Comma and Semi-Colon Usage

Chalkboard and Books

Learning Context

 

Purpose

Commas and semi-colons are essential tools for writing efficiently. When used properly, commas and semi-colons help writing flow smoothly and appear more professional. Without these two punctuation marks, sentences often turn into run-on sentences and/or become difficult to read. Using accurate punctuation ensures that the reader will comprehend the correct message the author is trying to convey. Writing well, with correct punctuation, is a necessary skill not only for high school but throughout college and the workforce.
            This lesson was taught to three eleventh grade English Regents classes. The Common Core asserts that this skill is one that should be taught in ninth and tenth grade classes, but I found that this knowledge was severely lacking in my eleventh graders’ writing. While reading their essays, I discovered a deficiency in correct usage of semi-colons and commas and decided that although this is considered a lesson for younger students, it was necessary to teach this to my classes.
            This lesson is a brief grammar lesson taught in one 40 minute class period. This lesson was taught in between unit plans and was enacted due to a significant lack in knowledge of the uses of semi-colons and commas. The lesson began with a Diagnostic Test which the students later corrected on the board. This was followed by a definition for the students’ notes, a large group activity, and a worksheet which was similar to the diagnostic test. The formal assessment was formatted like a Question 26 from the eleventh grade New York State English Regents Exam. It was turned in using Turnitin.com and was graded using rubric.

Objectives

  1. Students will be able to correctly use a comma in a sentence with two independent clauses.
  2. Students will be able to correctly use a semi-colon in a sentence with two independent clauses.

Enduring Understanding

  • A comma is used to link two closely related, independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction.
  • A semi-colon is used to link two closely related, independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Essential Questions

  • Why is proper grammar important?
  • What are the uses of commas?
  • Why do we use commas?
  • What are the uses of semi-colons?
  • Why do we use semi-colons?

Guiding Questions

  • What are independent clauses?
  • When do we use a comma to link two independent clauses?
  • When do we use a semi-colon to link two independent clauses?
  • What is wrong with a sentence that does not have the correct commas?
  • What is wrong with a sentence that does not correctly use semi-colons?
  • Are there any patterns that we see when a comma is used between two independent clauses?
  • When two independent clauses require a semi-colon, why would it be incorrect to use a comma?

Overview of What Students Need to Know

Prior to Implementation

  • Definition of independent clauses
  • Know how to write a paragraph
  • Know how to establish a controlling idea
  • Know how to support a controlling idea with support from texts

During and After Implementation

  • Students will see examples of independent clauses that are linked with coordinating conjunctions and how a comma is used in this situation.
  • Students will see examples of related, independent clauses which do not use coordinating conjunctions and are linked with a semi-colon.
  • Students will correct sentences with errors in semi-colons and commas.
  • Students will create sentences which use commas and semi-colons to link two independent, related clauses.

Key Subject-Specific Vocabulary

  • Independent Clause: A group of words that contain a subject and verb and create a complete thought
  • Semi-Colon:  A punctuation mark which links two related, independent clauses when there is no coordinating conjunction. (;)
  • Comma: A punctuation mark which has multiple uses. In this lesson, it is used between two related, independent clauses which are linked with a coordinating conjunction. (,)
  • Coordinating Conjunction: A word which links two clauses. They are and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.