College Composition Dr. Downing Kutztown University of PA Fall 2008

1) Separate items in a series I went to the store and bought some milk, bread, eggs, cheese, chicken, yogurt, ham, mussels, and bagels. Is the comma required before the “and”? YES. Here’s why….

Separate Items in a Series (continued)  A wealthy old man died and left $1,000,000 to be divided equally between Mark, Lisa and Thomas.  I’m Mark’s attorney: How much should Mark receive?  A wealthy old man died and left $1,000,000 to be divided equally between Mark, Lisa, and Thomas.  Now, how much should everyone get?

2) Direct address, direct quote  Use commas with Direct Address:  “That is a lovely poem, Tupac.”  “Abner, did you milk the cows?”  Use commas with Direct Quotes:  Penelope said, “I would like more ice cream.”  “I would like more ice cream,” said Penelope.

3) Set off introductory material  When I was six, my grandfather used to take me fishing.  Once Ash killed the monsters in the pit, he returned to the surface and took control of the situation.  Before you lock the door and before you come into the room, could you please feed the cats?

4) Before coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) 1. FOR 2. AND 3. NOR 4. BUT 5. OR 6. YET 7. SO

4) Before coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)  I went to the store, but they were out of milk.  Jenny has eaten the last plum, and she said it was delicious.  You had better do a good job on the next few assignments, or your grade will fall in this class.  My goal is to graduate from Kutztown on time, so I am working closely with my advisor.

5) Set apart parenthetical information  Parenthetical information consists of words that provide additional, but not essential, information. For example:  My brother, who has a large collection of clocks, lives in Ashtabula, OH.  The professor, who was wearing a blue suit, has six children.

Consider how professional writers use commas Read:  USA Today  NY Times  Newsweek  Time  Online articles Pay attention to how professional writers use commas. Then build them into your writing.

Right or wrong, you will be judged.  As you graduate from college, you will be judged on various “markers.”  The ability to write clear, correctly punctuated sentences is a significant mark of a college graduate.  If you do not accomplish this goal…if your writing skills do not improve in college because you think such skills are is silly or unnecessary, you will forever fall behind those who have taken the time to develop their strengths and address their weaknesses.

Comma Use is a Major Component of How You Will be Judged  Learn the five comma rules.  Examine how professional writers use commas.  Begin to experiment with commas in your writing  Then share your comma usage with me so that I can coach you.

 Questions?