English 10--3/22/2019

Jump Off
--Emma H.: Please ceremonially drop the grammar hammer.

S. the C.

--agenda/rationale/HW

• During today's class block, we will work on...
• demonstrating command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing. THIS STANDARD WAS SELF-ASSESSED IN CLASS LAST TIME, WILL BE SELF-ASSESSED SOME MORE IN CLASS TODAY, AND WILL BE OFFICIALLY ASSESSED TODAY VIA A QUIZ.
• During today's class block, we will continue working on...
• developing and strengthening writing as needed by drafting, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience
• writing routinely over extended time frames, including time for reflection and revision.

Transition
--Please take out your copy of the "Common Error: Missing comma in a complex sentence/unnecessary comma before a subordinating conjunction" sheet from last class block.

Mini-Lesson (cont.) -- GRAMMAR HAMMER: Missing Comma in a Complex Sentence (before an Independent Clause)/Unnecessary Comma before a Subordinating Conjunction (WUBAIS) 

--essential questions for going over today's grammar work with the comma:

• How does the WUBAIS acronym work?
• If complex sentences are formed by combining two "could-be" sentences, what constitutes a "could-be" sentence?
• What is a dependent clause, and how does a dependent clause differ from an independent clause (a "could-be" sentence)?
• When do writers need a comma when using a WUBAIS word or WUBAIS words to combine two "could-be" sentences?
• When do writers not need a comma when using a WUBAIS word or WUBAIS words to combine two "could-be" sentences?

--continue answering the essential questions/working with the sample sentences written up on the front board

--Closure

• contextualize today's grammar work with the comma:
• A comma rule that should be mastered at this point is the following: Comma splices are bad! A comma alone is not strong enough to combine two "could-be" sentences!
• Five useful methods exist for fixing comma splices. Using all of these sentence combining methods within your writing creates sentence variety (which improves the "Style" aspect of your writing!). 
• One method of combining "could-be" sentences to fix a comma splice is adding a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS word) after the comma in order to create a compound sentence.  The comma rules pertaining to coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS words) should also be mastered at this point.
• Another method of combining "could-be" sentences is adding a subordinating conjunction (WUBAIS word) before one of the two independent clauses ("could-be" sentences).  Depending on where the subordinating conjunction is added, a comma either is or is not needed.
• Two common errors exist when it comes to using WUBAIS words. Avoid making these errors by learning the rules (which improves the "Control of Conventions" aspect of your writing!)!
• answer the following essential question/work with the paragraph about basketball projected up on the SMART Board: How can I RE-READ and edit/revise for WUBAIS errors?

Transition
--Please pick up a copy of the "Complex Sentences/Subordinating Conjunctions Comprehension Check and RE-READING Practice" slip from the front table.

Application Activity #1 -- Complex Sentences/Subordinating Conjunctions Comprehension Check and RE-READING Practice

--RE-READ the content on the slip and edit/revise for WUBAIS errors.  Be prepared to share your edits with your classmates!
--turn and talk
--edits shared on the SMART Board

--On today's quiz, you will be presented with sentences that are either incorrect or correct as written as per the WUBAIS words rules, and in instances where sentences are written incorrectly, you will need to find and fix the errors.  You will also be asked to create a few of your own complex sentences.  Additionally, I will check your level of understanding of should-be-mastered grammar concepts from the past.  Please make sure, then, that you…

• can identify subjects and verbs
• know what constitutes a “could-be” sentence (independent clause)
• know and can apply the comma rules pertaining to coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS words).

--final Q & A/quick-review as necessary

Transition
--Please pick up a highlighter and a copy of the quiz from the front table.  After purposefully reading the directions, complete the tasks at hand quietly and independently.  Good luck! :)

Assessment -- The Grammar Hammer: Parts of Speech, Comma Usage with Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS), and Comma Usage with Subordinating Conjunctions (WUBAIS)

--complete the assessment to the best of your ability

--When you finish,... 

• return the highlighter
• place your quiz in the black basket on the front table
• work on your literary analysis written response OR engage in free reading OR complete a Membean training session.  

If everyone finishes before class ends--PLEASE DO NOT RUSH--I will turn on the NCAA Tournament.

Brain Break (time permitting)

HW (Practice/Take-Home Assessment)

--Complete 45 minutes of Membean training in three different days before 11:59 PM on Thursday, 3/28 (see the "English Department Membean Routine" sheet).

Writing

--Continue moving forward on your "End-of-Novella-Unit Literary Analysis Written Response" by completing the entire writing piece by the END of class on Tuesday, 3/26.
--Continue thinking about the following questions:

• Research Unit: What might you argue with regard to your research topic?
• At this point, you should have at least two proper sources printed out and actively/purposefully read.  Continuing to read in this manner should help you zero in on your argument!
• End-of-Course Assignment: What is your "why?"?

HW (Class Preparation)
--If you have not yet selected your final free reading book of the school year, consider doing so ASAP (with the knowledge, though, that you must read a memoir, and we will head to the library soon)--ALWAYS BRING YOUR FREE READING BOOK TO CLASS!
Miscellaneous
--Enjoy the weekend--you only get so many of 'em! :)