2. The basic rules Don’t use an apostrophe: Use an apostrophe:
When something is plural
Use an apostrophe:
For possessive nouns
Contractions

3. Possessive not plural
You do not need an apostrophe to make a word plural
Oranges
(not) orange’s
You need an apostrophe to show ownership
Those are Sarah’s oranges
Demons need lots of vitamin C. Those are its pile of oranges.

4. The biggest offender….

5. Used in contractions Don’t Won’t He’ll It’s You’re Shouldn’t Can’t I’m
Do not
Will not
He will
It is
You are
Should not
Cannot
I am

6. Avoiding an Apostrophe Catastrophe
Read the sample paragraph
Punctuate it according to the rules we discussed
Be prepared to share with the class why you put apostrophes where you did

7. Avoiding an Apostrophe Catastrophe
One of my favorite activities is riding a mountain bike on nearby paths and trails. My bike works well even though its a few years old. My bike isn’t as fancy as my friends bike, but it gets the job done. My friend Louis Carrillo’s bike has more features, like front suspension and V-brakes, but my bikes frame is stronger and it has decent components too. Both bike’s tires are designed for off-road riding, and we carry patch kits to repair any flats we get. Both are mens bikes, with high top bars on the frames. Of course, womens’ mountain bikes are available too, and mountain biking is becoming more and more popular as a womens’ sport. A bikes seat design should be different for a woman because a womans bone structure and weight distribution are different than a mans. If you decide to take up riding, make sure that your bike is a good fit for you, and that the handlebars arent too high or too low for comfort. Also, be sure to wear a helmet and gloves to protect yourself in a crash; one day youll be thankful you have them.

8. Proofread Your Drafts
Take out your drafts and proofread them for apostrophe errors; everyone has several
Need a reference? Apostrophes are discussed on pg. 292 in the Wadsworth Pocket Handbook