Page 143 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade6_Flipbook

Lesson: Punctuating Nonessential Elements (continued)
Introductory Elements
When yes, no, well, or a mild interjection begins a sentence, it is set off with a comma:
Yes, I just saw the movie. Wow, I love it!
When a long prepositional phrase or a series of two or more short prepositional phrases begins a sentence, it is
set off with a comma:
On the way to the Emerald City, Dorothy meets a scarecrow, a tin woodman, and a lion.
When an adverb clause begins a sentence, it is set off with a comma:
When they get to the Emerald City, the wizard at first refuses to help them.
Other Nonessential Elements
Other nonessential phrases and clauses (those that add information that is not necessary to the basic meaning of
the sentence) are set off with commas:
The scarecrow, who wishes for brains, is actually quite smart.
Rereading the book, I noticed that it is different from the movie in many ways.
In the book, after the wizard’s balloon disappears, Dorothy and her friends travel to the north, where the good witch Glinda lives.
Dorothy, using a magic cap, is able to command the flying monkeys to grant her three wishes. Check Your Understanding
Read the following sentences. Add any missing commas. If a sentence is already correct as is, write Correct.
1. When you are done reading the book will you lend it to me?
2. Compared to the movie the book seems complicated.
3. Of all the books you have read which is your favorite?
4. The Ghosts a novel by Antonia Barber is a particular favorite.
5. My friend Ava loves spooky stories.
6 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 6
© 2017 College Board. All rights reserved.