogs do not own anything in this sentence. Now look at this:-The hot dog-The hot dog’’s container is dirty.s container is dirty.

The container belongs to the hot dog; Therefore, an apostrophe is The container belongs to the hot dog; Therefore, an apostrophe is needed.needed.

Bonus: How many hot dogs are being referred to in the sentence above?Bonus: How many hot dogs are being referred to in the sentence above?

The weird thing:The weird thing: If someone If someone’’s name ends in s name ends in ““s,s,”” such as Jesus or Joss, and such as Jesus or Joss, and the name is showing ownership of something, the apostrophe generally the name is showing ownership of something, the apostrophe generally goes after the goes after the ““s.s.””

-This is Jesus-This is Jesus’’ pencil. pencil. (Do not add an additional (Do not add an additional ““ss””))

According to some rule books, if the name is one syllable, add an additional According to some rule books, if the name is one syllable, add an additional ““s.s.”” If the name is two syllables don If the name is two syllables don’’t add an additional t add an additional ““s.s.”” Examples :JossExamples :Joss’’s pencil; Jesuss pencil; Jesus’’ pencil pencil

The Plural ApostropheThe Plural Apostrophe The plural apostrophe goes after the The plural apostrophe goes after the ““s.s.”” This means that This means that

something belongs to more than one person. Pay close something belongs to more than one person. Pay close attention for the exceptions (when the plural does not attention for the exceptions (when the plural does not end in end in ““ss””::

BoydBoyd’’s desk is messy. (Singular apostrophe)s desk is messy. (Singular apostrophe) The studentsThe students’’ desks are messy. (Plural Apostrophe) desks are messy. (Plural Apostrophe) The studentThe student’’s desk is messy. (?)s desk is messy. (?) The JonesThe Jones’’ dog is loud. (?) dog is loud. (?) The childrenThe children’’s desks are messy.(?)s desks are messy.(?) Where does the apostrophe go? For one dog? For two Where does the apostrophe go? For one dog? For two

dogs?dogs? The dogs food is scattered all over the floor.The dogs food is scattered all over the floor.

More Apostrophe PracticeMore Apostrophe Practice

Where does the apostrophe go for one hot dog?Where does the apostrophe go for one hot dog?

For two hot dogs?For two hot dogs?

For three hot dogs?For three hot dogs?

The hot dogs container is dirty.The hot dogs container is dirty.

Where does the apostrophe go in the sentence below?Where does the apostrophe go in the sentence below?

The hot dogs were delicious.The hot dogs were delicious.

Me Talk Like Caveman: Me Talk Like Caveman: You and IYou and I

SomeSome 1 1stst Grade Words to Avoid Grade Words to Avoid funfun veryvery reallyreally madmad sadsad greatgreat goodgood said/ sayssaid/ says manymany hothot gotgot veryvery was (or any BE verb)was (or any BE verb) putput

coldcold like (when used like a valley like (when used like a valley

girl)girl) excellentexcellent sit/ sat/ sittingsit/ sat/ sitting ran/ run/runningran/ run/running walk/ walked/ walkingwalk/ walked/ walking important/ importanceimportant/ importance saw/ seen/ seeingsaw/ seen/ seeing want/ wanted/ wantingwant/ wanted/ wanting BadBad Cause (only because it’s most Cause (only because it’s most

likely used it incorrectly)likely used it incorrectly)

Verbs: Present to Past to Verbs: Present to Past to Present to Past to Present…Present to Past to Present…

Verbs need to stay in the same tense within a piece Verbs need to stay in the same tense within a piece of writing. An expository essay can switch tenses as of writing. An expository essay can switch tenses as you explain issues in the present, tell anecdotes of you explain issues in the present, tell anecdotes of the past, and look toward the future, but be careful.the past, and look toward the future, but be careful.

Choose either past, present, or future tense and write Choose either past, present, or future tense and write at least three sentences where you only make ONE at least three sentences where you only make ONE verb tense error. Exchange with a partner and see verb tense error. Exchange with a partner and see if they can spot the verb tense shift. If you make if they can spot the verb tense shift. If you make more than ONE error, then it’s you who has the more than ONE error, then it’s you who has the problem!problem!

Pronouns and their Antecedents Pronouns and their Antecedents Pronouns and antecedents must match in person, thing, Pronouns and antecedents must match in person, thing, and number.and number.

For example:For example:

Sylvia’s purse was loaded with rocks when Sylvia’s purse was loaded with rocks when she flung she flung themthem at the intruder. at the intruder.

When there is an error in pronoun/ antecedent agreement, When there is an error in pronoun/ antecedent agreement, it can be confusing as to what Sylvia flung. Was it her it can be confusing as to what Sylvia flung. Was it her purse or the rocks out of her purse? If the writer meant for purse or the rocks out of her purse? If the writer meant for Sylvia to have flung her purse, what pronoun should have Sylvia to have flung her purse, what pronoun should have been used?been used?

Pronoun/Antecedent: Other types of errors you Pronoun/Antecedent: Other types of errors you might see on STAARmight see on STAAR

Sylvia’s purse was loaded with rocks when Sylvia’s purse was loaded with rocks when he flung it at the intruder.he flung it at the intruder.

Sylvia’s purse was loaded with rocks when Sylvia’s purse was loaded with rocks when it flung it at the intruder.it flung it at the intruder.

Sylvia’s purse was loaded with rocks when Sylvia’s purse was loaded with rocks when her flung it at the intruder.her flung it at the intruder.

Find the errors: There is one Find the errors: There is one verb tense error verb tense error and one and one pronoun/antecedent error.pronoun/antecedent error.

At the border there is a problem. I am required to show my passport in order to validate the passports of my wife and baby. The officials disappear with them and return only after several minutes, just as our train is about to leave. When I check to see if my passport has been stamped, I find they have exchanged my photo for one of a man on a bar terrace raising a drink to his lips. It looks like a holiday snapshot, except the photo is faded like that of someone who has recently died. There is no time now to change it back, and I realized I can still use my passport — the face is so unclear that no one will know it isn Ot me.

To introduce the next type of error for discussion, see if you can find To introduce the next type of error for discussion, see if you can find and guess the new type of error in the passage. This is an error type and guess the new type of error in the passage. This is an error type

that we always see on STAAR. that we always see on STAAR.

At the border there is a problem. I am required to show my passport in order to validate the passports of my wife and baby. The officials disappear with it and return only after several minutes, just as our train is about to leave. When I check to see if my passport has been stamped, I find they have exchanged my photo for one of a man on a bar terrace raising a drink to his lips. It looks like a holiday snapshot, except the photo is faded like that of someone who has recently died. There is no time now to change it back, and he realizes he can still use his passport — the face is so unclear that no one will know it isn Ot him.

Did you guess correctly?Did you guess correctly?

Shift in POV: Shift in POV: The entire piece is written in 1The entire piece is written in 1stst person POV; person POV;

however, the last sentence is written in 3however, the last sentence is written in 3rdrd person. Watch out for these tricky shifts on person. Watch out for these tricky shifts on the STAAR test. This type of error is impossible the STAAR test. This type of error is impossible to find unless you read the whole selection to find unless you read the whole selection (just one of many that you can’t answer (just one of many that you can’t answer correctly unless you read the whole selection). correctly unless you read the whole selection).

Semicolons;Semicolons;*Used to join two clauses that could stand alone as sentences instead of *Used to join two clauses that could stand alone as sentences instead of

using a using a FANBOYSFANBOYS word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). word (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

*Used to join two clauses that could stand alone as sentences joined by a *Used to join two clauses that could stand alone as sentences joined by a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, in addition, meanwhile, etc.). conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, in addition, meanwhile, etc.).

I was late to practice that day; however, I did not get a ticket for I was late to practice that day; however, I did not get a ticket for speeding again.speeding again.

*Used between items in a series or a series of phrases if the items or *Used between items in a series or a series of phrases if the items or phrases contain commas themselves. phrases contain commas themselves.

The Writing Center will gladly work with students who want help with The Writing Center will gladly work with students who want help with improving their writing skills; with students who need assistance with improving their writing skills; with students who need assistance with citing, documenting, or researching internet sources; and with citing, documenting, or researching internet sources; and with students who desire feedback on resumes, cover letters, or graduate students who desire feedback on resumes, cover letters, or graduate school applications.school applications.

The winners of the writing contest were: Marty Rubens, original fiction; The winners of the writing contest were: Marty Rubens, original fiction; Janet Spurlow, poetry; and Mike Jacobs, who received the award for Janet Spurlow, poetry; and Mike Jacobs, who received the award for the most creative piece overall.the most creative piece overall.

Semi-colonsSemi-colons

On vacation we went to Paris, Texas, On vacation we went to Paris, Texas, Orlando, Florida, Branson, Missouri, and Orlando, Florida, Branson, Missouri, and San Diego, California.San Diego, California.

Do you see how semi-colons could help this be less Do you see how semi-colons could help this be less confusing?confusing?

Colons:Colons: The colon is used The colon is used after an independent clauseafter an independent clause to introduce a to introduce a

list of items. list of items. Ex: The following energy sources are renewable: wind, Ex: The following energy sources are renewable: wind, hydropower, biomass, solar, and nuclear.hydropower, biomass, solar, and nuclear.

HINT- a colon will NOT follow a verb.HINT- a colon will NOT follow a verb.

Ex: Some renewable energy sources are: wind, hydropower, Ex: Some renewable energy sources are: wind, hydropower, biomass, solar, and nuclear.biomass, solar, and nuclear. ---WRONG! ---WRONG!

Some renewable energy sources are wind, hydropower, Some renewable energy sources are wind, hydropower, biomass, solar, and nuclear. ----RIGHT!biomass, solar, and nuclear. ----RIGHT!

Colons continued…Colons continued…2. The colon may be used to emphasize a word, phrase, 2. The colon may be used to emphasize a word, phrase, clause, or sentence which explains or impacts the main clause, or sentence which explains or impacts the main clause. clause. Ex: Yesterday, a revolutionary new plan was unveiled Ex: Yesterday, a revolutionary new plan was unveiled to "solve" one of Lamar's most frustrating problems: to "solve" one of Lamar's most frustrating problems: parking.parking. (Added teaching moment: Why do you think I used quotes around (Added teaching moment: Why do you think I used quotes around solvesolve? What does ? What does this do to the tone?)this do to the tone?)

3. Use a colon to introduce a quotation (only if the words 3. Use a colon to introduce a quotation (only if the words before the colon are an independent clause). before the colon are an independent clause). Ex: The writer offered wise advice: "Get into the habit of Ex: The writer offered wise advice: "Get into the habit of

reading your work aloud.reading your work aloud.""

CommasCommasA. Between items in a seriesA. Between items in a series

Place a comma between three or more Place a comma between three or more items that are listed or three or more items that are listed or three or more verbal/prepositional phrases.verbal/prepositional phrases. I like my hot dog with chili, cheese, onions, I like my hot dog with chili, cheese, onions,

and relish.and relish. I like my hot dog with chili and cheese.I like my hot dog with chili and cheese.After school I go play soccer with my friends, I After school I go play soccer with my friends, I

do my homework, and I take a shower.do my homework, and I take a shower.After school I go play soccer with my friends After school I go play soccer with my friends

and I do my homework.and I do my homework.

CommasCommasB. In dates and addressesB. In dates and addresses

Place a comma after a numerical day.Place a comma after a numerical day.March 12, 2009March 12, 2009

Place a comma after the name of a city and Place a comma after the name of a city and before the name of the state.before the name of the state.

• South Houston, TXSouth Houston, TX

4567 South Shaver4567 South Shaver

South Houston, TX 77504South Houston, TX 77504

CommasCommasC. To set off interruptionsC. To set off interruptions

Use commas to set off a word, phrase, or Use commas to set off a word, phrase, or clause that interrupts the main thought of a clause that interrupts the main thought of a sentence.sentence.Becky, however, traveled only 100 miles.Becky, however, traveled only 100 miles.However, Becky traveled only 100 miles.However, Becky traveled only 100 miles.On the other hand, she didnOn the other hand, she didn’’t pay for her gas.t pay for her gas.

CommasCommasD. To set off dialogueD. To set off dialogue

Set off the exact words of the speaker Set off the exact words of the speaker from the rest of the sentence with a from the rest of the sentence with a comma.comma.Sandra saidSandra said,, ““I will be late if I stop to talk.I will be late if I stop to talk.”” ““I will be late if I stop to talkI will be late if I stop to talk,,”” Sandra said. Sandra said.

CommasCommasE. In direct addressE. In direct address

Use commas to separate the person being Use commas to separate the person being spoken to from the rest of the sentence.spoken to from the rest of the sentence.Please, Ramon, sit quietly.Please, Ramon, sit quietly.Antonio, please have a seat.Antonio, please have a seat.

CommasCommasF. Between Two Independent F. Between Two Independent

ClausesClauses Use a Use a commacomma between between two complete two complete

sentencessentences that are joined by coordinating that are joined by coordinating conjunctions: (conjunctions: (FANBOYSFANBOYS) for, and, nor, ) for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and sobut, or, yet, and so

Tom ran quickly for the doorTom ran quickly for the door,, butbut he did not he did not answer it.answer it.

*Only place a comma before a FANBOYS word *Only place a comma before a FANBOYS word if the words after it make a complete sentence.if the words after it make a complete sentence.

CommasCommasG. In letter writingG. In letter writing

Place a comma after the greeting in a Place a comma after the greeting in a friendly letter and after the closing in all friendly letter and after the closing in all letters.letters.Dear Mr. Green,Dear Mr. Green,Sincerely,Sincerely,

JoeJoe

CommasCommasH. To set off appositivesH. To set off appositives

Use commas to set off appositives. An Use commas to set off appositives. An appositiveappositive is a word or phrase that is a word or phrase that renames or redescribes the word before it. renames or redescribes the word before it. If you were to take out the words between If you were to take out the words between the commas, you would still have a the commas, you would still have a complete sentence.complete sentence.Gerald, my best friend, went with me to the Gerald, my best friend, went with me to the

movies.movies.Susan, the girl who sits behind me in French, Susan, the girl who sits behind me in French,

is really cute.is really cute.

CommasCommasI. To set off interjectionsI. To set off interjections

Use a comma to separate an interjection Use a comma to separate an interjection or a weak exclamation from the rest of the or a weak exclamation from the rest of the sentence.sentence.Wow, look at that sunrise!Wow, look at that sunrise!Hey, did you see the sunrise this morning?Hey, did you see the sunrise this morning?

CommasCommasJ. To separate adjectivesJ. To separate adjectives

Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify a Use commas to separate two or more adjectives that equally modify a noun.noun. Mandy liked the feel of the cool, wet pool water.Mandy liked the feel of the cool, wet pool water.

Remember the trick: Place commas between the two adjectives if you Remember the trick: Place commas between the two adjectives if you can switch the adjectives and it doesn’t sound awkward.can switch the adjectives and it doesn’t sound awkward.

Mandy liked the feel of the wet, cool pool water.Mandy liked the feel of the wet, cool pool water. Mandy’s ginormous custom houseboat was the venue for the event. Mandy’s ginormous custom houseboat was the venue for the event.

X Mandy’s custom ginormous houseboat was the venue for the X Mandy’s custom ginormous houseboat was the venue for the

event. event.

GinormousGinormous and and customcustom cannot be swapped; therefore, do not use a cannot be swapped; therefore, do not use a comma.comma.

CommasCommasK. To set off introductory phrases K. To set off introductory phrases

and clausesand clausesUse a comma to separate a long phrase Use a comma to separate a long phrase

that comes before the main part of the that comes before the main part of the sentence. Sometimes you can spot these sentence. Sometimes you can spot these by thinking of cause and effect or looking by thinking of cause and effect or looking for a subordinating conjunction or for a subordinating conjunction or preposition that starts the sentence.preposition that starts the sentence.After falling to the ground, Leslie picked After falling to the ground, Leslie picked

herself up and went on.herself up and went on. If you hit your brother, you will get in trouble.If you hit your brother, you will get in trouble.

To, Too, and TwoTo, Too, and Two We are going We are going toto the store after school. the store after school.-Is used for expressing motion or direction toward a point-Is used for expressing motion or direction toward a point

There is There is tootoo much talking in here! much talking in here!-An adverb meaning "excessively" or "also." -An adverb meaning "excessively" or "also."

One, One, twotwo, three…, three…-A number-A number

He is in our class He is in our class ______________.. He is ______ funny.He is ______ funny. She is going with us ______ the circus.She is going with us ______ the circus. There were ______ students left.There were ______ students left.

Facts about Facts about ““BecauseBecause””

““CauseCause”” is is notnot the same as the same as ““becausebecause””

Use Use causecause as a noun. as a noun. Think cause and effect.Think cause and effect.

The The causecause of the weight gain is from eating of the weight gain is from eating too much. too much.

Use Use becausebecause as a subordinating conjunction: as a subordinating conjunction:You have gained weight You have gained weight becausebecause you have you have

eaten too much.eaten too much.* * ““CuzCuz”” is not a word ( is not a word (because because or or cousincousin are are

words)words)

Facts about Facts about ““BecauseBecause”” cont… cont… If you start a sentence with If you start a sentence with becausebecause it will it will

become an introductory phrase that will need a become an introductory phrase that will need a comma later in the sentence.comma later in the sentence.

BecauseBecause you missed school yesterday you missed school yesterday,, you will have to you will have to come to tutorials.come to tutorials.

Cause or because?Cause or because?

_____________ you can’t sit still, you will have _____________ you can’t sit still, you will have detention.detention.

You will have detention ___________ you can’t You will have detention ___________ you can’t sit still.sit still.

What you state as the ______________ of global What you state as the ______________ of global warming is specious.warming is specious.

BecauseBecause and the Comma and the CommaSome elementary teacher somewhere started this rumor that you Some elementary teacher somewhere started this rumor that you

always put a comma before the word always put a comma before the word becausebecause. Hmmmm….NO.. Hmmmm….NO.

Usually, a comma Usually, a comma will not will not be adjacent to the word be adjacent to the word because. because. It is It is probably best to think of the word probably best to think of the word becausebecause as of not ever having as of not ever having a comma touching it. However, as with everything in the English a comma touching it. However, as with everything in the English language, there are exceptions:language, there are exceptions:

(1) When what follows the word (1) When what follows the word becausebecause could be used in a could be used in a parenthetical phrase (meaning that itparenthetical phrase (meaning that it’’s not that important).s not that important).

Or, better yet;Or, better yet;

When what follows the word When what follows the word becausebecause could be used in a could be used in a parenthetical phraseparenthetical phrase,, because it because it’’s not that important. s not that important. irrelevant irrelevant information exception information exception

(2) He then replied(2) He then replied,, ““Because I told you so.Because I told you so.”” dialogue exceptiondialogue exception

(3) I (3) I once had a college professor tell me that if you find yourself using a comma once had a college professor tell me that if you find yourself using a comma adjacent to a becauseadjacent to a because,, then he would have to ask you why you felt it necessary then he would have to ask you why you felt it necessary to include the irrelevant information anyway. Writing should be concise and to the to include the irrelevant information anyway. Writing should be concise and to the point.point. I used I used becausebecause as a noun (the actual word) and at the end of an as a noun (the actual word) and at the end of an introductory phrase. - exceptionintroductory phrase. - exception

Common Article ErrorsCommon Article Errors

An article goes in front of a noun. Many An article goes in front of a noun. Many people confuse the articles people confuse the articles ““AA”” and and ““An.An.””

““AA”” goes in front of a noun that begins with goes in front of a noun that begins with a consonant.a consonant.

- - AA cchild who is failing should go to tutorials.hild who is failing should go to tutorials.

““AnAn”” goes in front of a noun that begins with a goes in front of a noun that begins with a vowel.vowel.

--AnAn oowl usually comes out at night.wl usually comes out at night.

SpellingSpelling The letter q is always followed by u in English words. (question, quite) English words do not end with the letter v. (gave, have) When a one-syllable word ends with a short vowel and a single consonant, double

the final consonant before adding a suffix beginning with a vowel. (swim + -ing is swimming)

In a two-syllable word, double the final consonant only if the word is accented on the last syllable. (begin + -ing is beginning but open + -ing is opening)

When a word ends in silent e, drop the e before adding a suffix beginning with a vowel. (make + -ing is making)Keep the silent e before adding a suffix beginning with a consonant.(time + -ly is timely)

When a word ends in a consonant and y, change the y to i before adding a suffix, unless the suffix begins with i. (happy + -ly is happily, but hurry + -ing is hurrying) When a word ends in a vowel and y, do not change the y to i. (play + -ed is played)

Write i before e except after c, or when sounded like -ay as in neighbor and weigh. This rule doesn't apply when ci is pronounced ch as in ancient.

Use a dictionary to check your spelling and always check those homophones, too.

Plural Nouns are difficult and deserve several of their own slides (see following).

Spelling contSpelling cont……Plural Rule 1Plural Rule 1

Most words Most words add add ‘‘ss’’ tto make the plural.o make the plural.one appleone apple two appletwo applessdesk desk →→ deskdeskss month month →→ monthmonthssbook book →→ book bookss train train →→ traintrainsspen pen →→ penpenss name name →→ namenamessshop shop →→ shopshopss friend friend →→ friendfriendsschair chair →→ chairchairss teacher teacher →→teacherteacherss

Spelling contSpelling cont……Try these…Try these…

pencil pencil →→ road →road → flower →flower →girl →girl →plant →plant →

window window →→door →door →cake →cake →banana →banana →shoe →shoe →


Add Add ‘‘eses’’ to words ending in to words ending in ‘‘chch’’, , ‘‘shsh’’, , ‘‘ss’’, , ‘‘ssss’’,, ‘‘xx’’ or or ‘‘zz’’ to make the plural. to make the plural.

one boxone box many boxmany boxeess wish wish →→ wishwisheses beach beach →→ beachbeacheses cross cross →→ cross crosseseswaltz waltz →→ waltzwaltzeses bus bus →→ busbuseses church church →→ churchchurcheess dish dish →→ dishdisheses loss loss →→ losslosseses fox fox →→ foxfoxeses bunch bunch → bunch→ buncheess


watchwatch →→pitch →pitch →wax →wax →class →class →gas →gas →

glass →glass →dress → dress → bush →bush →hutch →hutch →quiz →quiz → quizzes


When the letter When the letter beforebefore a a ‘‘yy’’ is a consonant, is a consonant, change the change the ‘‘yy’’ to an to an ‘‘ii’’ before adding an before adding an ‘‘eses’’..

one babyone baby two babtwo babiesies

city city →→ citcitiesies berry →berry → berrberriesies pony → ponpony → poniesies family →family → familfamiliesies reply → replreply → repliesies lady →lady → ladladiesies


daisy →daisy → ferry →ferry →army →army →party →party → fly →fly →

diary →diary →cherry → cherry → belly →belly → jelly →jelly → filly →filly →


When words end in When words end in ‘‘ayay’’, , ‘‘eyey’’, , ‘‘iyiy’’, , ’’oyoy’’, and , and ‘‘uyuy’’ add an add an ‘‘ss’’ to make the plural. to make the plural.

one donkeyone donkey two donkeytwo donkeyss

day day →→ daydayss boy → boy → boyboyss key →key → keykeyss delay →delay → delaydelayss play →play → playplayss guy → guy → guyguys s

Spelling contSpelling cont……Try theseTry these

quay quay →→valley →valley → tray →tray →pulley →pulley → toy →toy →

monkey monkey →→ trolley →trolley →buoy →buoy → relay →relay →holiday →holiday →


When words end in When words end in ‘‘ff’’ or or ‘‘fefe’’ change the change the ‘‘ff’’ or or ‘‘fefe’’ to a to a ‘‘vv’’ before addingbefore adding ‘‘eses’’..

one knife one knife two knitwo knivesves

leaf leaf →→ leavesleaves life →life → livesliveshalf half →→ halveshalves hoof →hoof → hooveshooveswife →wife → wiveswives thief →thief → thieves thieves


wolf wolf →→elf →elf → loaf →loaf →self →self →calf →calf →shelf →shelf →Exceptions → cliffs, chiefs, roofs, dwarfs Exceptions → cliffs, chiefs, roofs, dwarfs

and handkerchiefs.and handkerchiefs.


When a word ends in an When a word ends in an ‘‘oo’’ and comes after a and comes after a consonant, add consonant, add ‘‘eses’’ to make the to make the plural.plural.

one tomatoone tomato two tomatotwo tomatoeses

cargo cargo → → cargoes cargoes mango →mango → mangoesmangoes echo →echo → echoesechoes hero →hero → heroesheroes volcano →volcanoesvolcano →volcanoes torpedo→ torpedoes torpedo→ torpedoes


potato potato →→avocado →avocado →mosquito →mosquito →domino domino →→buffalo →buffalo →dingo →dingo →Exceptions → pianos, banjos, solos, Exceptions → pianos, banjos, solos,

radios and Eskimos. radios and Eskimos.

Spelling contSpelling cont……Plural Rules 7Plural Rules 7

Sometimes a word may completely Sometimes a word may completely change its form when a plural is made.change its form when a plural is made.

one child one child two two childrenchildren

person person →people→people goose →goose → geesegeeseman →man → menmen woman woman →→

womenwomencactus →cacticactus →cacti fungus →fungus → fungifungi


tooth →tooth →dice →dice → foot →foot →

mouse mouse →→nucleus →nucleus →criterion →criterion →


Sometimes a word may stay the same in both its Sometimes a word may stay the same in both its singularsingular and and pluralplural form. form.

one fishone fish many fishmany fish

tuna tuna →→ tunatuna trout →trout → trouttroutdeer →deer → deerdeer sheep →sheep → sheepsheepmoose moose moosemoose series →series → series series


aircraft aircraft →→species →species →offspring →offspring →

salmon salmon →→bream →bream →perch →perch →

mini-lessons for clocking carole hyde pisd 2009. punctuation surrounding dialogue each time a new...

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