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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
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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 is
inspired by 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 two
complete sentences
(compound sentences).
How do you identify a comma splice?
Comma splice error:

Joss Whedon directed
The Avengers, the
sequel premiers this
year.
Complete sentences:

Joss Whedon directed
The Avengers,


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Subject: Joss Whedon
Predicate: directed The
Avengers
The sequel premiers this
year.


Subject: The sequel
Predicate: premiers this
year.
How do you identify a comma splice?
Comma splice error:

Joss Whedon directed
The Avengers, the sequel
premiers this year.
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!
How do you correct a comma splice?
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Anyone can correct a comma splice
using 1 of the 4 following methods:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Add an appropriate coordinating
conjunction (FANBOYS) behind the
comma.
Replace the comma with a semicolon
when the complete sentences are
closely related.
Add a semicolon and an adverbial
conjunction (HOTSHOTCAT) before the
comma.
Replace the comma with a period and
capitalize the first letter of the first word
in the next sentence.
How do you correct a comma splice?
Take 1

The horror movie
Insidious 3 comes out
this year, I can’t wait
to see it.

The comma is not strong
enough to hold the weight
of two complete
sentences. What should
you add to correct this
error?
Method 1
How do you correct a comma splice?
Take 1

The horror movie
Insidious 3 comes out
this year, I can’t wait
to see it.

The comma is not strong
enough to hold the weight
of two complete
sentences. What should
you add to correct this
error?
Method 1


The horror movie
Insidious 3 comes out
this year, and I can’t
wait to see it.
Add a coordinating
conjunction (FANBOYS)
behind the comma to create a
compound sentence.
How do you correct a comma splice?
Take 2

“Mama always said life
was like a box of
chocolates, you never
know what you're
gonna get.”
Forrest Gump

How will you correct this
comma splice error in this
movie quote using a
semicolon?
Method 2
How do you correct a comma splice?
Take 2

“Mama always said life
was like a box of
chocolates, you never
know what you're
gonna get.”
Forrest Gump

How will you correct this
comma splice error in this
movie quote using a
semicolon?
Method 2

“Mama always said life
was like a box of
chocolates; you never
know what you're
gonna get.”
Forrest Gump

Replace the comma with a
semicolon. Remember,
you do not need a
FANBOYS when using a
semicolon.
How do you correct a comma splice?
Take 2

“Mama always said life
was like a box of
chocolates, you never
know what you're
gonna get.”
Forrest Gump

How will you correct this
comma splice error in this
movie quote using a
semicolon and adverbial?
Method 3

“Mama always said life
was like a box of
chocolates; therefore,
you never know what
you're gonna get.”
Forrest Gump

Replace the comma with a
semicolon followed by an
adverbial and a comma.
Review
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
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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.
, and choose 1 FANBOYS
2.
;
3.
; and choose 1 HOTSHOTCAT followed by a comma
4.
. + Capital letter for the first word in the second
sentence
We need heroes to correct more errors!
Who are the heroes?
You are!
Rehearsal
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You are now the
star and director of
your own comma
drama production!
Grab a movie
quote!
Rehearsal
Instructions for rehearsal:
Step #1. Each movie quote is a
comma splice. Read it.
Step #2. Review your notes if
necessary.
Step #3. Write your name on the
back of the paper popcorn and
rewrite your movie quote
correcting the comma splice using
a method you learned today.
Step #4. Find a co-star 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!
Directed by: Ms. Brown
Staring: You--every single student in this room!
Producer: Los Angeles Harbor College
Executive Producer: Communications Division