1. AGENDA
FOCUS: What are some important things to discuss from Ch. 8. How can I use semi-colons to improve my own writing?
*Semi-Colons Grammar Lesson
*Semi-Colon Write
*Closing: what did you learn today?

2. MATERIALS
***Semi-Colon Packet.

3. How do I use semi-colons?
Grab a packet and review the opening activity and discussion prompts…

4. CHAPTER 8 DISCUSSION
Let’s talk about Gatsby Chapter 8 and the discussion prompts…
Get with a partner first, then let’s talk as a whole class!

5. MENTOR SENTENCES
Today’s big focus is learning (or relearning) how to use semi-colons in your own writing…
How is the semi-colon being used?
Review the sample sentences and fill out the chart on your own first…
Discussion…

6. WHAT YOU NOTICE Hopefully you noticed the following:
There is a semi-colon, which helps bring together two sentences.
The sentences are long and complex—they look sophisticated.
The sentences before and after the semi-colon are both complete sentences! You could actually take the semi-colon out and put a period in there instead, and it would still make sense.
The sentences are both related to one another.

7. CHAPTER EIGHT CLOSE READ
Read the final few paragraphs of chapter eight and highlight things you think are important and worth discussion…

8. SEMI-COLONS
On your handout fill in the appropriate lines based on the powerpoint.

9. SEMI-COLONS: what’s wrong
Comma Splice!
What is wrong with this sentence?
Jay Gatsby was a man of money and power, neither could save him from his early demise.
It is a comma splice!
Comma splice is when you smash two independent clauses together. It’s a big No-No!

10. SEMI-COLON EQUATION
Complete Sentence
Complete Sentence ; .

11. SEMI-COLONS: rule #1 Semi-Colons RULE #1:
Can be used to fix comma splices.
2. Combine two related sentences together to create style and length.
3. Both sentences have to be complete!
Could use a semi-colon in place of “and.”

12. SEMI-COLONS: rule #2
Semi-Colons RULE #2: 1. Semi-colons can NOT be used with an AAAWWWUBBIS phrase or DEPENDENT clause or INCOMPLETE sentence.
Example:
Whenever I watch this movie; I cry. WRONG!

13. SENTENCE CHECK
Look at the sentences that correlates to your table number.
Identify if it is correct or not by writing “C” for correct and “IC” for incorrect and state WHY.
Example:
I ate out last night; I spent the rest of my paycheck on pizza.
C—because there are two complete sentences.
Share with your table mates.

14. SENTENCE CHECK
Example: Which is incorrect? Circle or highlight them and tell me why.
Until Myrtle’s death; the story seemed hopeful. IC—its an AWUBS phrase!
Gatsby’s death was a shock and a tragedy, he didn’t deserve to die. IC—it’s a comma splice.
Since Daisy's fight with Tom; she hasn’t made contact with Gatsby. IC—its and AWUBS phrase!

15. SUPER-GRAMMAR!
Although Tom may be able to keep Daisy, she will never forget her first love; their relationship is bound to be difficult as long as they are together.
This sentence is unique, but is grammatically okay—the semi-colon is after the complete AWUBS sentence, which is technically a complete sentence.
This is really cool to use in thesis statements.
Example:
Although school searches may invade a students’ privacy, it is necessary to protect the whole student body; school searches should be allowed in public schools.
I CALL THIS “SUPER-GRAMMAR!” It is a great way to make long, complex sentences that make you sound smart!

16. SEMI-COLONS
Make your own sentences using a semi-colon on lines 1 and 2.
Remember, the sentences on either side of the semi-colon should both be complete.
Can you take the semi-colon out and put a period instead? If so, you are using the semi-colon correctly!
Anybody want to try supergrammar?

17. SEMI-COLON SEARCH
Go through your book(s) and find two examples of the semi-colon.
Really read and consider what the semi-colon is used for (not just the generic “it adds style or it’s a dramatic pause”). Tell me what it does SPECIFICALLY for the sentence you are reading.
Search and record.

18. WRITING Now its your turn. Use two semi-colons in your response.
Pick one of the prompts and write. DO NOT USE I STATEMENTS…
What does the word, “holocaust,” with a little h mean?
This means a great destruction, usually by fire (but not always).
This is NOT the same as Holocaust with a big H, which is the Jewish Genocide in WWII in the 1940s.

19. CLOSING
Turn to the “closing question” section and write down what you learned about the semi-colon today…