Module 7 - Lesson 3: Writing Mechanics

ELA 5

Module 7 - Lesson 3

Writing

Mechanics

Commas, Quotes & Conjunctions

Let's write the right way! ✍️

🎯 What We'll Learn Today

Quotes

Commas

Punctuate direct quotes the right way

Know when and where to put a comma in a sentence

Conjunctions

Series Commas

Use joining words to connect ideas

Separate a list of words or phrases with commas

🔤 Commas: Lists & Series

Also use commas…

Use a comma to separate items in a series (a list of 3 or more things).

After an introductory phrase:

After school, we played.

❌ I have a cat a dog and a fish.

Before a conjunction (FANBOYS):

I like cats, but I love dogs.

✅ I have a cat, a dog, and a fish.

To set off names (direct address):

"Hey, Maria, come here!"

⭐ Tip: Read your sentence out loud. If you pause, you might need a comma there!

Between city and country/state:

Davao City, Philippines

💬 Punctuating Direct Quotes

Quote at the END

Mrs. Reyes said, "Please open your books."

📌 Comma BEFORE the quote opens. Period INSIDE the closing marks.

Quote at the START

"We have a test tomorrow," said the teacher.

📌 Comma INSIDE the closing marks. Signal phrase ends with a period.

Interrupted Quote

"Wait," she said, "I forgot my bag."

📌 Comma after first part (inside marks). Comma after signal phrase. Second part is lowercase.

🔗 Conjunctions — FANBOYS

Conjunctions are JOINING WORDS. They connect two ideas in one sentence.

For — gives a reason

She stayed home, for she was sick.

And — adds information

I like math and science.

Nor — two negatives

He can't swim, nor can he run.

But — shows contrast

I'm tired, but I'll finish.

Or — gives a choice

Do you want juice or water?

Yet — shows contrast

It's cold, yet she wore shorts.

So — shows result

It rained, so we stayed in.

🔗 Conjunctions

🗺️ Quick-Look Cheat Sheet

Rule

✅ Correct

❌ Incorrect

Comma in a series

I like dogs, cats, and birds.

I like dogs cats and birds.

I was tired, so I went to bed.

Comma + conjunction

I was tired so I went to bed.

Quote (end of sent.)

He said, "Let's go!"

He said "Lets go".

Quote (start of sent.)

"Let's go," he said.

"Lets go" he said.

Intro phrase comma

After lunch, we played outside.

After lunch we played outside.

⭐ Remember These!

FANBOYS

Series Comma

🔤

🔗

Use commas to separate 3 or more items: red, blue, and green.

Coordinating conjunctions join two ideas. Add a comma before them when joining two full sentences.

Intro Phrases

Quote Rules

💬

📍

Comma before or inside quotes. Period/comma always goes INSIDE the closing quotation mark.

Always put a comma after an introductory phrase before the main sentence.

Modify & Revise

✍️

When editing, re-read each sentence and ask: Do I have a list? A quote? A joining word? Add commas as needed.

Assignment

Goodbye! See you next time.