HW6

Improving Editing Skills: Commas Dire c t e d L e arning Ac t iv it y — P unc t uat ion & M e c hanic s 02

Essential Question What are three common comma errors and how do I fix them?

Purpose Upon completion of this activity, students will be able to find and fix three common comma errors.

This DLA should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Terms to Know An independent clause contains a subject + a verb + a complete thought. In other words, it is a complete

sentence.

A dependent clause contains a subject + a verb but not a complete thought. In other words, it is not a

complete sentence. If you put a period directly after one, it will result in a fragment. Dependent clauses

often begin with words like although, even though, because, while, and so on.

A nonrestrictive word group tells more about or modifies a word or phrase, but it is not needed because

taking it out will not change the meaning of the word or phrase. Therefore, you use commas.

Rules & Examples • RULE #1: When you join two independent clauses with a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet,

so), you need to use a comma. However, you do not use a comma if you join only two words or

phrases.

o Example:

▪ The Writing and Reading Center is a wonderful place to seek help from

instructors, and it is also a good place to find other resources like tutors and

workshops.

• RULE #2: Use a comma after introductory material. The material can be in the form of a

dependent clause, phrase, or word (that needs to be set off to prevent confusion).

o Examples:

▪ Although at first I was reluctant to go to tutoring, I am glad I made myself go

because it has helped me improve my grades.

▪ After waiting in line for twenty minutes, the student realized she had forgotten

to bring the DLA she wanted help with.

▪ Above, the sky looked dark and threatening.

• RULE #3: Use a comma (or two) to set off transitional words, phrases, or nonrestrictive word

groups. Note that transitional words and phrases you use commas with can be moved to

different locations in the sentence.

o Examples:

▪ For instance, I now use the Darling’s Guide to Writing on a regular basis when I

am in the WRC.

▪ Stella could not believe, for example, that Eduardo’s affections for her were

fake.

▪ Doctor Khan, who had a big smile on her face, said the operation was a success.

Exercise Using the information you just read about three common comma rules, do the activity below. There are

five missing and five unneeded commas in the paragraph below.

Add commas where needed, and cross out commas that are unneeded.

Each sentence contains one comma error.

While college is challenging in a number of ways students can excel if they keep in mind three

important tips. First students should be curious. While all students, have specific areas of

interest, it is important for students to want to know information that does not seem to directly

involve their degree area in order to help them stay engaged in non-degree courses. Another,

important tip for students to follow is to be willing to change. Many students struggle, or drop

out of college due to an unwillingness to become the person they need to be in order to be

successful in the college environment. Students should look forward to evolving as people and

college provides a wonderful environment to do that in. Most importantly students should start

viewing themselves as a brand.

Companies like Coca-Cola, and Apple will go to great lengths to make sure that nothing negative

is associated with their product. Likewise, it is vital for students to understand that how they

behave, and with whom they associate can affect their image and future outcomes. Fortunately,

being successful in college is not impossible but students do need to understand how to go

about it.

Review your answers with an instructor or tutor in the Virtual Writing & Reading Center. Be sure you can

answer the essential question above.