IMPROVING WRITING WITH
COMMAS, CLAUSES, AND
CONJUNCTIONS
Objectives
•
I can use coordinating and
subordinating conjunctions in my
writing.
•
I can use commas correctly on my
writing.
CCSS
•
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of
standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
•
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of
standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
•
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2a Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate
a pause or break.
•
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and
audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in
standards 1–3 above.)
•
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for
research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a
day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
What do these words have in
common?
•
And, after, before, since, but,
although, how, than, or, as, if,
though, yet, because, once,
until
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction is a word that
joins words or groups of
words.
Independent Clauses
An independent clause is a group of words that contains a
subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An
independent clause is a sentence.
•
Playing guitar is a form of leisure for me.
•
The hail storm affected our travel plans.
•
We need to analyze the results from our last
Language Arts test.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Some conjunctions, called coordinating
conjunctions, link words or independent clauses.
•
EXAMPLES
:
The giant
and the troll gossiped about
Rumpelstiltskin.
•
The giant likes to eat honey and vinegar sandwiches.
•
The elf ran home, for he had forgotten the map to the
treasure.
•
Jack took the cow to town, and he sold it for five
beans.
Don't forget the comma!
•
The seven coordinating conjunctions used as
connecting words at the beginning of an independent
clause are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
•
When the second independent clause in a sentence
begins with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is
needed before the coordinating conjunction:
Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, but it
was hard to concentrate due to the noise.
Remember FANBOYS!
These are your
coordinating
conjunctions:
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
Rocky, my orange tomcat, loves having his
head scratched but hates getting his claws
trimmed.
Rocky terrorizes the poodles next door yet
adores the German shepherd across the street.
Rocky refuses to eat dry cat food, nor will he
touch a saucer of squid stew.
I hate to waste a single drop of squid stew, for it
is expensive and time-consuming to make.
Now, you try...
Combine the sentences with coordinating
conjunctions. Use FANBOYS. Use a different
conjunction for each sentence.
1. She had a lot of friends. She was a
friendly girl.
2. I had a cute puppy. I lost him.
3. I don’t want to argue with you. I
don’t want to give in.
FANBOYS POSTER
•
Create your own
FANBOYS poster.
•
All markers, crayons,
etc. must be packed up
before leaving.
•
All trash should be kept
off the floor.
PART II: SUBORDINATING
CONJUNCTIONS
Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate Clauses, also known as Dependent Clauses
cannot stand by themselves and make good sense. They must
be combined with an independent clause so that they become
part of a sentence that can stand by itself.
• After Amy
sneezed all over the tuna salad
• Once Adam
• Until
smashed the spider
Mr. Sanchez has his first cup of coffee
Subordinating Conjunctions
Other conjunctions are called subordinating
conjunctions; they introduce clauses.
When introducing a clause, always follow it with a
comma!
EXAMPLES:
• So that she could analyze the results of the test,
Mrs. Manley went over the answers with the
students.
•
Although reading is my favorite leisure activity, I
also enjoy riding my bicycle.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
after
although
as
as if
as long as
as though
because
before
even if
even
though
if
if only
in order
that
now that
once
rather than
since
so that
than
that
though
till
unless
until
when
wheneve
r
where
whereas
wherever
while
Mentor Sentence
•
If there was an Olympic event for
____________, ______________
would sweep the event.
•
If there was an Olympic event for
talking, Shelly Stalls would sweep
the event.
AAAWWUBBIS!!!
...the most used subordinating
conjunctions
•
After, Although, As
•
When, While
•
Until
•
Because, Before
•
If
•
Since
What did you notice in those
lyrics?
AAAWWUBBIS!!!
Comma after the clause!
•
Now, it's your turn to
write some lyrics. Write
10 of your own "If I had
a million dollars,"
lyrics.
•
Make sure to follow it
with a comma!
Let's Share!
Make sure to say, "COMMA."
•
If I had a million dollars, I would by myself a new
car.
•
If I had a million dollars, I would pay off my
student loans.
•
If I had a million dollars, I would make a large
charitable donation.