Comma Drama
Based on a true story
English 21
Ms. Brown
Presentation Outline and Objectives
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Topics of discussion:
1.
Film roles and punctuation roles
2.
Defining a comma splice
3.
Identifying a comma splice
4.
Correcting a comma splice
By the end of this presentation, you will:
1.
Identify a comma splice
2.
Correct a comma splice
Our time will help address:
1.
2.
Institutional SLO #1
English 21 Course SLO #4
Terms to Know
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Subject: a person (who) or thing (what)
being discussed, described, or dealt with in
the sentence
Predicate: everything after the subject,
which includes the verb(s) and phrase(s)
Complete sentence: an independent clause
with at least 1 subject and 1 predicate,
which stands on its own
What is an actor’s role in a film?
HEROES
VILLAIN
What is a comma’s role in a sentence?
The hero comma:
Rachael Ray finds
inspiration in
cooking, her family,
and her dog.
What is a comma’s role in a sentence?
What is a comma splice?
How does a comma
become a villain?
Definition of a
comma splice:

A comma splice is an
error that occurs when a
comma joins complete
sentences.
How do you identify a comma splice?
Comma splice error:

Guillermo del Toro
directed Pacific Rim, it
premiers this Friday.
Complete sentences:

Guillermo del Toro
directed Pacific Rim,
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Subject: Guillermo del Toro
Predicate: directed Pacific
Rim
it premiers this Friday.


Subject: it
Predicate: premiers this
Friday
How do you identify a comma splice?
Comma splice error:

Guillermo del Toro
directed Pacific Rim, it
premiers this Friday.
Note the punctuation:
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We have a comma
joining 2 complete
sentences.
We have 2 complete
sentences but only one
period to complete
both thoughts.
We need a hero to correct this error!
Who’s the hero?
You are!
You’re the star!
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Anyone can correct a comma splice
using 1 of the 3 following methods:
1.
Replace the comma with a period
and capitalize the first letter of the
first word in the next sentence.
2.
Add an appropriate coordinating
conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or,
yet, so) behind the comma.
3.
Replace the comma with a semicolon
when the complete sentences are
closely related.
How do you correct a comma splice?
Take 1

Guillermo del Toro
directed Pacific Rim, I
can’t wait to see it this
Friday.

Replace the comma with a
period. Capitalize the first
letter of the first word in
the next sentence.
Method 1
How do you correct a comma splice?
Take 1

Guillermo del Toro
directed Pacific Rim, I
can’t wait to see it this
Friday.

Replace the comma with a
period. Capitalize the first
letter of the first word in
the next sentence.
Method 1


Guillermo del Toro
directed Pacific Rim. I
can’t wait to see it this
Friday.
When separated by the
period, each complete
sentence stands on its own
with proper punctuation.
How do you correct a comma splice?
Take 2

“You’re a millionaire,
you’re still asking for
money?”
The Fast and the Furious 6

Replace the comma with a
period. Capitalize the first
letter of the first word in
the next sentence.
Method 2
How do you correct a comma splice?
Take 2

“You’re a millionaire,
you’re still asking me
for money?”
The Fast and the Furious 6

Replace the comma with a
period. Capitalize the first
letter of the first word in
the next sentence.
Method 2

“You’re a millionaire,
and you’re still asking
me for money?”
The Fast and the Furious 6

When separated by the
period, each complete
sentence stands on its
own with punctuation.
Review
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A comma splice is an error that occurs when a
comma joins complete sentences.
We can identify a comma splice by examining
subject(s) and predicate(s) to isolate complete
sentences. We can also identify a comma
splice by noting the punctuation used in the
sentences.
A comma splice can be corrected by:
1.
2.
Replacing the comma (,) with a period (.)
Capitalizing the first letter of the first word in the
next sentence
Rehearsal
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You are now the
star and director of
your own comma
drama production!
Pick up your sheet
to begin.
Rehearsal
Instructions for rehearsal:
Step #1. Each movie quote is a
comma splice. Read it.
Step #2. Review your notes if
necessary.
Step #3. Correct your comma
splice using method 1: a period
and capital letter. (You can use
method 2 or 3 if you prefer.)
Step #4. Find a co-star,
exchange lines, and discuss
your corrections.
You have 4 minutes!
Casting call: lights, camera, action!
Are you ready to play the hero’s role?
Write your corrected movie quote on the
whiteboard and read it aloud for your co-stars!
Bravo!
You all deserve applause.
Take a bow!
The theater’s manager would appreciate
your feedback on this presentation.
Directed by: Ms. Brown
Staring: You! Every single student in this room!
Producer: Los Angeles Harbor College
Executive Producer: Communications Division