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Worksheet 3: Using commas and apostrophesIf you use commas and apostrophes correctly, it helps to make your writing easier for the reader to understand. Commas are used to separate items in lists. Apostrophes can be used to show that letters of words have been left out.

Punctuation

Get started1. Add two commas to each of the following sentences.

a. I go to the gym on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

b. You will need a pen pencil notebook and calculator.

c. The apartment has one bedroom a kitchen a bathroom and a sitting room.

2. Look at the examples of words which use apostrophes. Write the words in full next to them. There may be more than one answer for each word.

a. can’t d. you’ll

b. I’d e. wasn’t

c. you’d

HintThe comma sits on the line (,) while the apostrophe (‘) is placed next to the top of the letter. Remember to write your commas and apostrophes correctly. They should look like a very small number 9.

cannot

Try this1a. Read the email below.

From: ajones@looper.co.ukTo: helena@biz.ed.ukSubject: Picnic plansMessage:Hi HelenaJust to let you know, I have got the crisps fizzy drinks some fruit and some sandwiches for our picnic. Can you bring the cakes cups plates and something for us to sit on?Thanks. Chat later.

b. Add the four missing commas to the email above.

2. In one sentence, write a list of three things you did yesterday. Write your answer on a separate piece of paper.

3a. Read the email below.

From: pete@cooper.co.ukTo: Jo@looper.comSubject: Cinema tripMessage:

Hi Jo

Im going to the cinema on Wednesday. Will you come with me? Youl’l love the film. Its a sci-fi. Let me know.

Ca’nt wait to see you.

Pete

HintHave you included commas in the right places? Remember that the last thing in your list should have ‘and’ before it.

Unit 4Unit 4 Raising Skills: English Raising Skills: English

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b. There are four mistakes in the email where apostrophes have either been put in the wrong place or missed out. Underline the mistakes and write the correct version above each one.

4. Rewrite the sentences below using contractions for the underlined words.

a. I am going to a party on Friday night. I’m going to a party on Friday night.

b. She cannot come to the party.

c. I do not know how to get there.

d. He was not in a good mood this morning.

e. They were not happy with the service at the restaurant.

HintApostrophes are used to make two words into one (a contraction). For example, is not becomes isn’t; were not becomes weren’t. Make sure the apostrophes are in the right place when you rewrite the words.

Aim to pass1. Read the following text and add five apostrophes where they have been missed out. (5 marks)

2. Read the following text and add the missing commas. (4 marks)

We were going on holiday and we couldnt wait. Everything was packed and we were ready to leave.

‘Have we got the tickets, passports, swimwear and sun cream?’my brother asked.

‘Yes, but where have you put the passports?’ I asked.

‘I dont know, you had them last. I hope you havent lost them!’ he replied.

‘I cant have done,’ I said. ‘Theyre here somewhere.’

I’m really looking forward to starting my course in September. I’ve always wanted to be a chef and really enjoy cooking. I have some specialities: puddings cakes bread pastry and anything sweet.

I will be going to college on Mondays Wednesdays and Thursdays and I will be on placement in a restaurant on Tuesdays and Fridays. It’ll be fantastic to learn new skills and I can’t wait!

How confident are you at using commas and apostrophes in your writing?

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HintRemember that a colon can introduce a list which uses commas.

Unit 4Unit 4 Raising Skills: English Raising Skills: English