Page 142 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade6_Flipbook

Activities 3.12, 3.15
Lesson: Punctuating Nonessential Elements Learning Targets
• Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English punctuation when writing. • Use punctuation to set off nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements.
Punctuation marks such as commas are used to set off certain nonessential parts of sentences, including nonrestrictive (nonessential) appositives, interrupting elements, and introductory elements.
Nonrestrictive Appositives and Appositive Phrases
If an appositive or appositive phrase is nonrestrictive (that is, not essential to the basic meaning of the sentence), it is set off with commas. If leaving out the appositive or appositive phrase would change the sentence’s meaning, it is not set off.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a children’s novel, was first published in 1900. [The appositive phrase a children’s novel adds extra information; it is not essential to the basic meaning of the sentence.]
The children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was first published in 1900. [The appositive The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is essential to the basic meaning of the sentence. It restricts the meaning of novel. Without the appositive, the reader does not know which children’s novel is meant.]
Interrupting Elements Nouns of direct address are set off:
Daniel, have you read the book? Have you read the book, Daniel?
Parenthetical expressions are usually set off:
By the way, the movie is a favorite of mine.
The movie The Wizard of Oz, as I recall, is a musical.
Grammar Activities • Unit 3 5
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