Writing+Conventions

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 * When writing, you must ALWAYS focus on the following:**

[|**spelling**]**-** check it closely [|**punctuation**]**-** should be smooth as it guides the reader through the story [|**capitalization**]**-** use it properly [|****grammar****]**-** edit closely [|**paragraphing**]**-** reinforce your organization [|word choice]- use to capture the reader's attention [|Paragraph transitions] are words or phrases which link paragraphs and create a smooth flow between them.


 * Warm-up**

Write this [|paragraph] using more colourful and imaginative words and phrases to replace the underlined words. Like the instructions state, try to make the paragraph more "lively and memorable" for the reader.


 * Assignment**


 * Step 1**- Take a look at [|this photo], [|this photo] and [|this photo]. As you look at each pic, write down everything that it makes you think of.
 * Step 2-** Choose one of the pics to guide your writing. You will be writing a paragraph about your chosen pic. First, you must write an introductory sentence, or topic sentence, for your paragraph. Go!
 * Step 3-** Now, write 3-4 sentences to support the introductory sentence.
 * Step 4**- To complete the paragraph, you must write a concluding sentence. This sentence should briefly summarize the paragraph.

Have you ever noticed...on Twitter...or Facebook...how everyone seems to be using...

"..."- what is this and why is it used constantly?

Well, this form of punctuation is known as an [|ellipse.]

The grammar crime: Comma splices join two complete sentences with a comma. Question: How do we know we have a comma splice?
 * Comma Splices:**


 * Outlaw ||
 * Joey went to the grocery store, he needed to buy eggs for supper. ||

This sentence is incorrect because “Joey went to the grocery store” and “he needed to buy eggs for supper” are both complete sentences. A comma alone cannot join two sentences.


 * Coordinating conjunctions** connect words, [|phrases], and [|clauses]. Look at the examples that follow:

The bowl of squid eyeball stew is hot and delicious.

Rocky, my orange tomcat, loves having his head scratched but hates getting his claws trimmed.



Yesterday it was the comma splice. Today it's the incomplete sentence. If you pay close attention to these activities you will notice that you tend to pick up these errors when you see them. Practice makes perfect, so keep your head up and have a little fun along the way!

Please read over this document with your teachers and begin working on pages 5-9.