Page 147 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade6_Flipbook

Activity 4.10
Lesson: Punctuating Pauses, Breaks, and Omissions Learning Target
• Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English punctuation when writing.
You can use punctuation such as commas, dashes, and ellipses to show a pause or break in thought or speech.
Showing a Pause or Break in Speech
Many commas set off or separate grammatical elements in sentences. When you read, you will often interpret such a comma as a pause.
Well, I’m not sure about the answer.
Yes, that’s exactly right!
If you mean next Tuesday, then yes, that’s when the party is.
For other kinds of pauses, you can use dashes and ellipses. Use an em dash (a long dash—as wide as an m—or two hyphens typed together) to show a sudden break in thought or speech:
Next, we could organize the boxes by—hey, are you paying attention?
As you carefully press down on the gas pedal—whoa! Watch where you’re driving!
Use ellipses (three spaced periods) to show thought or speech trailing off or pausing:
That’s a nice invitation, but . . . um, I don’t think I can go that night.
So . . . would another night work?
If the pause is at the end of a complete sentence or between two complete sentences, you should use the ellipses AND correct end punctuation for each sentence.
That’s a nice invitation. . . . However, I don’t think I can go.
Do you remember what she said? . . . I just am not sure whether to turn left or right here.
Check Your Understanding
On your own paper, write a short dialogue between three people who are trying to plan a class party. Use at least two commas, at least two dashes, and at least two ellipses to show pauses or breaks in speech.
4 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 6
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