Extra Credit Blog Post

Rule 1 - Use commas in compound sentences when clauses are separated by a conjunction such as "and," "but," "for," etc. 

ex: She managed the restaurant, but he did the cooking

She didn't like the Orioles, nor did she like the Redskins.

Rule 2 - Use commas to separate elements in a series. 

ex: I like the colors red, orange, yellow, and green.

The tall, dark, handsome man came over and said hello.

Rule 3 - Use commas when attributing from quoted material.

ex: He said, "It's a beautiful day outside."

She said, "I completely agree with you."

Rule 4 - Commas follow introductory matter, such as after an introductory adverbial clause.

ex: When the team was forced to kick, the coach sent in his best players.

After they won, the coach bought the team ice cream.

Rule 5 - Commas follow the salutation of a friendly letter and the complimentary close of any letter. They also follow capitalized elements, like the complimentary close.

ex: Dear James,

Sincerely, Jill

Rule 6 - Commas follow all items in a date or full address:

ex: January 1, 2009 was New Year's Day.

I lived in Baldwin, NY until I was 10.

Rule 7 - Commas surround nonessential words or phrases:

ex: Well, we will just have to walk home.

Unfortuantely, it rained on my birthday.

Rule 8 - Commas surround words or direct address

ex: Maria, please pass the butter.

I can see, Fred, that you're lazy.

Rule 9 - Commas indicate omitted verbs, usually expressed in another part of the sentence

ex: Talent often is inherited; genius, never.

Men are from Mars; women, from Venus.

Five Most Common Grammar Problems

1.       Punctuation – using characters to separate parts of a sentence and make them clearer

a.       Rule 4: following introductory matters - - When the team was forced to kick, the coach sent in his best players

2.       Subject and Verb Agreement – when singular subjects agree with singular verbs or when plural objects agree with plural verbs

a.       Nouns that appear plural - - Checkers is an ancient game.

3.       Correct Use of Pronouns – words like “he,” “you” or “they” that stand for proper nouns

a.        Agreeing with antecedents - - Marianne said she would never color her hair.

4.       Sentence Structure – correct arrangement of words in a sentence

a.       Modifiers - -

­ Wrong:  When wheeled into the operating room, the nurse placed a mask over my face.

­ Better:  The nurse placed a mask over my face after I was wheeled into the operating room.

5.       Word Usage – correctly using English’s unorthodox spelling and distinct usage

a.       Affect – verb

b.      Effect – noun 

Chapter 4 - Leads and Examples

A summary lead reveals important or interesting aspect of a story

• Specific as possible - interesting/important?
• Avoid backing in - introductory clauses or phrases shouldn't be first
•  Be concise - no more than 30 words
•  Active voice - Subject undertakes an action (passive: subject acted on)

Examples:

1. NYT: Consumers in U.S. Increase Savings While Spending Less:

Economic data released on Monday shows consumers and businesses embarking on an era of thrift as the recession deepens.

• ·        Explains what is happening to the recession 
  
• ·        Explains when (Monday)
  
• ·        Explains how they know about embarking on era (economic data)
  
• ·        Appeals to consumers (majority of readers qualify as consumers, so if it’s about them they’ll read on)
  
• ·        Less than 30 words

2. NYT: Across Generations, Traces of a Poor Maid’s Murder:

Every now and then, a crime lingers in the public consciousness, such as the murder of Ellen Smith in Winston-Salem, N.C

• Mentioning ‘murder’ leaves the reader wanting to read more]
• Specifies what (murder), who (Ellen Smith) and where (N.C)
• If it just said something as broad as the first half “Every … consciousness…” it wouldn’t be that interesting

3. NYT: Paying Taxes, and Fearing Deportation:

A campaign in Colorado to seize the tax returns of illegal immigrants has caused concern at the I.R.S.

• Straight to the point
• Clear as to what story will focus on (campaign)
•  No confusion or too much information 

Chapter 14 Discussion Questions

1. Objectivity  - sticking to observable facts, avoid opinions

-          Minimal use of adjectives

-          Inverted pyramid style writing

-          Provide answers (who,what,where,when,why)

2. Thoroughness – look into every aspect of a story

-          Track down best sources

-          Find documentary evidence

-          Get to know sources and viewpoints

3. Accuracy – having all information correct

-          Double checking facts

-          Looking up sources’ names, occupations

-          Read information back to sources for verification

4. Fairness – attempting to make sure all bases are covered

-          Represent both sides equally

-          Listen to both sides without bias

-          Don’t frame stories before interviews

5. Transparency – be as open as possible about biases

-          Background checks/credibility of sources

-          Avoid conflict of interest/bribes

-          Avoid analysis

Me -- The Basics

I'm a freshman from Montgomery County. Before that I lived on Long Island for ten years. I've wanted to pursue writing since sixth grade when my teacher believed in me enough to publish a poem I wrote in a kid's literary magazine. 

I love the snow. I'm a big fan of Disney and all of their princesses (Belle is my favorite). I love seeing Broadway shows. My favorite sports to watch are baseball and football and I love dancing. I'm a big fan of authors Stephanie Meyer and Jodi Picoult. My favorite show is One Tree Hill. Two of my biggest pet peeves are bad grammar and misspelling.