Writing Sample ESLlibrary :Apostrofes

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Writing

Lesson ObjectiveApostrophes 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-Up1. Fill 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!

2. Compare your list with your classmates lists. How many words did you find that othersdidnt have?

Vocabulary PreviewMatch these words to their correct definitions.

a)b)c)d)e)f)g)h)i)j)

interchange, use one instead of anotherthe other way aroundshort for let us, used for making a suggestionto avoid confusionshortened leave out, not useconsidered together with the surrounding wordsthe exact samea shorter versionownership

letspossessioncontractionabbreviatedvice versasubstituteidenticalfor (the sake of) clarityomitin context

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

WORDS WITH APOSTROPHES

Sample


How to Use an ApostropheWriting

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.

The Two Main Uses for ApostrophesThere are two main reasons for using an apostrophe:

1. To Show Possession

TO FORM A CONTRACTION (an abbreviated form of a word, informal)

Im on my way home. (I am)

TO SHOW POSSESSION

My moms hair is brown. (The hair belongs to my mom.)

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

Sample



The Two Main Uses for Apostrophes cont.2. To Form a Contraction

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.

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

Keep in mind...

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.

is or has = s are = re would or had = dhave = vewill = ll

not = nt of = o (very informal)madam = maamwill not = wont

Examples:

I cannot sleep.

We have come for dinner.

It is not time to go yet.

Who is coming to the party?

I would buy that car if I were you.

I cant sleep.

Weve come for dinner.

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

Whos coming to the party?

Id buy that car if I were you.

Sample



Common Apostrophe Errors

1. Its Vs. Its

One of the most common apostrophe errors people make is writing its instead of its (orvice versa).

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.

The dog licked its paws.

2. Words Ending in s

Many people accidentally add an apostrophe to words ending in the letter s when one is not needed.

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!

TASK 3

Complete the following sentences using its or its.

1. I like the color of fur.

2. already six oclock.

3. Why dont you check collar?

4. I think going to rain tomorrow.

5. This city is known for tulip festival.

6. got to be here somewhere.

7. quarter to four.

TASK 4

Circle the error(s) in each sentence below and make the necessary correction.

1. Its a busy house because there are three cats and two dogs.

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. Adrians dad said that the carrots are on sale this week.

7. My fathers restaurant has great fish and chips.

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.

Sample



Common Apostrophe Errors cont.

3. Whos Vs. Whose

The word whos is a contraction of who is. Many people mix it up with the pronoun whose because ofthe identical pronunciation.

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?

4. Possession of Nouns Ending in s

TASK 6


1. We have three cats. The cats litter box is in the basement.

2. All of the teachers went to the restaurant. The teachers bill was over five hundred dollars.

3. Its ladys night at the bowling hall.

4. The kids rooms are very messy right now.

5. The boxes labels are mixed up.

6. The last time I saw Dr. Jones, he was at the nurses station.

7. The childrens book section is on the third floor.

TASK 5

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

To show possession of a plural noun that ends in s, the apostrophe goes after the s.

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.

Sample




5. Youre Vs. Your

The word youre is a contraction of you are. Many people incorrectly use it for your because of the identicalpronunciation.

If you can substitute you are, you can use youre.

Youre Lionel, right? (you are) If you cant substitute you are, you need the word your (possessive pronoun).

Where is your pen?

6. Theyre / Their / There

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)

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.

TASK 7

Complete the sentences below using youre or your.

1. Where have you put passport?

2. coming to the concert, arent you?

3. clean laundry is folded in the basket.

4. Why dont you invite some of friends?

5. Tell boss sick!

6. Where you do you think going?

7. This is not 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?

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).

Sample




7. Apostrophes with Pronouns

Apostrophes are NOT used with possessive adjectives. The words my, your, his, her, its, our, and their alreadyshowpossession.

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:

Everyones dogs were well behaved. No ones homework was checked.

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?

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

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.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Family Butterfly

In sentences with else the s goes after the word else.

Why is everybody elses phone working? Ill check someone elses work first.

Sample



Reference

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.

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?

Apostrophes with last names

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.

Last Name Example

Smith The Smiths car was broken into last night.

Wallace Are you coming to the Wallaces for dinner? (the Wallaces house)

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.

*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 ending in s, ch, or z

Now things get really tricky. First, you must learn the rule about pluralizing last names that end in s, ch, or z.

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.

1. Apostrophes with Names Sample



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.

Reference cont.

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.

2. Apostrophes with Numbers and Letters

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.

Sample



Hyphenated and compound nouns

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.

Two nouns with joint ownership

Lisa and Johns house the First Lady and

President Obamas book

*The s is only necessary on the second noun.

Two nouns without joint ownership

Andys and Ellas outfits werecute. (they have differentoutfits)

President Clintons and President Obamas pets werein attendance.

Reference cont.

Here are a few more tricky rules to remember when it comes to forming the possessive with nouns:

3. Apostrophes with Compound Nouns, Hyphenated Nouns, and Two Nouns

Review

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.

Contraction or Possession?

Sample



Editing Challenge

Write eight sentences containing common apostrophe errors. Challenge a partner to spot and correct the errors. Include some tricky ones with first andlastnames.

Common Apostrophe Errors

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Incorrect:

Correct:

Incorrect:

Correct:

Incorrect:

Correct:

Incorrect:

Correct:

Incorrect:

Correct:

Incorrect:

Correct:

Incorrect:

Correct:

Incorrect:

Correct:

Sample



Comprehension Check-InWork with a partner and answer the following questions based on the lesson so far.

Writing Challenge25 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?

Checking Your Apostrophe Use

Look at all of the apostrophes in your writing. Are they necessary?

Look at the names in your writing. Do they require apostrophes? 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?

A Checklist

1. What are the two main uses of an apostrophe?

2. What common error do people make with whos and whose?

3. What does its mean?

4. Why does it make sense to write ts and is instead of ts and is?

5. How do you form the plural of a last name ending in s, ch, or z?

6. In what situation might Johns be a plural first name?

7. Why should a restaurant sign say ladies night instead of ladys night or ladies night?

Sample



Lesson ObjectiveReview the lesson objective with your students, and make sure they understand what an apostrophe is. Challenge them to say and spell thistricky word, too.

Writing Warm-UpGive your students some time to hunt for apostrophes in a certain location. This could be a school hallway, a library, or even a web search. Which student came up with the most original examples? Alternatively, you could send students out on an apostrophe hunt. How many can they find in their school or in a store?

Vocabulary PreviewPrint copies of page 15 and cut out the strips, or have students do the matching exercise provided on page 1.

1. c 2. j

The Two Main Uses for ApostrophesReview the two main uses for apostrophes and have students try the tasks.

Task 1Individual answers.

Task 21. whos2. mustnt3. hed4. theyve5. were

Common Apostrophe ErrorsTask 31. its

Task 91.

Task 10companies, families, butterfliesIndividual answers for sentences.

Teachers Answer KeyLESSON DESCRIPTION: In this lesson, students learn the two main uses of an apostrophe. They also learn some of the most common errors writers make with apostrophes. Students learn to spot and correct errors. Includes a writing and editing challenge.

NOTE: For other interesting notes on apostrophe use, visit our blog and search for apostrophe. http://esl-library.com/blog

LEVEL: Intermediate TAGS: writing,

punctuation, apostrophe, apostrophes

Task 5Individual answers.

Task 61. cats litter box (cats)2. teachers bill (teachers)3. ladys night (ladies)4. kids rooms (kids)

Task 71. your2. Youre

Task 81. there (their)2. Therere (There are)3. their (theyre)4. there (their)5. theres (there is)

3. i 4. e

5. b 6. a

7. h 8. d

9. f10. g

6. youd7. Im8. shouldnt9. wont10. couldve

Individual answers for sentences.

2. Its

2.

3. its

3.

4. it s

4.

5. its

5.

6. Its

6.

7. Its

7.

Task 41. cats (cats)2. days (days) 3. flys (flies)

Wednesdays (Wednesdays)

4. parents (parents) vegetarians (vegetarians)

5. frogs (frogs)6. carrots (carrots)7. chips (chips)

5. boxes labels (boxes)6. nurses station (nurses)7. childrens book section

(childrens)

3. Your4. your

5. your, youre

6. youre7. your

6. theyre (their)7. Their (There)8. their (there),

hes (he is)

(continued...)

Sample

http://esl-library.com/blog



Editing ChallengeCheck 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-In1. The two main uses of an apostrophe are to

indicate possession and to form a contraction. 2. People mistakenly write whos when

they are referring to the possessive form.3. The word its is a possessive adjective

meaning that an object belongs to something. 4. It makes sense to write ts and is instead of

ts and is to avoid confusion with the word is. 5. You form the plural of a last name ending in s, ch, or z by adding es. 6. The word Johns might be a plural first name if you are referring

to two or more people with that name.7. A restaurant sign should say ladies night instead of ladys night

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).

Teachers Answer Key cont.

Writing ChallengeWhy 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).

ReviewTask 111. contraction2. possession3. contraction

4. possession 5. contraction6. contraction

7. contraction8. possession 9. contraction

Sample



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.

lets

possession

contraction

abbreviated

vice versa

substitute

identical

for the sake of clarity

omit

in context

Sample

Lesson ObjectiveWriting Warm-UpVocabulary PreviewThe Two Main Uses for Apostrophes1. To Show Possession2. To Form a Contraction

Common Apostrophe Errors1. It's Vs. Its2. Words Ending in "s"3. Who's Vs. Whose4. Possession of Nouns Ending in "s"5. You're Vs. Your6. They're / Their / There7. Apostrophes with Pronouns8. Plural Nouns ending in "ies"

Reference1. Apostrophes with Names2. Apostrophes with Numbers and Letters3. Apostrophes with Compound Nouns, Hyphenated Nouns, and Two Nouns

ReviewEditing ChallengeComprehension Check-InA ChecklistWriting ChallengeTeachers' Answer KeyExtra Vocabulary Practice (optional)

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Writing Sample ESLlibrary :Apostrofes