Today’s Agenda

1. Today’s Agenda • Using Commas Quiz • Using Apostrophes Correctly • Apostrophes in Contractions • Apostrophes Showing Possession • Unnecessary Apostrophes • Homework • Write a paragraph (7+ sentences) about yourself. Use at least two contractions and two possessives. Then check your apostrophes by applying today’s lesson!

2. Apostrophes in Contractions • Expansion Tip: Reread any word that might possibly be a contraction to see if you can “expand” the word by filling in missing letters. If you can, make sure that there is an apostrophe in the spot where the missing letters would appear. Example: they’re didn’t I’ve Tip applied: they are did not I have

3. Let’s Practice! • If a sentence does not have a contraction error, write OK above it. If there is an error, cross it out. Then, write out the full form of the word AND supply the correct form of the contraction. • My roommate wont be awake for at least another hour. •  Its supposed to rain today, but I’m not sure that will happen. •  The killer whale isnt a whale; it’s actually the largest member of the dolphin family. •  A rhinoceros has three toes on each foot, yet you cant see them because they’re each encased in a hoof. •  The British Empire isn’t what it once was; the tiny Pitcairn Islands are the last of it’s Pacific territories.

4. Apostrophes Showing Possession • Of Tip: If a pair of words involves possession, you can usually reword the phrase using of. Error: The judges robe was torn and dirty. Tip applied: The robe of the judge… • Standard Tip: For most singular possessive nouns, use an ‘s at the end of the word. Error: The judges robe was torn and dirty. Tip applied: Singular possession: one judge owns the robe • Plural Possession Tip: If the possessive noun is plural, begin with the plural form. Then add just the apostrophe if the plural form ends in s. Error: Those student’s cars are illegally parked. Tip applied: Plural form: students’

5. Let’s Practice! • Correct the possession error in each of the following sentences. Confirm your answer correction by applying the OF TIP. • My husbands watch is broken. •  John Lennons middle name was Winston. • A starfishs eyes are located at the tip of each arm. • I need help with tomorrows homework. • The student council agreed that the schools name should be changed.

6. Unnecessary Apostrophes • Of Tip… • Expansion Tip… • “Special Term” Tip: Do not use an apostrophe to form the plural of “special terms” such as years and abbreviations unless the special term is an individual letter. Examples: three DVDs in the 1990s no ifs, ands, or buts several 100s two TVs she made all A’s

7. Let’s Practice! Refer to the TIPs in this lesson and write OK above each correct apostrophe. Label each apostrophe as possessive (P) or contraction (C). If there is an error, make the necessary change by deleting or adding the apostrophe. I have three essay’s to complete this month. Maria’s best friend went on a cruise last summer. All four radio’s in my apartment need batteries. My parents went to college back in the 1980’s. One of the two Joe Smith’s in this class is an old friend of mine.

8. Homework • Write a paragraph (7+ sentences) about yourself. Use at least two contractions and two possessives. Then check your apostrophes by applying today’s lesson!