Editing for Comma Usage

A comma creates a slight pause, gently separating the idea that comes before from the idea that comes after. This little separation help readers understand how words relate to each other. For example, a comma can show a reader how two or more adjectives work in front of a noun.

To Separate Equal Adjectives

Use a comma to separate two or more adjectives if they modify a noun in an equal way. Do not use a comma if the adjectives modify the noun in an unequal way.

How can you determine if adjectives are equal or unequal? Use one or both of these simple tests:

• If you can switch the order of the adjectives and they still sound right, they modify equally and need a comma.

  I have a challenging, difficult job.

• If the word and works between the adjectives, they modify equally and need a comma.

  I have a difficult and challenging job. I have a difficult, challenging job.

To Set Off Introductory Clauses and Phrases

Use a comma after an introductory clause or a long introductory phrase. The comma helps the reader know when the introduction is over and the main part of the sentence is beginning. If an introductory phrase is very short (three words or fewer), the comma is optional.

Writing the Beginning Paragraph

Start your analysis with a lead that gets readers' attention and introduces them to the piece of literature you will analyze. After your lead sentence, you will develop a paragraph that ends with your thesis statement.

1. Name the work and author and summarize the main conflict.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor tells the story of a young girl who learns how to fight discrimination and injustice.

2. Quote something interesting a character said.

Cassie Logan will never forget something her dad once told her about the land they own and live on. “All that belongs to you. You ain’t never had to live on nobody’s place but your own and long as I live and the family survives, you’ll never have to. That’s important. You may not understand that now, but one day you will.”

3. Provide a historical fact about the work.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry was one of the first young adult books to not shy away from life's harsh realities.

4. Ask an interesting question.

How can you stand up for yourself in an unjust society?

Assessing with an Explanatory Rubric

A test grader will use a rubric to score your on-demand writing. A rubric lists the features the grader is looking for at different levels of performance. If you understand the kinds of rubrics that graders use, you will better understand how to write responses that score well.

Editing for Commas with Intro Words

When a sentence starts with four or more introductory words, insert a comma after them, before the main part of the sentence.

Responding to a national initiative, our school changed its lunch program.

Even though Sam prefers white bread, he is giving wheat bread a chance.

Editing for the Right Word

“Affect” and “effect” sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.

• Affect is a verb that means “influence.”
• Effect is most often used as a noun to mean “result.” Effect can also be used as a verb to mean “bring about” or “accomplish.”

Editing Possessives

In writing, possessives are used to show ownership. Read the following rules and examples about forming possessives.

• To form the possessive of a singular noun or an indefinite pronoun, add ’s. (Indefinite pronouns include one, anybody, nobody, somebody, anyone, no one, someone.)

• To form the possessive of most plural nouns (those that end in s), add only the apostrophe.

• To form the possessive of irregular plural nouns (those that do not end in s), add ’s.

1. Joes train has been delayed. Joe’s train has been delayed.
2. My books pages are stuck together. My book’s pages are stuck together.
3. The mens’ locker room is down the hall. The men’s locker room is down the hall.
4. The women basketball game lasted two hours. The women's basketball game lasted two hours.
5. I poured the cat food into Henry’s bowl. I poured the cat food into Henry’s bowl. (correct)
6. The party is at the Green’s house. The party is at the Greens’ house.
7. The outcome of the election is anybodys’ guess. The outcome of the election is anybody’s guess.
8. The closet was full of children’s toys. The closet was full of children’s toys. (correct)
9. The first baseman missed the coachs’ sign. The first baseman missed the coach’s sign.
10. Alisha met her friends at Janets’ house. Alisha met her friends at Janet’s house.