Commas
Where do the commas go?
I bought apples bananas oranges and grapes.
I bought apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes.
Why is an ellipsis used here?
I thought I understood the assignment… but now I’m not sure.
To show a pause or uncertainty in thinking
What is an inference?
When the reader uses what the author tells them and what they already know to figure something out
When a text shows how two ideas, people, or events are related, it is called a...
Connection
If a text explains that one event caused another event, it is showing this type of connection.
Cause and effect
Why are commas needed in this sentence?
She packed socks, shoes, extra shirts, and a jacket.
To separate items in a list
Dashes can be used to add what kind of information to a sentence?
Additional or emphasized information
A scientist writes that temperatures are rising and ice is melting faster. What might readers infer?
Climate change is affecting the environment
When a text explains how two people, ideas, or events are different, it is called a...
Distinction
Words like however, but, and unlike help show this.
Distinctions
A comma should follow this type of phrase at the beginning of a sentence.
An introductory phrase.
What does the ellipsis in this sentence convey?
"Puritans had also suffered many deaths during bloody wars against the Native people of the Northeast..."
An omission or leaving out unnecessary information in a quote.
An inference is different from a guess because it must be supported by this.
Textual evidence
If a text explains that one leader supported a policy while another opposed it, the author is showing this.
A distinction or difference in ideas.
What is an analogy?
A comparison between two things, typically for explanation or clarification.
Where should the comma go?
During the game the crowd cheered loudly.
During the game, the crowd cheered loudly.
Add a dash to show an interruption.
I was about to explain when the bell rang.
I was about to explain-- when the bell rang.
Readers must use textual evidence and what to make an inference.
Prior/background knowledge
If an article compares two inventions and explains how they work similarly, the author is showing this type of connection.
Similarity or comparison
What is wrong with this sentence?
“I was going to finish my homework……but I got distracted.”
There are too many dots for it to be an ellipsis. There should only be three (...)
Where do the commas go?
My brother who lives in Ohio is visiting next weekend.
My brother, who lives in Ohio, is visiting next weekend.
Why might you use an ellipsis when quoting something in a paper?
To remove unnecessary information, to combine important information from separate sentences, or to make the quote grammatically flow into the sentence.
A writer uses strong words like “devastating” and “dangerous.” Readers might infer the author’s tone is this.
Concerned or serious
What kind of connection is made here?
"The first telescope allowed scientists to observe planets; later telescopes made those observations clearer."
Connections in a sequence
Why might a writer use dashes instead of commas?
To indicate an interruption, a strong pause/break, or draw attention to the additional information