Using Commas - PowerPoint

The PowerPoint presentation titled "Using Commas Correctly" is an educational resource that aims to enhance the reading and writing skills of students by teaching them the proper use of commas. The presentation covers several key objectives, such as understanding how authors use commas in lists and separating dialogue, as well as learning to apply these techniques in their own writing. Through a series of examples and exercises, students are shown how commas can replace the word 'and' or 'or' in a list to create a more streamlined sentence. For instance, a cluttered sentence like "Joseph went to the shop and bought a chocolate bar and a can of pop and a magazine and a box of matches" can be made more concise by using commas: "Joseph went to the shop and bought a chocolate bar, a can of pop, a magazine and a box of matches".

The presentation further explains the use of commas to separate adjectives or adverbs that describe a noun or verb, such as in the sentence "He was a tight-fisted, miserable, old man". Another important aspect covered is the use of commas in dialogue, where they serve to separate the spoken words from the rest of the sentence. Examples are provided to illustrate this point, such as "She said, 'Today was a brilliant day'" and "I have lost my money," cried Ben, "and my train ticket." Students are given sentences to improve by correctly inserting commas, reinforcing their understanding of the rules. The exercises include separating dialogue and improving sentences that contain lists, helping students to check their comprehension and apply what they have learned.