Writing Workshop

1
Writing Workshop

• Review of Important Grammar Rules

2
Comma Splices

• Definition- when a comma separates two complete
  sentences
• Ex. John Proctor was a strong and well respected
  man, Proctor was also known to be a sinner.
• A period should separate these sentences.

3
Comma Usage

• Many of you used commas too frequently.
• Ex. Abigail Williams was mean spirited, and a
  convincing liar.
• In this sentence there is no need for the use of
  a comma.
• Most of the time when the word and is used, you
  do not need a comma before or after it. Many of
  you are in the habit of doing this.

4
Quotes

• There were some minor errors in quote formation.
• Ex. I say that you are bringing down heaven and
  raising a whore, (Miller, 1148).
• This is incorrect for two reasons. Do you know
  why?
• I say that you are bringing down heaven and
  raising a whore (Miller 1148).
• There should be no commas inside the quotes and
  there should be no comma separating the author
  and page number.

5
Quotes

• If you are citing one source, then you only have
  to include the authors name in your quotes one
  time.
• After the first time, you only need to include
  the page number within your quotes.
• Ex. I say that you are bringing down heaven and
  raising a whore (1148).
• Do not cite as, (pg. 1148).

6
Listing Media Sources Within Your Paper

• T.V. shows are in quotes
• Ex. Lost or Flavor of Love
• Movies are italicized or underlined like novels
  and plays.
• Ex. The Ringer or Saw 3
• Again, the title of a novel should be italicized
  or underlined. So should magazines, plays, etc.
• Short story titles and poem titles should be put
  inside quotes .
• Ex. The Raven or The Tell-Tale Heart

7
Capitalization

• When referring to The Bible within your paper
  The and Bible need to be capitalized.
• Also, the word God needs to be capitalized.

8
Tenses

• Technically, when writing about literature, you
  are supposed to write about it in the present
  tense. I know this can be hard at times, but it
  is something that you should work on.
• The best way to improve on this is by frequently
  rereading and editing your work.

9
Tense Inconsistency

• This is probably the most common error I saw in
  your papers. When writing a formal essay, you
  have to keep your writing in the same tense. You
  CANNOT switch between present and past tense. If
  you start in present tense, then you have to stay
  in present tense.

10
Tense Inconsistency

• Ex. of tense inconsistency
• John Proctor is the best example of a puritan in
  the play, The Crucible. John Proctor was the
  only character in this play that stood up to the
  tyranny of the girls.

11
Tense Inconsistency

• Correct use of tenses
• John Proctor is the best example of a puritan in
  the play, The Crucible. John Proctor is the only
  character in this play that stands up to the
  tyranny of the girls.

12
Other Common Errors

• Do not use contractions in a formal essay.
• Avoid fragments. Make sure your sentences are
  complete.
• Try not to start sentences with the word And.
• Avoid using slang terms within a formal essay.