Grammar and Conventions
Use Commas in Compound Sentences
1. Focus
Objectives
Explain Using Commas in Compound Sentences
In this mini-lesson, students will:
Say: We can use a conjunction to join two sentences into one compound
sentence. Conjunctions include and, but, or, for, nor, so, and yet. When we
form a compound sentence, a comma goes before the conjunction. The comma
tells the reader to pause very briefly before continuing. It shows where one
complete thought ends and the next begins.
• Determine the purpose of commas
in compound sentences.
• Identify commas in compound
sentences.
• Use commas in compound
sentences.
Model Using Commas in Compound Sentences
Preparation
Display the modeling text on chart paper or use the interactive whiteboard
resources. Read the sentence aloud, without pausing before the conjunction.
Materials Needed
• Commas in Compound Sentences
(BLM 9)
• Chart paper and markers
• Interactive whiteboard resources
Advanced Preparation
If you will not be using the interactive
whiteboard resources, copy the
modeling text, the practice text, and
the sentences for ELs onto chart
paper prior to the mini-lesson.
Anyone else will not feel it, but the pea would bruise the skin of a princess.
Modeling Text
Say: This is a long sentence. I almost ran out of breath reading it. I see two
complete thoughts in this sentence: “Anyone else will not feel it” and “the pea
would bruise the skin of a princess.” The writer used the conjunction but to join
these two shorter sentences into one compound sentence. I know that I need to
place a comma before the conjunction to show where the first complete thought
ends. (Add a comma after the word it in the modeling text.) Now I’ll reread
the sentence and see how it sounds. (Read aloud the modeling text, with the
appropriate pause after it.) The sentence is easier to understand. The comma
also tells me to pause in the middle of the sentence, so I don’t get out of breath
when I read it. When I write, I make sure I vary my sentence structure. Using a
combination of simple sentences and compound sentences makes my writing
more interesting.
2. Rehearse
Practice Using Commas in Compound Sentences
Display the practice text on chart paper or use the interactive whiteboard
resources.
Ask students to work with a partner to form a compound sentence from the two
sentences in each set. (Students do not need to copy sentences.) Point out the
conjunctions in the box on the next page and explain that students will use one
of these words when they make each compound sentence.
42
Benchmark Writer’s Workshop • Grade 4 • Book Reviews • ©2012 Benchmark Education Company, LLC
Book Reviews
but
so
or
and
1. The prince wants to find the perfect princess. He sets off on his journey.
2. He traveled the world to find one. Nowhere could he get what he wanted.
3. O
ne stormy night, there’s a knock at the castle door. A young woman is standing
outside.
4. T he young woman will have to take a test. No one will believe she is a real
princess.
Practice Text
If your class includes English language learners or other students who need
support, use “Strategies to Support ELs.”
Share Compound Sentences
Bring students together. Invite volunteers to share how they formed each
compound sentence. Discuss their choices. Ask the following questions:
• Where did you put the comma in the sentence?
• Which conjunction did you use to join the two sentences?
• Could you have used a different conjunction? Why or why not?
3. I ndependent Writing
and Conferring
Say: We learned that we can use commas
and conjunctions such as but, and,
so, and or to combine two sentences
into a compound sentence. When you
write a persuasive text, remember to
use compound sentences as well as
simple sentences to make your writing
more interesting. This will help hold the
attention of readers.
If you would like to give students
additional practice using commas in
compound sentences, have them complete
BLM 9.
4. Share
Bring students together. Invite volunteers
to read aloud their answers to BLM 9. Use
students’ answers to provide corrective
feedback.
Strategies to Support ELs
Beginning
Beginning ELs are not ready to focus on forming compound sentences. As other
students work together on the practice exercises, support beginning ELs as they
produce oral sentences.
Intermediate and Advanced
Provide simple sentences to help ELs practice forming compound sentences and
using commas in them.
I went to the zoo and I saw a monkey.
Josh wanted to shop but the store was closed.
Mom had to hurry or I would be late.
All Levels
If you have ELs whose first language is Spanish, share these English/Spanish
cognates: comma/la coma; compound/compuesto.
©2012 Benchmark Education Company, LLC • Benchmark Writer’s Workshop • Grade 4 • Book Reviews 43