Write Appositives That Define Terms

Pick the sheet that matches the phrase you are teaching, then have students revise three sentences in their own draft the same way. The appositive sheets fit before argument or report writing.

Define filmmaking terms like storyboard and boom operator with appositives from a definition bank. An appositive is a noun phrase that renames a noun, and in a report it can define a technical term right where readers meet it. The directions on the page read: Rewrite each sentence on the 2 lines. Right after the term in bold, add an appositive that defines it, copied from the Definition bank, and set it off with a comma or commas. One definition in each bank is not used. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade sentences, 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.

An absolute phrase is a noun plus a participle and its words, as in her hands shaking. It adds a precise detail to a whole sentence. Students build one from starter words such as its hinges.

Moving a phrase to the start or middle keeps sentences from all opening with the subject. Students add a comma after an opening phrase and two commas around a middle one, then revise a short paragraph.

In an argument, an appositive can state an expert's credentials so readers trust the source. In a report, it can define a technical term right where readers meet it. One sheet does each.