Writing Sample ESLlibrary :apostrofes

Writing
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Lesson Objective
Apostrophes may be small, but they are important punctuation marks.

In this lesson, you will learn how to use an apostrophe correctly. Youll
also learn some common errors that learners and native speakers
makewith apostrophes. Lets start by going on an apostrophe hunt.
How many apostrophes can you find?
Writing Warm-Up
1. F
ill in the blanks on the right
to make a list of words that
you find while looking for
apostrophes. Your teacher will
give you a location and a set an
amount oftime to search. Go!
WORDS WITH APOSTROPHES
2. C
ompare your list with your
classmates lists. How many
words did you find that
othersdidnt have?
Vocabulary Preview
Match these words to their correct definitions.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
lets
possession
contraction
abbreviated
vice versa
substitute
identical
for (the sake of) clarity
omit
in context
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
interchange, use one instead of another

the other way around
short for let us, used for making a suggestion
to avoid confusion
shortened
leave out, not use
considered together with the surrounding words
the exact same
a shorter version
ownership
Copyright 2014, Red River Press Inc. For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms.
How to Use an Apostrophe
Writing
The Two Main Uses for Apostrophes

There are two main reasons for using an apostrophe:
TO FORM A CONTR ACTION
(an abbreviated form of a word, informal)
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TO SHOW POSSESSION
My moms hair is brown.

(The hair belongs to my mom.)
Im on my way home. (I am)
1. To Show Possession
Add an s to show
possession of a singular noun:

the mans car

my dads brother
Lisas homework
Chriss pen
the suns rays
Tokyos school system
Add an apostrophe after an s

toshow possession of a plural
noun ending in s.

the dogs leashes

(more than one dog)
the Smiths cottage
(members of a family
with the last name Smith)
the teachers room
(many teachers share the room)
Add an s to show possession of

aplural noun not ending in s, just
as you would a singular noun:

mens clothing
mices cage
peoples dreams
TASK 1
Write five sentences that use apostrophes to show possession of a noun.

Be sure to write sentences for singular nouns as well as plural nouns. Use
examples that end in s and dont end in s.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Writing
The Two Main Uses for Apostrophes cont.

2. To Form a Contraction
Keep in mind...
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In speaking, we use many contractions to shorten

words and sentences. In informal writing or transcripts/
dialogues, you will notice many contractions. Here are
some of the most common contractions in English.
is or has = s
are = re
would or had = d
have = ve
will = ll
not = nt
of = o (very informal)
madam = maam
will not = wont
Examples:
I cannot sleep.
I cant sleep.
We have come for dinner. Weve come for dinner.

It is not time to go yet.
Its not time to go yet./

It isnt time to go yet.
Who is coming
to the party?
Whos coming
to the party?
I would buy that

car if I were you.
Id buy that car

if I were you.
The contraction its may mean it has or it is. The

contraction d may mean had or would. You have
tothink of the word in context to know which two
words are being used.
Its dark out. Please come inside. (It is)

Its been three hours since they left. (It has)
Id like a coffee. (I would)
Id better call my mom. (I had)
Be careful with the contraction s for is in front of a

noun. This structure can cause confusion. You dont
want your reader to have to read something twice to
get the correct meaning:
The dogs home. (For clarity, its better to write

The dog is home so people know you dont mean
The home of the dog.)
*Remember that contractions are informal. In formal

writing, such as essays or business letters, avoid using
toomany contractions.
TASK 2
Form a contraction for each of the following and write an example sentence.
1. who is
2. must not
3. he would
4. they have
5. we are
6. you had
7. I am
8. should not
9. will not
10. could have

Writing
Common Apostrophe Errors
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English learners arent the only ones who make errors with apostrophes.
Native English people (teachers and writers included) make these mistakes.
Many writing errors are made subconsciously. Writers may know the
rule, but they type or write the word as it sounds without thinking about
the apostrophe. Here are some common cases to watch out for. Careful
proofreading can reduce these common errors.
1. Its Vs. Its
2. Words Ending in s
One of the most common apostrophe

errors people make is writing its
instead of its (orvice versa).
Many people accidentally add an apostrophe to

words ending in the letter s when one is not needed.
If you can substitute

it is or it has, use its.

Its a nice day outside. (it is)

Its been a nice summer. (it has)
If you cant, you need the possessive

pronoun its. There is no such word
asits.

There are three doors to this house.

There are three doors to this house.
The dogs barked at the mailman.

The dogs barked at the mailman.
The weather man says its going to be cold.

The weather man says its going to be cold.
The apples are on sale.

The apples are on sale.
*This error is sometimes referred to as the grocers apostrophe.

Watch for incorrect apostrophes on signs in grocery stores!
The dog licked its paws.
TASK 3
TASK 4
Complete the following

sentences using its or its.
1. I like the color of
2.
Circle the error(s) in each sentence

below and make the necessary correction.
fur.
1. Its a busy house because there are three cats and two dogs.
already six oclock.
3. Why dont you check

4. I think
collar?
going to rain tomorrow.
5. T
his city is known
for
tulip festival.
2. My husband is working days, not nights, this week.

3. Jerrys grandpa flys here on Wednesdays.
4. Are your parents vegetarians, Anna?
5. Sarahs frogs need a bigger aquarium.
6.
got to be here somewhere.
6. Adrians dad said that the carrots are on sale this week.
7.
quarter to four.
7. My fathers restaurant has great fish and chips.
Writing
Common Apostrophe Errors cont.

4. Possession of Nouns Ending in s
The word whos is a contraction of

who is. Many people mix it up with
the pronoun whose because ofthe
identical pronunciation.
To show possession of a plural noun that

ends in s, the apostrophe goes after the s.
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3. Whos Vs. Whose
If you can substitute who is, you

canuse whos in informalsituations.

Whos coming to the party? (who is)
If you cant substitute who is,

you need the word whose.

Whose shirt is this?
The nurses charts got all mixed up.

(two or more nurses)
The cats beds need to be vacuumed.

(two or more cats)
The students goals were not met.

(two or more students)
Its ladies night at the nightclub.

(the word ladies is already plural)
In cases when a plural noun does not

end in s, the apostrophe goes before the s.
The childrens toys are all over the floor.

The mens washroom is on your right.
TASK 5
TASK 6
Write three sentences using whos and three

sentences using whose. Write one sentence
usingboth whos and whose.

1.
1. W
e have three cats. The cats
litter box is in the basement.
2.
2. A
ll of the teachers went to the restaurant.
The teachers bill was over five hundred dollars.
3.
3. Its ladys night at the bowling hall.
4.
4. The kids rooms are very messy right now.
5.
5. The boxes labels are mixed up.
6.
6. T
he last time I saw Dr. Jones,
he was at the nurses station.
7.
7. The childrens book section is on the third floor.
Writing

5. Youre Vs. Your
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The word youre is a contraction of you are.

Many people incorrectly use it for your
because of the identicalpronunciation.
TASK 7
If you can substitute you are, you can use youre.
1. Where have you put
Youre Lionel, right? (you are)
If you cant substitute you are, you

need the word your (possessive pronoun).
Complete the sentences below using youre or your.
2.
coming to the concert, arent you?
3.
clean laundry is folded in the basket.
4. Why dont you invite some of

5. Tell
Where is your pen?
boss
The word theyre is the contraction of they

are. Many people incorrectly write their or
there when they mean theyre because of
theidenticalpronunciation.
If you can substitute they are, use theyre.

Theyre going downtown today. (they are)
7. This is not
friends?
sick!
6. Where you do you think
6. Theyre / Their / There
passport?
going?
decision.
TASK 8

1. I have there phone number in my purse.

2. Therere a few crackers left in the box.
3. Do you know if their coming for dinner or not?
To show possession, use their. Their is always

followed by a noun.

Their house is for sale!

I wonder where their car is.
In a short, positive response,

do not respond with a contraction.

Is there any water in the fridge?
Yes, there is.

Yes, theres.
4. I wont buy there products anymore.

5. A
:Is there an onion in the fridge?
B:Yes, theres.
6. Have you been swimming in theyre pool yet?

7. Their is a snake in the garden!
8. A
:Is he their?
B:Yes, hes.
No, there is not.

No, there isnt.
*Do not contract any short positive response.

**There is no such word as therere (because it would be too difficult to pronounce).
Writing

7. Apostrophes with Pronouns
Lets go to his house.

Lets go to his house.
Apostrophes are also NOT used with possessive

pronouns. The words mine, yours, his, hers, ours,
and theirs already show possession.

This book is yours.

This book is yours.
Apostrophes are used with indefinite pronouns.

Thewords one, anyone, anybody, everyone,
everybody,no one, and nobody can be possessive:

In sentences with else the s goes after the word else.
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Apostrophes are NOT used with possessive

adjectives. The words my, your, his, her, its,
our, and their alreadyshowpossession.
Everyones dogs were well behaved.

No ones homework was checked.
Why is everybody elses phone working?

Ill check someone elses work first.
TASK 9
Use an X or a to indicate whether

the sentence is correct or incorrect:
1.
I introduced Juan to his girlfriend.
2.
The dog chewed on its leash.
3.
Is anybody elses screen frozen?
4.
Why is nobodys work completed?
5.
Everyones kids got along well together.
6.
I think this is yours water bottle.
7.
Is this chair ours or theirs?
8. Plural Nouns Ending in ies
People often accidentally write s instead

of ies when spelling a plural noun .

He has three companys.

He has three companies.
We invited a few familys to join us for dinner.

We invited a few families to join us for dinner.
Hint:
Write the plural form first before you try to

form the possessive of a tricky word like this:

the plural of family = families

The families tents got soaked.
TASK 10
Write two sentences for each word below. The

firstsentence should use the word in a plural form.
The second sentence should use the word in a
possessive form (plural or singular).
Company
Family
Butterfly
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Writing
Reference
1. Apostrophes with Names
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Names can be tricky when it comes to apostrophe use.

Review these rules regularly to make sure you know how
and when to use apostrophes with first and last names.
Apostrophes with first names ending in s

When a first name ends in s and
you want to show possession, add s.
First Name
Example
Chris
Where are Chriss socks?
Mavis
Maviss dream is to
become a movie star.
No apostrophe when referring to two

or more people with the same name
When you want to refer to two or more
people with the same name, add s.

There are two Lisas in my class.

Are both Alexanders coming to the party?
*Some teachers, editors, and style guides may suggest

omitting the second s. This is common practice with
names from ancient times. Where were Jesus disciples?
Apostrophes with last names
Apostrophes with last names ending in s, ch, or z
When a last name doesnt end in s, but you want to

talk about possession in relation to family members
(plural), add an apostrophe after the s.
Now things get really tricky. First, you must learn the
rule about pluralizing last names that end in s, ch, or z.
Last Name
Example
Smith
The Smiths car was

broken into last night.
Wallace
Are you coming to the

Wallaces for dinner?
(the Wallaces house)
Because these words are tricky to pronounce

asplurals, an es is added to make them plural.
When a last name ends in s, ch, or z (e.g., Jones),
andyouwant to show plural possession, add es.
Last Name
Plural
Plural Possessive
Jones
Joneses
Joneses
Sanchez
Sanchezes
Sanchezes
Church
Churches
Churches
Did the Joneses roof leak?

Welcome to the Churches household.
Writing
Reference cont.
2. Apostrophes with Numbers and Letters
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Forming contractions and showing possession are the two main uses
ofapostrophes. Apostrophes may also be used with numbers and letters.
Different style guides have different rules about whether or not to
useapostrophes with numbers and letters. The current trend is to omit
apostrophes, but some writers choose to use them for the sake of clarity.
Here are some ways you may see them used.
Time

Its five oclock.

We need one days notice.
She owes me two weeks pay.
I have ten years experience.
Well respond in a few days time.
*The apostrophe goes before the s for a single reference

(one days, one weeks), and after the s for a plural
reference (two weeks, three years).
Years

I was born in the 1970s.

The 30s were difficult times.
*The trend is to eliminate this unnecessary

apostrophe: 1930s, not 1930s; 30s, not 30s.
Plural Numbers
She was holding four 7s.

I have two red 3s.
They both have 2s on the back of their shirts.
*Many style guides recommend not using this

apostrophe. Others feel it is necessary for clarity.
When a plural number is spelled out, apostrophes

arent usually used: They walked out in twos and threes.
Letters
You must learn your ABCs.

He had mainly As on his report card.
Dont forget to cross your ts and dot your is.
*The trend is to avoid using apostrophes with capital

letters, though some style guides suggest including
them for clarity. Most style guides recommend using
apostrophes with lowercase letters for the sake of clarity.
Writing
Reference cont.
3. A
postrophes with Compound Nouns,
Hyphenated Nouns, and Two Nouns
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Here are a few more tricky rules to remember when

it comes to forming the possessive with nouns:
Hyphenated and
compound nouns
Two nouns with

joint ownership
Two nouns without

joint ownership
your sister-in-laws house

his ex-wifes kids
the Toronto School
Boards rules
*The s goes at the end of the

hyphenated or compound noun.
Lisa and Johns house

the First Lady and
President Obamas book
*The s is only necessary

on the second noun.
Andys and Ellas outfits

werecute. (they have
differentoutfits)
President Clintons and
President Obamas pets
werein attendance.
Review
Contraction or Possession?
TASK 11
Identify whether the apostrophe is used to show possession or a contraction.

1. Whos going to help me?
2. I need Charless phone number.

3. Its on the kitchen counter.
4. The Joneses driveway is freshly paved.

5. You mustnt pull out the flowers.
6. Im never going to finish this work.

7. We shouldnt have bothered you.
8. Why is Lindsays husband here?
9. My moms coming home soon.
10
Writing
Editing Challenge
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Write eight sentences containing common apostrophe errors.

Challenge a partner to spot and correct the errors. Include
some tricky ones with first andlastnames.
1.
Incorrect:
Correct:
2.
Incorrect:
Correct:
3.
Incorrect:
Correct:
4.
Incorrect:
Correct:
5.
Incorrect:
Correct:
6.
Incorrect:
Correct:
7.
Incorrect:
Correct:
8.
Incorrect:
Correct:
11
Writing
Comprehension Check-In
A Checklist
Work with a partner and answer the following

questions based on the lesson so far.
Checking Your Apostrophe Use
2. W
hat common error do people
make with whos and whose?
Look at the names in your writing.

Do they require apostrophes?
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1. What are the two main uses of an apostrophe?
Look at all of the apostrophes

in your writing. Are they necessary?
3. What does its mean?
4. W
hy does it make sense to write
ts and is instead of ts and is?
5. H
ow do you form the plural
of a last name ending in s, ch, or z?
Review the contractions you used in

your writing. Is your writing too informal?
Look at any numbers or dates used in your

writing. Did you use apostrophes correctly?
6. In what situation might

Johns be a plural first name?
7. W
hy should a restaurant sign say ladies night
instead of ladys night or ladies night?
Writing Challenge
25 Apostrophes
Write a fictional story using

as many apostrophes as you
can. Try to include at least 25
apostrophes. Make sure to use
a good balance of apostrophes,
including apostrophes that
show possession and form
contractions and apostrophes
for singular and plural nouns
andnames.
Have a partner check your
apostrophe use. How many
apostrophes did you use?
12
Writing
Teachers Answer Key

LESSON DESCRIPTION:
LEVEL: Intermediate
For other interesting notes on
In this lesson, students learn the two main uses of an apostrophe.
TAGS: w
riting,
apostrophe use, visit our blog
They also learn some of the most common errors writers make with
punctuation,
and search for apostrophe.
apostrophes. Students learn to spot and correct errors. Includes a
apostrophe,
http://esl-library.com/blog
writing and editing challenge.
apostrophes
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NOTE:
Lesson Objective
Review the lesson objective with your students, and make sure they
Task 3
understand what an apostrophe is. Challenge them to say and spell
1. its
2. Its
3. its
4. its
5. its
6. Its
7. Its
thistricky word, too.
Task 4
Writing Warm-Up
1. cats (cats)
Give your students some time to hunt for apostrophes in a certain
3. flys (flies)
4. p
arents (parents)
2. days (days)
vegetarians (vegetarians)
5. frogs (frogs)
Wednesdays (Wednesdays)
location. This could be a school hallway, a library, or even a web search.
6. carrots (carrots)
7. chips (chips)
Which student came up with the most original examples? Alternatively,

you could send students out on an apostrophe hunt. How many can
Task 5
they find in their school or in a store?
Individual answers.
Vocabulary Preview
Task 6
Print copies of page 15 and cut out the strips, or have
students do the matching exercise provided on page 1.

1. c
3. i
5. b
7. h
9. f
2. j
4. e
6. a
8. d
10. g
1. cats litter box (cats)
5. boxes labels (boxes)
2. teachers bill (teachers)
6. nurses station (nurses)
3. ladys night (ladies)
7. c hildrens book section
4. kids rooms (kids)
(childrens)
Task 7
The Two Main Uses for Apostrophes
1. your
3. Your
2. Youre
4. your
5. y
our,
6. youre
youre
7. your
Task 8
Review the two main uses for apostrophes

and have students try the tasks.
1. there (their)
6. theyre (their)
2. Therere (There are)
7. Their (There)
Task 1
3. their (theyre)
8. their (there),
4. there (their)
Individual answers.
hes (he is)
5. theres (there is)
Task 2
1. whos
6. youd
Individual answers
2. mustnt
7. Im
for sentences.
3. hed
8. shouldnt
4. theyve
9. wont
5. were
10. couldve
Task 9
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Task 10
companies, families, butterflies
Individual answers for sentences.
(continued...)
13
Writing
Teachers Answer Key cont.

Review
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Task 11
1. contraction
4. possession
2. possession
5. contraction
7. contraction
8. possession
3. contraction
6. contraction
9. contraction
Editing Challenge
Check to make sure students arent teaching each other incorrect
usage. You may want to get your students to show you the correct
version of their peer challenge before they challenge a partner to
spotthe errors.
Comprehension Check-In
1.
T he two main uses of an apostrophe are to
2.
People mistakenly write whos when
3.
T he word its is a possessive adjective
4.
It makes sense to write ts and is instead of
5.
You form the plural of a last name ending in s, ch, or z by adding es.
6.
T he word Johns might be a plural first name if you are referring
7.
A restaurant sign should say ladies night instead of ladys night
indicate possession and to form a contraction.

they are referring to the possessive form.
meaning that an object belongs to something.

ts and is to avoid confusion with the word is.
to two or more people with that name.
or ladies night because the word ladies is the plural form and
ladies is the possessive form that shows that the night belongs to
the ladies (usually ladies will pay cheaper prices on such a night).
Writing Challenge
Why not take this challenge with your students? Students may be
morelikely to share their writing if the teacher participates and
shares.You may want to time this challenge with International
Apostrophe Day (August 15, 2014 note that the date changes
slightly every year to fall on the Friday).
14
Writing
Extra Vocabulary Practice (optional)

Write definitions in your own words. Cut up these vocabulary strips.
Challenge a partner to match the vocabulary to your definition.
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lets
possession
contraction
abbreviated
vice versa
substitute
identical
for the sake of clarity
omit
in context
15

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Writing

Apostrophes may be small, but they are important punctuation marks.

WORDS WITH APOSTROPHES

Match these words to their correct definitions.

interchange, use one instead of another

How to Use an Apostrophe

The Two Main Uses for Apostrophes

My moms hair is brown.

Im on my way home. (I am)

the mans car

Add an apostrophe after an s

the dogs leashes

Add an s to show possession of

Write five sentences that use apostrophes to show possession of a noun.

How to Use an Apostrophe

The Two Main Uses for Apostrophes cont.

In speaking, we use many contractions to shorten

We have come for dinner. Weve come for dinner.

Its not time to go yet./

I would buy that

Id buy that car

The contraction its may mean it has or it is. The

Its dark out. Please come inside. (It is)

Be careful with the contraction s for is in front of a

The dogs home. (For clarity, its better to write

*Remember that contractions are informal. In formal

10. could have

How to Use an Apostrophe

Common Apostrophe Errors

1. Its Vs. Its

One of the most common apostrophe

Many people accidentally add an apostrophe to

If you can substitute

Its a nice day outside. (it is)

If you cant, you need the possessive

There are three doors to this house.

The dogs barked at the mailman.

The weather man says its going to be cold.

The apples are on sale.

*This error is sometimes referred to as the grocers apostrophe.

The dog licked its paws.

Complete the following

Circle the error(s) in each sentence

already six oclock.

3. Why dont you check

going to rain tomorrow.

2. My husband is working days, not nights, this week.

5. Sarahs frogs need a bigger aquarium.

got to be here somewhere.

7. My fathers restaurant has great fish and chips.

How to Use an Apostrophe

Common Apostrophe Errors cont.

The word whos is a contraction of

To show possession of a plural noun that

3. Whos Vs. Whose

If you can substitute who is, you

Whos coming to the party? (who is)

If you cant substitute who is,

Whose shirt is this?

The nurses charts got all mixed up.

The cats beds need to be vacuumed.

The students goals were not met.

Its ladies night at the nightclub.

3. Why dont you check

The dog chewed on its leash.