2.  Instead of a bellringer sheet- we are going to take some grammar notes at the beginning of each class.  Dependent clause- stands alone  Independent clause cannot stand alone  Phrase (begins with a preposition– over the moon, in the beginning, on her arrival)  Before we take notes- let’s practice using kahoot.com

3.  A dependent marker word is a word added to the beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause.  When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, it was very noisy.  Some common dependent markers are: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while.

4.  One way to link sentences is by using one of the following seven words (coordinating conjunctions). A comma goes before the conjunction.  Bill plays tennis, and his little sister does, too.  and, but, for (used like because), or, nor, so, and yet.  NB- write seven sentences, using each of the conjunctions, with the commas in the right places.

5.  When looking for the main idea in a reading passage, ask yourself, “What point is the author trying to make about this topic?”   The main idea may be stated in an introductory sentence, but it may also appear within the passage or at the end. All of the details in the passage should relate to the main idea. 

6.  When choosing the main idea sentence on a multiple choice test, be aware that the incorrect responses will be one of the following:   1. The sentence is too broad, too general, or too vague to be acceptable.  a. Example: Some people have problems.  2. The sentence is just a supporting detail, too narrow to cover the topic.  a. Example: The oldest child was only fifteen when he had to go to war.

7.  Write about the end of We Were Liars…if you haven’t gotten there, write about where you are, but you should be to the end at this point…  Grammar rule- sentences can also be combined using these marker words- also, consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, nevertheless, and therefore.

8.  You may start sentences with these, BUT if you use them in a second independent clause, there must be a SEMICOLON after the marker word.  I love Christmas; however, you should wait to decorate until after Thanksgiving.

9.  Write about a cause and effect relationship- examples:  Bad attitudes/failing school  Racism or stereotyping/lack of contact with people who are different from the racist person.  Reading/empathy  --or pick your own…

10.  Comma Splices  A comma splice is the use of a comma between two independent clauses. You can usually fix the error by changing the comma to a period, by changing the comma to a semicolon, or by making one clause dependent by inserting a dependent marker word in front of it.  Incorrect: I like this class, it is very interesting.  Correct: I like this class. It is very interesting.  (or) I like this class; it is very interesting.  (or) I like this class, and it is very interesting.  (or) I like this class because it is very interesting.  (or) Because it is very interesting, I like this class.

11.  Fused Sentences  Fused sentences happen when there are two independent clauses not separated by any form of punctuation. This error is also known as a run-on sentence. The error can sometimes be corrected by adding a period, semicolon, or colon to separate the two sentences.  Incorrect: My professor is intelligent I've learned a lot from her.  Correct: My professor is intelligent. I've learned a lot from her.  (or) My professor is intelligent; I've learned a lot from her.  (or) My professor is intelligent, and I've learned a lot from her.  (or) My professor is intelligent; moreover, I've learned a lot from her.

12.  Sentence Fragments  Sentence fragments happen by treating a dependent clause or other incomplete thought as a complete sentence. You can usually fix this error by combining it with another sentence to make a complete thought or by removing the dependent marker.  Incorrect: Because I forgot the exam was today.  Correct: Because I forgot the exam was today, I didn't study.  (or) I forgot the exam was today.