Comma Usage on the ACT

​Unnecessary Commas

ACT Standards

PUN 201 - Delete commas that creetiate basic sense problems (e.g., verb and direct object)

PUN 301 - Delete commas that markedly disturb flow (e.g., between modifier and modified element)

PUN 401. Delete commas when an incorrect understanding of the sentence suggests a pause that should be punctuated (e.g., between verb and direct object clause)

PUN 501 - Delete commas in long or involved sentences when an incorrect understanding of the sentence suggests a pause tht should be punctuated (e.g., between the elementss of a compound sentence or compound verb joined by and)

PUN 404. Use commas to set off simple parenth​etical elements

PUN 503. Use punctuation to set off complex parenthetical elements.​

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​Entrance Ticket

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​Write a paragraph (5-7 sentences) responding to the following prompt:

Describe a time when an obstacle got in the way of something you were trying to accomplish. What steps did you take to remove the obstacle

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​Learning Target

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2.2 - Recognize when to delete unnecessary commas​

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​Self-Assessment

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What is the number that​ corresponds to your confidence level in your knowledge of this subject before the beginning of the lesson. 1 means you are completely lost, and a 4 means you have mastered the skills.

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1 2 3 4​

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​2.2 Quick Check

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How does the addition of commas change the meaning of the sentence?

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2.3.1. Unnecessary Commas

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Jasmine, walked​ next door to get her backpack.

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Jasmine​, the president of the junior class, walked next door to get her backpack.

RULE: Two commas that offset a parenthetical element can come between a subject and a verb. ​

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​The same rule applies for a single comma between a verb and an object or a preposition and an object.

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Jasmine took, her backpack out of the room.

Jasmine took her backpack out of, the room.

Jasmine took her backpack, the blue one with the broken zipper, out of the room.​

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​Only put commas where you know you need them.

​Rule #2

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Do not use commas that disrupt sentence structure.​

Rule #1

Write the Rules

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​Can You Locate the Errors?

So, biologists decided to, dissect the mutated froms themselves.

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Growing up, on the beaches of Australia, Adrian Buchan would one ​day become a world-renowned surfer.

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Athletes, typically, find, that getting enough sleep at night plays a huge role in theri endurance.​

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2.3.2 Deleting Commas

Have students delete the unnecessary commas from the excerpt. There are fourteen incorrect commas.

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Be prepared to explain why the commas are unnecessary.​

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​I DO:

2.4.1 - Practice Set 1​

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​WE DO:

2.4.2 - Set 2

2.4.3 - Set 3​

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​Self - Assessment

​Rate yourself after the lesson!

What is your level of confidence now?​

1 2 3 4​

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​YOU DO:

2.4.4 - Set Four

2.4.5 - Set Five​

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AP English Diagnostic

This IS NOT a test!

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