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 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. 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.

Coordinating Conjunctions 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. Some conjunctions, called coordinating conjunctions, link words or independent clauses. EXAMPLES :

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 smashed the spider Until Mr. Sanchez has his first cup of coffee

Subordinating Conjunctions 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. Other conjunctions are called subordinating conjunctions; they introduce clauses. EXAMPLES: When introducing a clause, always follow it with a comma!

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? 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! AAAWWUBBIS!!!Comma after the clause!

Let's Share! 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. Make sure to say, "COMMA."