Commas and Fragments Tutorial - ENGL 1005

Tutorial Activity 4: Review and Corrections

  • Review of key texts:
    • Angela Carter's "The Werewolf" describes dark, log-built dwellings (Carter, 153).
    • Helen Chasin’s poem explores the idea of plum as a representation of self-love and sensory experiences (Chasin, 2-5).
    • Carrianne Leung emphasizes the importance of freeing language from clichés; notable examples include works by Brand and Morrison (Leung).
    • Reference for Thammavongsa: "How to Pronounce Knife," Granta 141 (Nov 17).
    • Reference for Lahiri: “Hell-Heaven,” in Unaccustomed Earth, Knopf, 2008.

Common Writing Errors

Commas

  • Commas indicate grammatical structure in sentences and can signal pauses for readers.
  • Important: Commas should not be overused merely for pauses.

Commas: Introductory Clauses and Phrases

  • Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
    • Example:
    • Correct: "Given the strength of the team's hitting, many commentators believe they can win even with inferior pitching."

Exercise: Commas in Introductory Clauses

  • Question: Choose the correct sentence:
    • a) Because they had stocked up on food and bottled water, they were well prepared for the emergency.
    • b) Because they had stocked up on food, and bottled water, they were well prepared for the emergency.
    • c) Because they had stocked up, on food and bottled water, they were well prepared for the emergency.

Commas: Transitional and Parenthetical Phrases

  • Use a pair of commas to set off transitional or parenthetical phrases.
    • Example:
    • Correct: "David Suzuki urges all of us, young and old, to preserve the environment for generations to come."

Exercise: Commas with Transitional Phrases

  • Question: Choose the correct sentence:
    • a) James Joyce the novelist from Ireland is renowned for this mastery of the English language.
    • b) James Joyce, the novelist from Ireland, is renowned for this mastery of the English language.
    • c) James Joyce the novelist from Ireland, is renowned for this mastery of the English language.

Commas: Lists

  • Use commas to separate items in a list.
  • Note the use of a serial comma before the last item (controversial but recommended by MLA).
    • Example:
    • Correct: "Lydia Davis is known for her translations, novels, and short stories."

Exercise: Commas in Lists

  • Question: Choose the correct sentence:
    • a) Angela Carter’s retelling of fairy tales is dark, contemporary, and aligned with feminist values.
    • b) Angela Carter's retelling of fairy tales is dark contemporary and aligned with feminist values.
    • c) Angela Carter's retelling of fairy tales is dark, contemporary and aligned with feminist values.

Comma Splice

  • A comma splice incorrectly connects two independent clauses with a comma.
    • Example of splice: "I hate music, it has too many notes."
    • Correct versions:
    • "I hate music; it has too many notes."
    • "I hate music because it has too many notes."
    • "I hate music. It has too many notes."

Exercise: Fixing a Comma Splice

  • Sentence to fix: "We didn't enjoy the lecture, Prof. Schmaltz is just so dang boring."

Run-on Sentences

  • Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are incorrectly combined.
    • Example of run-on: "I love to write poetry I would write a poem every single day if I didn’t have to do all this marking."
    • Correct: "I love to write poetry. I would write a poem every single day if I didn’t have to do all this marking."

Exercise: Fixing a Run-on Sentence

  • Sentence to fix: "I am sincerely befuddled by all new technologies I wish we could return to the stone age."

Sentence Fragments

  • A sentence fragment lacks a complete idea or clause.
    • Example: "And in the morning."
    • Question: Why is it considered a fragment?

Exercise: Fixing a Sentence Fragment

  • Fragment to fix: "A time of difficulty and great strife."

Persepolis: A Scavenger Hunt

  1. Satrapi wrote Persepolis to challenge stereotypes about Iran being only about fundamentalism and terrorism.
    • Identify moments in the text that effectively counter this myth and deepen understanding of Iranian culture.
  2. Explore youthful rebellion depicted in a specific chapter and its connection to political rebellion.
  3. Compare Marji to other notable women in the graphic novel to evaluate representations of Iranian women.
  4. Examine storytelling elements in Persepolis and their significance in conveying experiences.