Page 129 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade7_Flipbook

Writing Workshop 10 (continued)
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that appear before a noun that both apply equally to the noun they modify.
6 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 7
Drafting
5. The opening paragraph of your letter should express your purpose for writing the letter, along with some background information on the subject. Co-construct your opening paragraph as a class, and create a personal copy of your own.
6. Refer to the talking points you selected in question 3. Draft a paragraph for each, following your teacher’s guidance through the drafting process.
7. As a class, add a closing paragraph to the class-constructed letter. Remember to create a sense of closure before the salutation.
Check Your Understanding
8. Read over the class-constructed letter. Does the tone match the
purpose? Does the letter express the intended message? Are relevant details included that attempt to engage the audience? Does the closing paragraph create a sense of closure? Make revisions as a class. Add these additions, changes, or omissions to the copy you wrote individually as your teacher models the revision process.
Revising for Language and Writer’s Craft
When using two or more adjectives before a noun, it can be confusing to determine whether to use a comma between them. The key is determining whether the adjectives are coordinate adjectives, meaning that they both apply equally to the noun they modify. If they do, they should be separated by a comma. If not, no comma is necessary.
To judge whether adjectives are coordinate adjectives, and therefore need a comma between them, try adding the word and between the adjectives. Read the sentence aloud—does it sound noticeably awkward, or does it still sound relatively fluid? If it sounds awkward, you don’t need to add a comma between the adjectives. If it sounds fluid and smooth, add the comma where you used the word and.
Another way to judge is to switch the order of the adjectives. Read the sentence aloud—does it sound awkward, or does it still sound fluid? If it sounds awkward, you don’t need to add a comma between the adjectives. If it sounds fluid and smooth, add a comma between the adjectives.
Consider the following sentences from the sample text, and try the suggestions for judging whether to use a comma.
• I think we are all aware of the current economic situation that is affecting our
nation.
• In order to ensure that the appropriate number of qualified, experienced
teachers is available to chaperone field trips, we often have to pay substitute
teachers to cover the classes for the chaperone teachers.
• The learning that happens in a normal school day can also be interrupted due
to students and teachers missing classes.
• My door is always open, and I am more than willing to engage in a
thoughtful, sincere discussion regarding this or any concerns you may have about our school.
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