MITS Unit 7 Lesson

Unit
Seven

Mechanics Instruction

That Works (MITS)

Simple Warm Ups to Improve Student Writing

By Doug Stark

Unit Seven

Unit 7- Commas– A comma indicates a pause. It can either separate
something, or it can connect two sentences if used with one of the FANBOYS.

WHEN TO USE A COMMA:

1. Use a comma after an opener (introductory word, phrase, or clause). An opener is a single word or fragment that is located at the start of a sentence and is followed by a comma.

• Furthermore, I find the wording of your proposal to be offensive.

• Broken and bruised, Diaz was ready to call it a day.

• Because she had a sore throat, Janna was unable to sing her solo.

2. Use a comma to set off an interrupter (a nonessential phrase or clause) - a word or phrase that interrupts the flow of a sentence. You can tell if something is an interrupter by checking to see whether or not it is essential to the sentence. If you can take it out, and the meaning of the sentence doesn't really change, the interrupter is nonessential, and should be set off with commas.

• William, in fact, made the all-state hockey team.

• Timmy, the smallest of the boys, was teasing my sister.

3. Use a comma to set off a closer - a fragment that is added after an independent clause (could be a complete sentence) and is preceded by a comma.

• Joe dribbled up court, his sparkling new Nikes squeaking with each move he made.

• There sat Steve, blissfully unaware of the chaos he had created.

​4. Use commas to separate items in a series.

​• Getting to school on time, doing all my assignments, and behaving well are all things I can do to ensure my success in school.

​5. Use a comma + one of the FANBOYS to make a compound sentence.

​• I’d love to help you finish your project, but I have to be to work by nine.

​• Gary will turn in his final project, or he will flunk the class.

6. Use a comma to introduce a quotation when used with explanatory words like he said or she exclaimed.

• “Wait,” demanded Stevie, “you can’t leave yet.”

• Jerry said, "I want some swimming goggles."

7. Use a comma in dates and addresses.

• On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked.

• I lived at 13768 Fruit Ridge Avenue, Kent City, Michigan, for thirteen years.

WHEN NOT TO USE A COMMA:

1. Don't use a comma if the dependent clause (AAAWWUBBIS) comes second.

INCORRECT: The boy knocked on the door, while I was eating.

CORRECT: The boy knocked on the door while I was eating.

2. Don't automatically use a comma just because you see one of the FANBOYS.

INCORRECT: We sat down at the table, and began to talk.

CORRECT: We sat down at the table and began to talk. (In this case, and is connecting two
verbs, not two complete sentences.)

3. Don't use a comma to set off an ESSENTIAL phrase or clause. Ask yourself this question: if
you were to take the phrase or clause out of the sentence, would the basic meaning of the
sentence change? If the answer is yes, then the phrase or clause is essential.

INCORRECT: I recognized many of the students, who stood with me, in front of the school.

CORRECT: I recognized many of the students who stood with me in front of the school.

7.1

When to use a comma:

Don't use a comma…

1. Don’t use a comma to set off an essential phrase or clause.

2. Don’t use a comma just because you see one of the FANBOYS.

3. Don’t use a comma if the dependent clause comes second in the sentence.

1. Use commas in dates and addresses.

2. Use commas to set off an interrupting word or phrase.

3. Use a comma after an opener.

4. Use a comma to set off a closer.

5. Use a comma with explanatory words to set off a quotation.

6. Use a comma with one of the FANBOYS to connect two independent clauses.

7. Use commas to set off items in a series.

Multiple Choice

The boy threw his books, shouted at the teacher, and walked away.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Alice Walker the famous writer was born in Georgia.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Whenever I see John, my stomach churns and my palms sweat.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Vincent’s mother is a successful attorney but his father is a deadbeat.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

"I hope you're happy," said Steve.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

On June 7th, 2013, school was dismissed.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

The boy knocked on the door while I was eating.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

We sat down at the table, and began to talk.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Dependent Clause Opener
If a sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction or an AAAWWUBBIS, it will create a dependent clause or a phrase. A phrase or dependent clause cannot stand alone, but can be used as an "opener."

DEPENDENT CLAUSE, INDEPENDENT CLAUSE.

Model Sentence:
Although Joe was an intelligent person, he was out of his league.

Sentence Interrupter
Use commas to set off an interrupting word or phrase

SENT, INTERRUPTOR, ENCE.

Model Sentence:

My position on this issue, however, has not changed.

Phrase Opener
A phrase cannot stand alone as a sentence. However, you can use a phrase as an opener.

PHRASE OPENER, INDEPENDENT CLAUSE.

Model Sentence:

Having known Ben for years, I did not believe the charges were true.

7.2

Multiple Choice

The Mississippi River, which is over 2,300 miles long, is the second-longest river in the United States.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Nancy read the information about commas carefully

but she received a low score on the practice quiz.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

The principal needs to speak to you when you are available.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Whistling and skipping happily, Gretta made her way
down the sidewalk.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

His powerful legs quick feet and agile hands make
him a nightmare for offensive tackles.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

"Wait," said Steve, "you can't leave yet."

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Some of the students who were protesting against the war were arrested.

• Correct

• Incorrect

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.

• The committee recommended that the school make personnel changes. Such as
  hiring a diagnostic reading specialist, a librarian, and an at-risk counselor.

• The committee recommended that the school make personnel changes it suggested
  that the school hire a diagnostic reading specialist, a librarian, and an at-risk counselor.

• The committee recommended that the school hire a diagnostic reading specialist, a
  librarian, and an at-risk counselor.

• After carefully considering the data. The committee recommended that the school
  hire a diagnostic reading specialist, a librarian, and an at-risk counselor.

7.3

Multiple Choice

After surviving this ordeal, the trapper felt relieved.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Mark Twain's early novels, I believe, stand the test of time.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

September 11th 2001, will never be forgotten.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

I returned the book after I read it.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

The parent sat next to me, and started telling me her life story.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

“I’m not sure what my role is,” said Bob.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Phrase Closer
A phrase cannot stand alone as a sentence. However, you can use a phrase as an closer.

INDEPENDENT CLAUSE, PHRASE CLOSER.

Model Sentence:

The wind was relentless and tyrannical, ceaselessly tossing wave

after wave across the deck of the boat.

Comma + fanboys (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
You can create a compound sentence by joining two
independent clauses using a comma and one of the
fanboys.

INDEPENDENT CLAUSE, INDEPENDENT CLAUSE.

Model Sentence:

The speaker tried to answer the question, but he simply couldn’t.

FOR
AND
NOR
BUT
OR
YET
SO

Dependent Clause Opener

If a sentence starts with an AAAWWUBBIS, it will create a dependent clause or a phrase. A phrase or dependent clause cannot stand alone, but can be used as an "opener."

DEPENDENT CLAUSE OPENER, INDEPENDENT CLAUSE.

Model Sentence:

Although Joe was an intelligent person, he was out of his league.

Use a comma to introduce a quote with explanatory words like he said or she exclaimed.

He / She said, "Quotation" (#).

Model Sentence:

In response to Circe's offer, Odysseus asks, "Circe, am I a boy, that you

should make me soft and doting now?" (Homer 69-70).

Activating Background Knowledge

List the key words in our seven comma rules.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

When NOT to use commas....
1. Not for essential clauses
2. not every time you see one of the FANBOYS
3. Not needed if the dependent clause comes second

Multiple Choice

The novel a legal thriller was an instant bestseller.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Although most families eat around their television sets, mine does not.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Secretaries today need skills in, typing on a computer using a calculator and
organizing the work flow.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Activating Background Knowledge

List the key words in our seven comma rules.

1.

Opener

2.

Interrupter

3.

Closer

4.

Items in a series

5. Comma + FANBOYS

6. Quotations

7. Dates and addresses

When NOT to use commas....
1.
2.
3.

Multiple Choice

The leader forgot three things: his flashlight his clothes and his canteen.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Steve walked into the store and he bought some milk.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Steve walked into the store and bought some milk.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

Unless I get a raise I'm going to struggle to pay the rent.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

My brother, who worked on a farm during high school, is quite strong.

• Correct

• Incorrect

Multiple Choice

People who work on a farm are quite strong.

• Correct

• Incorrect