Semi-colons English 9

Objectives Students will be able to define the purpose of a semi-colon. Students will be able to identify a conjunctive adverb. Students will be able to correct complex sentences using proper punctuation.

Why punctuation? One day Fred was walking around town he saw a bunny he ran up to touch the bunny and the bunny ran away he chased the bunny all the way down the street and to the edge of town the bunny kept running and running Fred was tired he hadn’t been running in PE very much Fred needed to get a drink so he ran over to the river and got a quick drink it was delicious maybe he should chase a bunny every day.

Punctuation, You Know? Boring… George went to get some ice cream. He got chocolate. He ate it. It was delicious. Then he wanted more. So he bought another cone. Period Comma Question mark Exclamation point Boring…

What is a semi-colon? A semi-colon is put in between two independent clauses that have a similar idea. Could say: Greg has a dog. The dog’s name is Toby. Instead: Greg has a dog; the dog’s name is Toby. The semi-colon in between the two sentences links them together in a single idea.

Some more examples Could say: I like vegetables. Green vegetables are my favorite. Instead: I like vegetables; green vegetables are my favorite. Could say: Cats like to meow. Cats meow loudly. Instead: Cats like to meow; they meow loudly. Could say: Spinach is gross. I don’t like spinach. Instead: ???

Conjunctive adverb Used to show comparison, contrast, cause and effect Needs a comma following the adverb Examples: finally, additionally consequently, therefore, however, otherwise, Could say: My dog likes to run. He does not like to run on a leash. Instead: My dog likes to run; however, he does not like to run on a leash. Could say: The sun is bright. I need sunglasses. Instead: The sun is bright; therefore, I need sunglasses.

Now you try With your table partner, come up with three example sentences using semi- colons to link two ideas in a single sentence. One of your sentences must use a conjunctive adverb.

Let’s fix it. One day Fred was walking around town he saw a bunny he ran up to touch the bunny and the bunny ran away he chased the bunny all the way down the street and to the edge of town the bunny kept running and running Fred was tired he hadn’t been running in PE very much Fred needed to get a drink so he ran over to the river and got a quick drink it was delicious maybe he should chase a bunny every day.