COMMA AND PUNCTUATED DIALOGUE REVIEW By: Mark Rothenberger

COMMA REVIEW

RULE #1 Use a comma before the conjunction(and, for, but, or, nor, so) That joins the two independent clauses in a compound sentence. Examples: I like to play soccer, and I like to play Xbox. My friends wanted to hangout, but my parents said no.

RULE #2 Use a comma after relatively lengthy introductory phrases or dependent (subordinate) clauses. It is important to note that a comma should not be used when the clause or phrase comes at the end of the sentence as illustrated by the third example. Examples: After Mikey learned how to use commas correctly, his grades improved. Mikey’s grades improved after he learned to use commas correctly.

RULE #3 Use commas to separate items in a series. Be sure to insert a comma before the conjunction that precedes the last item unless your teacher or style manual specifically tells you to exclude them. Examples: Jeremy ordered a burger, a coke, a large order of fries, and a shake.

RULE #4 Use commas before and after non-essential elements (parts of the sentence providing information that is not essential in order to understand its meaning). Examples: The Wells Fargo Center, which is the home to the Flyers and 76ers, holds thousands of people.

RULE #5 Use commas between coordinate adjectives (of equal importance) that modify the same noun. Do not separate adjectives of unequal importance. A good way to determine if the adjectives are of equal importance is to reverse them in the sentence. If the sentence does not read well after the reversal, do not use a comma between them. The second example below clearly illustrates this point. Reversing the adjectives (blue big eyes or red bright hair) simply doesn't work! Examples: By the end the game, the turf was wet, slippery field. His big brown eyes and dark brown hair made him strikingly handsome.

RULE #6 Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places. Examples: My birthday is August 10 th, I was born in Abington, Pennsylvania.

RULE #7 Use a comma before a direct quotation. Also, as shown in the example, commas (and periods as well) go inside the quotation marks. Examples: When Ramos asked if I studied for the test, I replied, “Not at all,” and my grade showed it.

RULE #8 Use commas before and after words and phrases like however and never the less that serve as interrupters. Examples: Mark did not like English. He was, however, very successful in Mr. Berchick’s class.

SEMI- COLON REVIEW

RULE #1 Use a semi-colon in place of the comma and conjunction to separate the two independent clauses in a compound sentence. Examples: I love working outside; I also enjoy video games. I love playing soccer; I also enjoy watching football.

RULE #2 Use a semi-colon before the conjunctive adverb (such as however and therefore) that joins two independent clauses. Be sure to put a comma after the conjunctive adverb. Examples: I like working outside; however, I also enjoy video games. I like playing soccer; however, I also enjoy watching football.

RULE #3 Use semi-colons to separate elements in a series if they contain internal punctuation. Examples: On his fishing trip, Jeff caught rainbow, brook, and lake trout; large- mouth, small mouth and white bass; and a few northern pike.

COMMA AND SEMI- COLON REVIEW 1.Mark Jeremy and Ramos liked to play video games after school. A. Mark, Jeremy, and, Ramos liked to play video games after school. B. Mark Jeremy, and Ramos liked to play video games after school. C. Mark; Jeremy; and Ramos liked to play video games after school. D. Mark, Jeremy, and Ramos liked to play video games after school. Answer: D

COMMA AND SEMI- COLON REVIEW 2. Mike and Bob liked to read they also liked to be outside. A. Mike, and Bob liked to read, they also liked to be outside. B. Mike and Bob liked to read they; also, liked to be outside. C. Mike and Bob liked to read; they also liked to be outside. D. Mike, and Bob, liked to read they; also, liked to be outside. Answer: C

COMMA AND SEMI- COLON REVIEW 3. Rick who was trying to pretend he was asleep knew he was going to get in trouble. A. Rick, who was trying to pretend he was asleep, knew he was going to get in trouble. B. Rick,who was trying to pretend he was asleep; knew he was going to get in trouble. C. Rick; who was trying to pretend he was asleep, knew he was going to get in trouble. D. Rick; who was trying to pretend he was asleep; knew he was going to get in trouble. Answer: A

WRITING DIALOGUE

WHAT IS DIALOGUE?? Dialogue is what happens when two or more characters speak to one another

RULE #1 Rule #1 is reveal character relationships to one another

RULE #2 Rule #2 is to move the story forward

RULE #3 Rule #3 is to increase the tension in the story

EXAMPLE OF RULE #1 “How was your day son,” Will Smith asked, as he crossed his legs at the dinner table. “It was alright,” Jaden Replied back, shrugging his shoulders. “What did you do today?” Will mumbled. “ we learned our times tables today,” Jaden mumbled back.

EXAMPLE OF RULE #2 “ Luke, join the dark side,” Darth Vader exclaimed. “Never!” Luke screamed back, holding on for dear life. “ Luke, I am your father,” Dark Vader stated, moving closer to Luke. “ No, you're not my father. This cant be true,” Luke stated in fear for his life.

EXAMPLE OF RULE #3 “ Get out of here Green Goblin!” Spiderman shouted. “ Never! I am going to ruin your life Spiderman!” Green Goblin exclaimed. “ At least I look good in spandex!” Spiderman bellowed, while striking a pose. “ At least my girl isn’t hanging from a twenty story building,” Green Goblin