Pattern 7 An internal series of appositives or modifiers enclosed by a pair of dashes or parentheses

The Formula `S __ or ( series of appositives or modifiers __ or ) V

Examples He learned the necessary qualities for political life—guile, ruthlessness, and garrulity—by carefully studying his father’s life. The basic writing skills (good vocabulary, knowledge of grammar, sense of style) can be learned by almost everyone. The most-despised predators—mountain lions, timber wolves, and grizzly bears—have been shot, trapped, and poisoned so relentlessly for so long that they have nearly vanished from their native lands.

Reminders Appositives will rename, and modifiers will describe something. Dashes are used for a dramatic interruption. Parentheses set off less important information.

Practice Directions: Add an internal series of modifiers or appositives to complete each of the following sentences. Which famous television personality—________________________ or ________________________ or ________________________ —do you think will win this year’s Emmy Award? The young gymnast— ________________________, ________________________, and ________________________ —hoped to impress the judges. Some television programs—________________________ and ________________________ and ________________________—often help us relax.

More Practice Directions: Provide beginnings and endings to go with the following appositives or modifiers. _____________—Spanish or French or Italian—__________________________. _______________________—coordination, agility, speed—_____________________. __________________—muscles, tan, good looks—_______________________________.

Pattern 7A: a single or Pair of appositives or Modifiers S __ or ( appositive.modifer __ or ) V

Examples The sudden burst of light—a camera flash—startled me. He recognized that smell—his mother’s tamales—and it immediately comforted him. My latest desires, to go to Japan or to France, will have to wait until I get more money. Many people (especially ecologists) say that we need to do something about global warming. My grandfather’s motto—take that extra step—guided him and now guides me.

Practice Directions: Fill in the blanks with a missing appositive or pair of appositives or other words to complete each sentence.  The familiar cheer of the basketball team—__________________________________________— began to appear on bumper stickers around the town. _____________________________________________ (my dog and cat) ­­­­­­­­­_______________________________________ My favorite colors—___________________ and ____________________—always attract me to new clothes. Learning the basic skills—____________________ and ____________________—will help me succeed in any sport. ____________________ (hot chocolate and marshmallows) ________________________________.