Final Study Guide
Ms. Mitchell
1. Review all vocabulary lists, weeks 1-12 (see on website under “Final Prep”)
2. Review all grammar notes.
COMMA USAGE
1. Use commas to separate words, phrases, or clauses in a list or series. However, if
all the items in the list are connected by “or,” “nor,” or “and,” then no commas are
needed. For example:
A worthwhile philosophy includes honesty, industry, and kindness.
Ham and eggs, waffles and syrup, and cereal were served for breakfast.
Joe or Jane or Mary or Alice will certainly be there. He was strong and brave
and good.
2. Use a comma to set off introductory words, phrases, and clauses from the
sentence. (A comma is optional with a short phrase if the meaning is clear.) For
example:
After the storm was over, we went home. (introductory adverb clause)
Having rung the bell loudly, the sentry fled. (introductory participial phrase)
In 1516, soldiers were hired as mercenaries. (introductory prepositional
phrase)
In the room we found no signs of life. (introductory prepositional phrase-comma optional)
Yes, I will be there. (introductory word)
3. Use commas to set off interrupting words, phrases, and clauses. For example:
Jonathan will, in fact, serve on the committee. No one else I know, however,
will volunteer.
Jane, who is my best friend, has asked me to be a bridesmaid.
4. Use a comma with a conjunction (and, but, or, so, for, yet) to make a compound
sentence. For example:
She helped me with my homework, and then she stayed for dinner.
She helped me with my homework and then stayed for dinner. (not two
sentences, so no comma)
5. Use commas to set off appositives (one-word appositives are often not set off).
For example:
Mr. Jay, our coach, taught at Wilmont, a boy’s school. (two appositives)
The year 1812 found America in another war. (comma not needed)
6. Use commas in addresses and dates. For example:
Hal lives at 222 Joy Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402. He was born on December
22, 1967.
She was born in May 1984. (comma not needed without the day)
7. Use commas with direct quotations. For example:
“I have to study for the math test,” my sister complained. I responded, “Quit
whining.”
“I wish,” commented Grace, “that you wouldn’t call me so early in the
morning.”
8. Use commas with words of direct address. For example:
Mary, come over here. I wish, Mary, that you would come over later.
Are you ready, Greg?
9. Use a comma to set off contrasting expressions or to show emphasis. For
example:
The book was Frank’s, not Hal’s. That was a great meal, especially the
dessert.
Colons and Semicolons as Linking Punctuation
One of the important functions of the colon (:) and semicolon (;) is to link or
connect sentences and word groups. They serve as conjunctions and indicate how
the emphasis is distributed.
Colon
The colon (:) indicates the emphasis is to be on what follows it. The
colon acts as a sign --> saying, "Look out, here it comes."
Example: He had one goal: to pass the course.
The element following the colon can be a sentence, a phrase, a single word, a
quotation; but the element preceding the colon must be a complete sentence.
His fishing equipment included the following items: a rod, a reel, a can of
worms, and a six-pack.
Ghandi said the following: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Semicolon
The semicolon (;) indicates that the emphasis is distributed between two (or more)
sentences. It acts as a sign <--> saying, "these ideas are balanced or parallel, or
comprise a unit of thought."
Often the "equal" relationship between the sentences is indicated by a signal word.
Examples:
The police officer was respected by the citizens; moreover, even her fellow
officers thought highly of her.
Jones is the fastest back in the league; however, he is unable to fake out the
secondary on a pass pattern.
The computer had a virus; consequently, all the files were lost.
Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by a coordinating
conjunction if the clauses are already punctuated with commas or if the clauses are
lengthy (long).
Example: Some people write with a word processor, typewriter, or a
computer; but others, for different reasons, choose to write with a pen or
pencil.
Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.
Ex: There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is
inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more
expensive but quick and neat.
3. Understand how to embed quotations.
4. Define thesis statement (within the context of essay writing).
5. Understand and explain the counterargument in a persuasive essay.
6. Know a few literary devices (at least simile and metaphor).