How to Use a Semicolon

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Lindsay Nunan


How to Use a Semicolon

Grade Level: 9

Subject: English

Duration: 45 Minutes

DOK Level: 1

Indiana Standard:

9-10.W.6.2b Punctuation – Using a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb to link two or more closely related independent clauses.

Common Core Standard:

CCSS Language Standards 9-10 2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. a. Use a semicolon (and perhaps a conjunctive adverb) to link two or more closely related independent clauses. b. Use a colon to introduce a list or quotation. c. Spell correctly

Description:

Students will understand the rules of how to use a semicolon and be able to apply the rules to their writing.

Objective:

  • Students will be able to correctly place a semicolon within a sentence
  • Students will be able to determine which type of punctuation a given sentence requires
  • Students will be able to apply the rules of a semicolon to the strengthening of their writing.

Essential Question: Does this sentence contain two independent clauses that require a semicolon?

Procedure:

  1. The teacher will show a video over the correct usage of semicolons
  2. The teacher will present a slideshow over the rules of  correctly using semicolons. The slideshow contains comic panels from www.TheOatmeal.com, as sometimes humor is the only way to help students pay attention to the rules of grammar.
  3. The teacher will project example sentences on the board and students will volunteer to come up and correctly place the semicolons within the sentence.
  4. The students will work on an assignment that asks them to correctly place semicolons within each sentence.

Product or Assessment:

The students will submit their sentences with correct punctuation to the teacher via Google Classroom.

SAMR: Augmentation

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