Welcome to Writing …

Welcome to Writing … Get out… • index card • Writer’s Guide • white board • glove IF you do not have your Writer’s Guide, get a green packet from Mrs. Macauley- SIGN IT and DATE IT!

Admit Question… One of these sentences needs a comma. Rewrite the one that NEEDS it. INSERT the comma. Last week’s math test covered linear equations which was the hardest topic all year. Last week’s math test which was the hardest one all year covered linear equations.

Admit Answer… • Last week’s math test, which was the hardest one all year, covered linear equations. • WHY: the adjective clause is in the middle of the sentence and is nonessential (not needed) in the sentence. • See rule #10 in your Writer’s Guide. Last week’s math test covered linear equations which was the hardest topic all year. • See NOTE on rule #10 in your Writer’s Guide.

Yesterday’s Exit Question… • If you know the comma rules, you can impress others. WHY: If a sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction, you will need a comma before the complete sentence. See rule #7 in your Writer’s Guide. • You can impress others if you know the comma rules.

Let’s check your scavenger hunt!

Scavenger Hunt: comma rules Rule #1: series This year I really learned a lot about sentence fluency, organization, and voice. • Rule #2: no comma • Students wrote papers on Emily Dickenson and Robert Frost and Dr. Seuss.

Scavenger Hunt: comma rules Rule #3: compound sentence I know there should be a comma when a sentence starts with a preposition, yet I often forget. • Rule #4: two adjectives • Persuasive writing requires a passionate, credible voice.

Scavenger Hunt: comma rules Rule #5: quotes Mrs. Macauley said, “It is okay to be wrong.” • Rule #6: first words • Of course, there will be a quiz on commas.

Scavenger Hunt: comma rules Rule #7: subordinating conjunction (SC) Participial Phrase (PP) While comma rules may be difficult, correct usage helps readers understand your ideas. • Rule #8: direct address • Students, please copy down the entire sentence.

Scavenger Hunt: comma rules Rule #9: transition More often than not, reading your paper aloud will help with sentence fluency. • Rule #10: adjective clause • Good word choice, which is subjective, can transform a paper.

Scavenger Hunt: comma rules Rule #11: appositive phrase Comma usage, part of the punctuation unit, will be the biggest section of the quiz. • Rule #12: date • The punctuation quiz is scheduled for May 10, 2011.

Scavenger Hunt: comma rules Rule #13: letter Dear Students, You can do this!!

Write the rule # & key word on your white board!

Which comma rule??? I was born on March 6, 1971.

Which comma rule??? I was born on March 6, 1971. Rule # 12 date

Which comma rule??? Because of the rain, we had to cancel practice.

Which comma rule??? Because of the rain, we had to cancel practice. Rule #7 Subordinating Conjunction

Which comma rule??? The crabby, unpleasant woman scowled at us.

Which comma rule??? The crabby, unpleasant woman scowled at us. Rule #4 Two Adjectives

Which comma rule??? “Tell me your secret,” begged Angela.

Which comma rule??? “Tell me your secret,” begged Angela. Rule #5 Quotes

Which comma rule??? My dog, Boomer, ran through the screen door.

Which comma rule??? My dog, Boomer, ran through the screen door. Rule #11 appositive

Which comma rule??? Well, I suppose you think you should get one too?

Which comma rule??? Well, I suppose you think you should get one too? Rule #6 First Words

Which comma rule??? The mouse scurried across the kitchen floor, and the cat just watched.

Which comma rule??? The mouse scurried across the kitchen floor, and the cat just watched. Rule # 3 Compound Sentences

Which comma rule??? Sleeping soundly, Hank didn’t hear the thunder.

Which comma rule??? Sleeping soundly, Hank didn’t hear the thunder. Rule #7 Participial Phrase

Which comma rule??? The fall leaves are a blend of the colors red, yellow, and orange.

Which comma rule??? The fall leaves are a blend of the colors red, yellow, and orange. Rule # 1 Series

Which comma rule??? Tanya yelled, “Watch out!”

Which comma rule??? Tanya yelled, “Watch out!” Rule #5 Quotes

Which comma rule??? Son, you must clean up your room!

Which comma rule??? Son, you must clean up your room! Rule #8 Direct Address

Which comma rule??? My soccer coach, who is my friend’s dad, taught me a lot.

Which comma rule??? My soccer coach, who is my friend’s dad, taught me a lot. Rule #10 Adjective Clause

Which comma rule??? Frightened out of her mind, Mindy covered her eyes during the movie.

Which comma rule??? Frightened out of her mind, Mindy covered her eyes during the movie. Rule # 7 Participial Phrase

Which comma rule??? The friends met at the beach, swam in the lake, and built a sandcastle.

Which comma rule??? The friends met at the beach, swam in the lake, and built a sandcastle. Rule #1 series

Which comma rule??? Gone With the Wind, the Pulitzer Prize winning book, sits on a shelf in my living room.

Which comma rule??? Gone With the Wind, the Pulitzer Prize winning book, sits on a shelf in my living room. Rule #11 Appositive

Which comma rule??? Shockingly, the entire class completed the assignment on time!

Which comma rule??? Shockingly, the entire class completed the assignment on time! Rule #6 First Words

Which comma rule??? When the sun finally came out, my mood improved.

Which comma rule??? When the sun finally came out, my mood improved. Rule #7 Subordinating Conjunction

Which comma rule??? The store was giving out coupons which gave the customer 50% off!

Which comma rule??? The store was giving out coupons which gave the customer 50% off! Rule #10 Appositive Phrase (at the end of the sentence = no comma)

Write in Your assignment notebook Complete worksheet • You will need your Writer’s Guide. • If you do not have one, you can download it via my writing wiki site.

Welcome to Writing …