Thinking critically about commas
This is a two-part activity. When you have finished responding, click Submit after each part to record your answer. If your instructor has assigned this activity, you must answer both parts before your answers will be submitted to the gradebook.
Reading with an eye for commas
Find a poem that uses commas at the ends of lines. Read the poem aloud, listening especially to the effect of the commas. Then read it again as if those commas were omitted, noting the difference. Also pay attention to lines that do not end in commas or periods. What is the effect of the poet’s decision to use or not use commas? Respond in the text box below.
Find a poem that uses commas at the ends of lines. Read the poem aloud, listening especially to the effect of the commas. Then read it again as if those commas were omitted, noting the difference. Also pay attention to lines that do not end in commas or periods. What is the effect of the poet’s decision to use or not use commas? Respond in the text box below.
The following poem uses commas to create rhythm and guide readers. Read the poem aloud, listening especially to the effect of the commas at the...
Thinking about your own use of commas
Choose a paragraph that you have written. Remove all of the commas, and read it aloud. What is the effect of leaving out the commas? Now, punctuate the passage with commas. Did you replace all of your original commas? Did you add any new ones? Explain why you added the commas you did.
Choose a paragraph that you have written. Remove all of the commas, and read it aloud. What is the effect of leaving out the commas? Now, punctuate the passage with commas. Did you replace all of your original commas? Did you add any new ones? Explain why you added the commas you did.
Choose a paragraph that you have written. Remove all of the commas, and read it aloud. What is the effect of leaving out the commas? Now,...