Punctuate Interjections for a Pause or Break

Teach conjunctions first, using the wildlife report as a review. Then use the interjection sheets with a narrative or speech unit, ending with the persuasive speech sheet.

Add a comma, ellipsis or exclamation point after interjections to fit the feeling on a camping trip. After an interjection, a comma marks a short, calm pause, an ellipsis marks a hesitant or trailing pause and an exclamation point marks a sudden, strong break. The directions on the page read: Read the feeling in parentheses. In the blank after the interjection, write a comma, an ellipsis (...) or an exclamation point to show the pause that fits that feeling. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade parts of speech, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

The verb agrees with the nearer subject. In either a thief or the giants have taken it, giants is nearer, so the verb is have. Subjects joined by both and take a plural verb.

A concession clause admits a fact that works against the main idea, using although, even though, while or whereas. When it comes first, a comma follows it.

Interjections fit dialogue, stories and casual messages, but not reports or job letters. Students decide to keep or cut interjections in a lab report, a text and a speech, and rewrite some sentences formally.