MITS Unit 10 Lesson

Unit
Ten

Mechanics Instruction

That Works (MITS)

Simple Warm Ups to Improve Student Writing

By Doug Stark

Unit Ten

Unit 10- Dashes

●Dashes may be used to set off a major interruption within a sentence. Dashes can replace commas,
but only in cases in which the writer wishes to indicate a stronger break than a comma would provide.

●A writer may also use a dash to set off a summary or explanation that follows a list. In this case, the
dash acts almost like a colon in reverse.

●Use dashes sparingly. If overused, they can create a choppy rhythm and damage the coherence of a
composition.

Dashes may be used to set off a major interruption within a sentence.

My father – and it is hard to blame him given the poverty in
which he grew up – grows very angry if he feels that someone is denigrating the poor.

My uncle – I strongly suspected – knew nothing about
remodeling houses.

Things I used to be good at – crossword puzzles, trivia games, and chess – became exercises in frustration after my head injury.

A writer may also use a dash to set off a summary or explanation that follows a list.

Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes – these are all German auto
Companies.

Joe, Jason, and Cliff – they all objected to Marc’s engagement to Clarissa.

Multiple Choice

Mr. Jones — the type of person who could silence a room filled with dozens of hyperactive band

students — was at a loss for words around the group of kindergarteners.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Chemistry, Algebra II, and American Government — these courses were all required for graduation.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Even my closest friends — Sue, Daniel, and Alyssa — would not support me.

• Correct

• Incorrect

10.1

Multiple Select

Activating Background Knowledge:

In what two situations should you use dashes?

• Major Interruptions

• Combining Independent Clauses

• Summary or Explanation

• To Show Possession

Multiple Choice

Patience, intelligence, — and strength these are all qualities needed to be a good leader.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

The audience grew restless — twenty minutes had passed with no sign of the band — and began to shout at

the twenty-two security guards standing in front of the stage.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Use dashes to set off a major interruption which may represent a shift from the main idea. Do NOT overuse dashes.

Sent — interruptor — ence.

Open Ended

Model Sentence: Things I used to be good at – crossword puzzles, trivia games, and chess – became

exercises in frustration after my head injury.

Type Your Sentence Here:

Multiple Choice

Identify which of the following examples BEST expresses the idea using appropriate conventions of

the English language. Be prepared to explain why the other four examples won’t work.

• Until Joanne walked through the door, I was incredibly bored.

• I was incredibly bored, until Joanne walked through the door.

• Until Joanne walked through the door; I was incredibly bored.

• I was incredibly bored, then Joanne walked through the door.

10.2

Multiple Select

Activating Background Knowledge:

In what two situations should you use dashes?

• Major Interruptions

• Combining Independent Clauses

• Summary or Explanation

• To Show Possession

Multiple Choice

Petroleum is used in many — products soaps, cosmetics, toothpaste — that are sold in grocery stores.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

The middle linebacker — in spite of a separated shoulder — made twelve tackles.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Use a dash to set off a summary or explanation that follows a list.

LI, S, and T — summary or explanation.

Open Ended

Model Sentence: Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes – these are all German auto companies.

Type Your Sentence Here:

Multiple Choice

If any underlined portions contain an error, choose the portion as the answer.

Be prepared to explain your answer.

The chief executive needed an experiment to study the effect of the

company’s actions a test of some sort.

• experiment

• effect

• actions

• no error

Multiple Choice

If any underlined portions contain an error, choose that portion as the answer.

Be prepared to explain your answer.

Joseph, my brothers boss, introduced me to several important people: Bob Jones, the floor director;

Gary Halter, the lighting expert; and Steven Sadley, the producer.

• brothers

• people

• expert

• no error

Multiple Choice

If any underlined portions contain an error, choose that portion as the answer.

Be prepared to explain your answer.

The impact of Mercutio's death on Romeo is immense, Romeo questions his own manhood and

responds with rage.

• Mercutio's

• own

• immense

• no error

10.3

Multiple Select

Activating Background Knowledge:

In what two situations should you use dashes?

• Major Interruptions

• To Show Possession

• Combining Independent Clauses

• Summary or Explanation

Multiple Choice

The child was — sitting — actually sprawling at his desk.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Protein bars, trail mix, and beef jerky — I bring these foods with me on fishing trips.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Use a dash to set off a MAJOR interruptor which may represent a shift from the main idea. Don't overuse dashes.

Sent — interruptor — ence.

Open Ended

Model Sentence: My uncle – I strongly suspected – knew nothing about remodeling houses.

Type Your Sentence Below:

Use a dash to set off a summary or explanation that follows a list.

LI, S, and T — summary or explanation.

Open Ended

Model Sentence: Joe, Jason, and Cliff – they all objected to Marc’s engagement to Clarissa.

Type Your Sentence Here:

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...is where I’d like to go next!