When do should commas be used? Whats the difference between an active and a passive verb?

Can a verb be active and past tense?

Whenever possible avoid the passive voice and use the active voice Makes writing crisper, more lively, more concise Avoid or replace be verbs

be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been

The fly ball was caught by Hernando. Hernando caught the fly ball.

Use the active voice unless you have a good reason for choosing the passive. In active, the subject does the action In passive, the subject receives the action
Mostly scientific writing

The settlers stripped the land of timber. The land was stripped of timber by the settlers.

Replace be verbs that result in dull or wordy sentences As a rule, choose a subject that names the person or thing doing the action.

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses The department sponsored a seminar on college survival skills and it also hosted a barbecue for new students. Do NOT use a comma to separate coordinate word groups that are not independent clauses A good money manager controls expenses, and invests surplus dollars to meet future needs.

Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase When Irwin was ready to iron his cat tripped on the cord. In no time we were at 2,800 feet. Use a comma between all items in a series Bubbles of air leaves ferns bits of wood and insects are often found trapped in amber.

Use a comma between coordinate adjectives not joined with and. Do not use a comma between cumulative adjectives. (use the and test) Roberto is a warm gentle affectionate father. Three large gray shapes moved slowly toward us.

Use commas to set off nonrestrictive (nonessential) elements. The campers need sturdy shoes, which are expensive. How do the meanings of these two sentences differ because of the commas? The dessert made with fresh raspberries was delicious. The dessert, made with fresh raspberries, was delicious.

Use commas to set off transitional and parenthetical expressions, absolute phrases, and word groups expressing contrast Minh did not understand our language; moreover he was unfamiliar with our customs. As a matter of fact American football was established in the mid-nineteenth century.

Use commas to set off nouns of direct address, the words yes and no, interrogative tags, and mild interjections Forgive me Angela for forgetting your birthday. Use commas with expressions such as he said to set off direct quotations

Use commas with dates, addresses, titles, and number On December 12 1980 orders were sent out for the arrest of Sitting Bull. The security alert system went into effect on 15 April 2009. Use a comma to prevent confusion Patients who can walk up and down the halls every day. To err is human; to forgive divine.

Write five active verbs. Write five passive verbs. Give an example for each comma rule (there are 11 typed in green)

What argumentative elements can you find in the video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3w2 MTXBebg

Introduction Attention grabber

Memorable scene, illustrative story, startling

statistic

Explanation of issue and needed background Thesis

Presentation of writers position Main body of essay

Presents & supports each reason in turn Each reason is tied to a value/belief held by

the audience

Summary of opposing views Response to opposing views Refutes opposing views Shows weaknesses in opposing views Concedes to some strengths

Conclusion Summarizes argument Leaves strong last impression Calls for action or relates topic to larger context of issues

1. reasonable participants who operate within the conventions of reasonable behavior 2. potentially sharable assumptions that can serve as a starting place or foundation for argument If either factor is missing, the result is a pseudo argument.

No possibility for listening, learning, growth, or change by audience Lack of shared assumptions or common ground

Bible interpretations
Personal opinions Opera is boring

How is this clip an example of a classical argument? What is the introduction? How is background information provided? What is the thesis? What arguments are made by Shakespeare? What does Seuss say to refute his opponent? How does Shakespeare respond to the opposing views? What is the conclusion? What is the lasting impression? What is the call for action or how is the topic related to a larger context of issues?

1. Which character had the best argument? Who do you think won? 2. What were some of the arguments made by the winner? 3. How did the winner refute his opponents arguments? 4. What were some of the opponents key arguments?

Critique rough draft Not due til next Tuesday Watch the assigned video clips Answer the questions on the final slide Think of two other characters who should battle.

Easter Bunny vs. Genghis Khan; Michael Jackson vs. Elvis Presley Jasmin, Natasha, Joe, Jenna, Stephanie Batman vs. Sherlock Holmes; Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates Nick, Emily H., Lanica, Erin Steven Hawking vs. Einstein; Mr. Rogers vs. Mr. T Katie, Tychelle, Kailey, Leah, Karlie Moses vs. Santa; Mario Bros. vs. Wright Bros. Josh, Jen, Emily R., Zach, http://www.pinterest.com/jeanninestanko/epic-rapbattles-of-history/

1. Which character had the best argument? Who do you think won? 2. What were some of the arguments made by the winner? 3. How did the winner refute his opponents arguments? 4. What were some of the opponents key arguments?