English Language Arts and Reading.6.10.D.viii

The student is expected to

edit drafts using standard English conventions, including:

 

punctuation marks, including commas in complex sentences, transitions, and introductory elements; and

writing process TEKS talk image

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Composition: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts--writing process. The student uses the writing process recursively to compose multiple texts that are legible and uses appropriate conventions.

Task students with a cooperative learning writing activity. Before submitting their finished products, have students review their writing for properly used punctuation. Provide students with a checklist of punctuation to look for.

The checklist could include the following:

  • Commas in complex sentences
  • Commas in transitions
  • Commas in introductory elements
  • Commas in a series
     

Further Explanation

This assessment requires students to apply their knowledge of correct punctuation and formatting when using commas in complex sentences, transitions, and introductory elements. The focus of this assessment is on demonstrating appropriate use of commas. Students should be able to successfully evaluate the correct use of commas and make necessary changes to improve the quality of their writing.

a punctuation mark used to separate two or more distinct but related ideas such as in a series, (e.g., “nuts, bolts, or screws”) or to enclose a word, phrase, or clause within a sentence (e.g. “Sonya, who is from Alaska, missed the snow.”) Commas are also used with transitions and in dates.
a sentence with an independent clause and at least one dependent clause (e.g., “I cleaned the room when the guests left.”)
During the editing stage of the writing process, students further improve their drafts and often prepare them for publication by correcting errors in mechanics, grammar, and spelling. Applying standard rules of the English language correctly helps the audience understand the information more easily by not having to interrupt their thinking to decide what the writer intended to say.
Specific symbols referred to as punctuation marks are used in writing to help the reader understand the information as the author intended it. These symbols act as a kind of map for the reader to understand how to move from word to word and sentence to sentence. For example, commas in complex sentences help the reader know that the two ideas in that sentence are logically connected and work together to form a clear picture.
words or phrases purposefully used to help sustain a thought or idea, linking sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas