MY ASSIGNMENTS OF COMMA-KAZI CLASS

Lesson #1 - Exercise

Answers:

1. While she studied for exams, Lornda decided to order pizza.

Rule: #2

2. You should think of this class as an opportunity, not a burden.

Rule: #1

3. The incompetent, arrogant surgeon refused to justify his decision to cut off both of the patient‘s arms.

Rule: #3a

4. Please award the merit badge that applies to Giselle's accomplishments. Correct.

Rule: #4c

5. The disillusioned opera singer was handsome, yet American Idol rejected him.

Rules: #3b and #1

[Hint--There are 2 rules which apply here.]


6. My youngest brother, who has two cats, lives in Texas.

Rule: #4a

7. Writing.Com is a site for learning and for sharing what you have learned.

Rule: #1

8. The student who achieves the highest grade in the Comma-Kazi Class will be awarded a Merit Badge. Correct.

Rule: #4a

9. The sturdy rocking chair was kept on the porch because it matched the decor.

Rule: #3b.
Rule: Subordinating Conjunction "because"-- no comma here.

[Hint--There are 2 rules which apply here.]

10. The comma rules are confusing, but if you read the lessons, you will ace the class.

Rule: #1 for a compound sentence with Coordinating Conjunction “but”.
Rule: #2 Adverbial clause

[Hint--There are 2 rules which apply here.]



LESSON #1 - WRITING ASSIGNMENTAnswers:



Hello, (?) I’m Moony. I’m a college student, (1) and I live with my parent and siblings. I’ve three brothers and a sister. Before joining WDC, (2) I never thought that I could be a good writer. Now after joining this writing community, (2) I’m quite hopeful that I’ll be a good writer one day. Actually, (?) the credit of writing goes to my English teacher in Grad 10. My father was a professor, (?) and my sister and one brother are also associated with the teaching profession, (1) I’ve a quite a learning environment at home as well.

At first place, (2) my nemesis is the punctuation, (1) but when I got admission in the New Horizon Academy, (?) I came to know that comma has its own distinction among the punctuation marks. This is my first experience that I’m learning punctuation separately and especially.

So far, (2) I’ve tried my hand on limerick and short story. I also love to write free verse. As far as my hobbies are concerned, (2) I like movies, (?)music, (?) and long walk. The movies I like are of action, (?)suspense, (?) and detective. Mostly, (?) I like the non-fiction stories. I also like to visit beautiful, (3a) hilly places and natural landscapes. In my free time, (?) in the evening or morning time, (?) I enjoy a long walk.



RULES OF COMMA USAGE:

Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunctions (use commas)
Rule #2 - Introductory Adverbial Clauses (use commas)
Rule #3a - Coordinate Adjectives (use commas)
Rule #3b - Non-Coordinate Adjectives (don’t use commas)
Rule #4a - Non-Essential Elements (use commas)
Rule #4b - Essential Elements (don't use commas)
Rule #4c - Essential "That" Clauses (don't use commas)





LESSON # 2 - EXERCISE:


1. After they took their baths, Giselle sprinkled fairy dust on the elves flying above the tub.

Rule #2 - Introductory Adverbial clause (use commas)
Rule #6b - Ending Participial Phrases (don't use commas), as THE PHRASE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS THE WORD IT MODIFIES.

(Hint: 2 different rules apply here.)


2. On Chip's vacation, he went to see Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, and the Comma Museum.

Rule #6a - Introductory Phrases (use commas)
Rule #5 - Elements in a Series (use commas)

(Hint: 2 different rules apply here.)


3. Lornda, a New Horizons Academy student, finished her assignments before she ate.

Rule #4a - Non-Essential Elements (use commas)
Rule #1 - Subordinating Conjunction “before” – No comma used


4. The scruffy Border collie ate Stacy's i-pod that she just bought. ( Correct )

Rule #3b - Non-Coordinate Adjectives (don’t use commas)
Rule #4c - Essential "That" Clauses (don't use commas)

(Hint: 2 different rules apply here.)


5. The tall army sergeant was decapitated when he entered the helicopter. ( Correct )

Rule #3b - Non-Coordinate Adjectives (don’t use commas)
Rule #1 - Subordinating Conjunction “when” – No comma used

6. Please put the plate smeared with Nadine's birthday cake into the dishwasher before it draws flies. ( Correct )

Rule #4b - Essential Element (don't use commas)
Rule #1 - Subordinating Conjunction “when” – No comma used


7 & 8. Tripping over her old, blue rocking chair, Phoenix spilled her drink. Nevertheless, she rose with dignity.

Rule #3a - Coordinate Adjectives (use commas) “old, blue, rocking”

Rule #6a - Introductory Phrases (use commas)
Rule #7 - Introductory Transitional Words (use commas) “Nevertheless”
Rule #3b - Non-Coordinate Adjectives.


(Hint: 4 different rules apply here.)

9. Dagnabit, Joy dropped her novella on my foot, and the weight of the pages broke my toe.

Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunction “and” (use commas)
Rule #8

(Hint: 2 different rules apply here.)

10. Winnie‘s older brother who taught High School English for thirty years, refuses to help her grade these comma assignments.

Rule #4a - Non-Essential Element (use commas)

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RULES OF COMMA USAGE:

LESSON #1

Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunctions (use commas)
Rule #2 - Introductory Adverbial Clauses (use commas)
Rule #3a - Coordinate Adjectives (use commas)
Rule #3b - Non-Coordinate Adjectives (don’t use commas)
Rule #4a - Non-Essential Elements (use commas)
Rule #4b - Essential Elements (don't use commas)
Rule #4c - Essential "That" Clauses (don't use commas)

LESSON #2

Rule #5 - Elements in a Series (use commas)
Rule #6a - Introductory Phrases (use commas)
Rule #6b - Ending Participial Phrases (don't use commas)
Rule #7 - Introductory Transitional Words (use commas)
Rule #8 - Interjections (use commas)



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LESSON # 2 - WRITING ASSIGNMENT:



“Come on! Move, (?)move.” Harry shouted. “We are already late. We have to be back before dusk.
”

All the guys increased their pace, (6b exception) panting and gasping. The group of six trekkers was on the hilly trek, (6b exception) going uphill with slow pace.

“Harry! Going up the hill is a little tiresome.” Mr. Smith, (4a)who was the oldest among them, (4a)got out a few words.

The cool breeze of the summer was making the trekkers feel comfortable and easy on the rough,(3a) hilly trail. Sometimes, (?)some ravens in the tree made some noises, (1)as if they were greeting the new comers to their land. The pine tree forest covered the entire mountains, (6b exception) giving the beautiful lush green nature landscape.

Tom, (4a)who was last in the queue, (4a)took out his camera and took a snap of the five trekkers, (1)and then he took another snap of Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith sat down on a rock to rest for a while. Looking at him, (6a)others also stopped.


“That’s a beautiful point. The huge mountains are in the background.” Harry pointed to a spot and walked toward it and stood there.

“Wow! That’s really wonderful.” Tom exclaimed with joy.

“C’mon, Mr. Smith!”


Tom started to focus Harry in the camera, (1)and the others moved to join Harry.

“Say cheese!” Thus, (7) Tom took a snap.

“Willy, (?)come here and take our snap.” Tom handed over the camera to Willy and joined the group. After the snap, (6a)Willy handed the camera back to Tom. Everyone started to move to reach the top of the hill..

This was a two-and-half-hour long journey (4c) that was to be ended at the top of the second highest mountain of the region. Many people usually came here for such a trekking trip in the summer season and enjoyed the beauty of the natural landscape as well as adventure.

Harry, (4a)the team lead, (4a)arranged this trekking trip with his five friends.

Soon, (?) the clouds began to hide the sun, (1) and the breeze was being felt cooler. All the trekkers sped up their paces. Zigzagging through the pine forest, (6a)they were trekking up the hill. The rough, (3a)hilly trail hurdled the movements of the guys.

“Harry up, (?) guys!” Harry shouted again.

All the six guys moved a little faster. Sometimes, (?) Smith stopped for awhile. For the first time, (6a)Smith came for trekking in the hilly area. Moreover, (7) going up the hill is a little tiresome.

Meanwhile, (7) it started to drizzle, (1) and all the guys kept moving to the top of the hill, (6b) enjoying the light rain.





Lesson #3 - Exercise:




1. Most of the evidence seemed convincing. Still, the credibility of some witnesses was in question.

Rule #7 - Introductory Transitional Words (use commas)


2. The volcano filled the sky with acrid smoke, but it never erupted.

Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunction “but” (use commas)

3. Joy cries in frustration every time her cable goes out. Correct

Rule #9 - (Ending) Adverbial Clauses (don’t use commas)

4. If it is dark and cloudy tomorrow, Piper and her vampire may go out for a picnic.

Rule #2 - Introductory Adverbial Clauses (use commas)


5. He never understood why all his friends had viciously turned against him. Correct

Rule #10b - Adjunctive Adverbial Words (don’t use commas)

6. Mr. Poe was a difficult, stubborn poet.

Rule #3a - Coordinate Adjectives (use commas)


7. Chip lived in a white frame house. Correct

Rule #3b - Non-Coordinate Adjectives (don’t use commas)

8. My only uncle, who is eighty years old, walks three miles every day.

Rule #4a - Non-Essential Elements (use commas)

9. Your best friends, where are they when you need them?

Rule #11 - Absolute Phrases (use commas)

10. The woman who interviewed you is my sister. Correct

Rule #4b - Essential Elements (don't use commas)


11. So , you decided to put a comma there.

Rule #8 - Interjections (use commas)

12. The book that I borrowed from Lornda is excellent. Correct

Rule #4c - Essential "That" Clauses (don't use commas)

13. A good student listens to his teachers without yawning, reads his lessons, and submits assignments on time.

Rule #5 - Elements in a Series (use commas)

14. Remarkably , he never understood why all his friends had turned against him.

Rule #10a - Disjunctive Adverbial Words (use commas)

15. The wind blowing violently , the townspeople began to seek shelter.

Rule #6a - Introductory Phrases (use commas)


16. AJ saw the monkeys swinging from the trees. Correct

Rule #6b - Ending Participial Phrases (don't use commas)


RULES OF COMMA USAGE:

LESSON #1

Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunctions (use commas)
Rule #2 - Introductory Adverbial Clauses (use commas)
Rule #3a - Coordinate Adjectives (use commas)
Rule #3b - Non-Coordinate Adjectives (don’t use commas)
Rule #4a - Non-Essential Elements (use commas)
Rule #4b - Essential Elements (don't use commas)
Rule #4c - Essential "That" Clauses (don't use commas)

LESSON #2

Rule #5 - Elements in a Series (use commas)
Rule #6a - Introductory Phrases (use commas)
Rule #6b - Ending Participial Phrases (don't use commas)
Rule #7 - Introductory Transitional Words (use commas)
Rule #8 - Interjections (use commas)

LESSON #3

Rule #9 - (Ending) Adverbial Clauses (don’t use commas)
Rule #10a - Disjunctive Adverbial Words (use commas)
Rule #10b - Adjunctive Adverbial Words (don’t use commas)
Rule #11 - Absolute Phrases (use commas)




LESSON #3 - WRITING :




He stood straight and tall as if at attention before a superior officer. Statue-like in the summer downpour, he watched the slashing rain pierce the once placid surface of the crystal blue lake. The water trembled and shimmered almost as if in pain where each drop slashed into the surface. Lost in his own distant past, the man ignored the rivulets coursing over his naked chest and soaking his light cotton trousers. Yanking himself back to the present, he raked his fingers through his hair and glared at the roiling clouds above. The pounding rain cascaded over his face and through his gray mustache. He clamped his dark eyes shut, before the lances of rains water speared into his brain. Still, he held his stance. A good soldier endures, no matter what.


In the beautiful valley, a small house was nestled beside the crystal clear blue water lake. The heavy rain pounded its wooden roof. Dark clouds colored the mountains, as if they wore ghostly appearance, emerging all around. The water surface of the lake quivered, as the raindrops pierced every inch of it.

Then he looked down for a while and then glanced across the lake at the small village.

Clouds thundered to frighten the whole valley and its inhabitants. A lightning brightened the valley for a few seconds to see its response. Dull grey sky with continual lightning painted the whole valley with the mysterious atmosphere.

“Hey Mike, enjoying the downpour!” a villager shouted joyfully.

Mike waved his hand.

“All the inhabitants of the valley would be enjoying this first rain of the summer season.” Mike thought.

Mike, a soldier and veteran, was living his retired life in a far flung valley. The choice of living here was because of his unforgettable memories of his best friend and brave soldier Willy who died in his hands in the battlefield. Mike was quite helpless to save his badly injured friend, Willy. He wondered how he himself remained safe. He leapt to the fallen soldier Willy whose wide chest was colored with blood by the gunshot. Mike held his head in his lap, when two shots pierced Mike’s shoulder and he fell down. His head hit something hard and darkness blackened his conscious. When he came to conscious, he was in the bed of the hospital. Later on, he came to know that his regiments assaulted a violent counter attack and not only captured the enemy post, but also rescued the injured soldiers. About Willy, everyone was sad; he martyred at the spot when two gunshots hit his chest.

This beautiful valley was the ancestral village of Willy. For the first time, Mike met Willy during the training and they became best friends. Later on, they got many chances for going together on the military ventures. Many times, Mike came with Willy to this valley and everyone here had got acquaintance with him.

Mike still remembered when he came here with a group of soldiers along with Willy’s dead body to bury him in his ancestral village. On his retirement, he preferred to live here to spent rest of life in the peaceful place.

(Word Count = 524)

RULES OF COMMA USAGE:

LESSON #1
Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunctions (use commas)
Rule #2 - Introductory Adverbial Clauses (use commas)
Rule #3a - Coordinate Adjectives (use commas)
Rule #3b - Non-Coordinate Adjectives (don’t use commas)
Rule #4a - Non-Essential Elements (use commas)
Rule #4b - Essential Elements (don't use commas)
Rule #4c - Essential "That" Clauses (don't use commas)

LESSON #2
Rule #5 - Elements in a Series (use commas)
Rule #6a - Introductory Phrases (use commas)
Rule #6b - Ending Participial Phrases (don't use commas)
Rule #7 - Introductory Transitional Words (use commas)
Rule #8 - Interjections (use commas)

LESSON #3
Rule #9 - (Ending) Adverbial Clauses (don’t use commas)
Rule #10a - Disjunctive Adverbial Words (use commas)
Rule #10b - Adjunctive Adverbial Words (don’t use commas)
Rule #11 - Absolute Phrases (use commas)




LESSON #4 - EXERCISE





I picked up my camera (1) and focused the mama bear with its two cubs going down the hill. After I froze them in my camera, (2) I looked at the place where I saw the bear with cubs. However, (7) they had disappeared in the tick forest. The thick, green pine forest on the mountain was the good place to hide. (3a), (3b) The place we encamped at was the highest place on the mountain. (4a).

Peter, my friend and companion in this journey, was setting the camp there. ( 4b) I believed that he was an expert in the camp setting. (4c) He was brave, intelligent, hardworking, ambitious, and devoted. (5) To work with him, it is fun on its own to hike, trek and mountaineer. (6a) I saw Peter setting the camp. ( 6b)


“So, (8) you’re done!” I smiled at him (9) when he finished his task.

He quickly smiled back to me. (10b) My best friend, (11) he always stood by me whenever I needed his help. He in fact was very sincere. (12)

Fortunately, (10a) we were at a safe place on this high peak. I took out our lunch and plates and spread them on the cloth-sheet. (13) To eat lunch in such a beautiful hilly place is a great fun. (14) It was the afternoon time; (15)cool breeze was blowing. We started our lunch.


LESSON #1:

Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunctions (use commas)

Rule #2 - Introductory Adverbial Clauses (use commas)

Rule #3a - Coordinate Adjectives (use commas)

Rule #3b - Non-Coordinate Adjectives (don’t use commas)

Rule #4a - Non-Essential Elements (use commas)

Rule #4b - Essential Elements (don't use commas)

Rule #4c - Essential "That" Clauses (don't use commas)


LESSON #2:

Rule #5 - Elements in a Series (use commas)

Rule #6a - Introductory Phrases (use commas)

Rule #6b - Ending Participial Phrase which modifies noun next to it (don't use commas)

Beginning Sentence:
Transitional Sentence:
Rule #7 - Introductory Transitional Words (use commas)

Rule #8 - Interjections (use commas)

LESSON #3:

Rule #9 - (Ending) Adverbial Clauses (don’t use commas)

Rule #10a - Disjunctive Adverbial Words (use commas)

Rule #10b - Adjunctive Adverbial Words (don’t use commas)

Rule #11 - Absolute Phrases (use commas)


Lesson #4:

Rule #12 - Adverbs In Short Sentences (don’t use commas)

Rule #13 - Shared Subjects (don’t use commas)

Rule #14 - Separation of Subjects and Verbs (don’t use commas)

Comma Splice:
Comma Splice Correction:
Rule #15 - Comma Splices (don’t use commas)






LESSON #5 - EXERCISE




1. If the weather is good, (2)Chip will play golf, (1)and, of course, (17) he will win.

Rule #2 - Introductory Adverbial Clauses (use commas)
Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunctions (use commas)
Rule #17 - Interrupters & Expressions & Direct Addresses (use commas)

2. He plans on using the old cherished nine iron (4c)that his father gave him (1)when he was a boy. ( Correct )

Rule 1: Subordinating Conjunction “When” – No commas.
Rule #4c - Essential "That" Clauses (don't use commas)


3. Winnie teaches her grand nieces and nephews about the family history and shows them pictures of their ancestors. ( Correct )

Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunctions (use commas)


4. I too was scared as we ran from the Chupacabra. ( Correct )

Rule #2

5. Phoenix teaches middle-school science and travels to South America. Still, she has time for daily reviews.

Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunctions (use commas)
Rule #2 - Introductory Adverbial Clauses (use commas)


6. Editing her rough draft, checking every comma, and correcting misspelled words was time consuming for Joy, but her work paid off in the end.

Rule #5 - Elements in a Series (use commas)
Rule #1 - Compound Sentences With Coordinating Conjunction “But” (use commas)


7. This is the fifth Lesson in the Comma-Kazi Class - we have one more Lesson to learn.

OR

This is the fifth Lesson in the Comma-Kazi Class; we have one more Lesson to learn.

Rule #15 - Comma Splices (don’t use commas)


8. Winnie, who has a dog named Pancho, is concerned about animal abuse donating time and money to shelters.

Rule #16a - Non-Essential Appositives (use commas)


9. The popular Writer's Cramp Contest judge, Sophy, is fair and trustworthy.

Rule #16a - Non-Essential Appositives (use commas)


10. Donating his time assisting newbies, Prof Moriarty is an invaluable WDC mentor.

Rule #6a - Introductory Phrases (use commas)


11. To achieve perfection in proper comma usage is difficult, not unattainable.

Rule #18 - Contrasting Coordinate Elements (use commas)

12. Alas, the fairy which had the broken wing could no longer fly.

Rule #8 - Interjections (use commas)
Rule #16b - Essential Appositives (don’t use commas)


13. Amazingly, everyone survived the Comma-Kazi Class.

Rule #10a - Disjunctive Adverbial Words (use commas)


14. The leader of the New Horizons Academy Sariah teaches the Basic Grammar Class. ( Correct )

Rule #16b - Essential Appositives (don’t use commas)


15. A short month February seems to abruptly fly by. ( Correct )

Rule #16b - Essential Appositives (don’t use commas)






LESSON #6- WRITING ASSIGNMENT





The heavy rain pounded the window glass, making the window close and open with loud striking sound. The thunder and lightning spooked the whole environment at the late night time. I sprang up from my reading table and rushed to shut the window. Closing the window, I peeked through it outside. The trees and houses in the streets looked like wearing the ghostly appearance. Suddenly, a frightening thunder with sharp lightning horrified me. I quickly pulled the curtains and threw them on the window and hustled to my reading table.

It was almost midnight. I was busy preparing my midterm exams. The following day was my first paper. I had to study lots of things. It was my fault that I spent my precious time in watching the movies, playing basketball with my schoolmates and hanging out with my street friends.

It was too confused. My mind was blank. I was reading the book empty-mindedly. The words of the books looked strange to me, giving no meaning to me. The heavy rain and terrifying thunder had already shuttered my thoughts and concentration. I took out a notebook from my bag and tried to scribble down some question, looking at their answers, but all in vain. Neither I could understand, nor could I memorize even a single sentence. My head began to spin. Everything in the room looked laughing at me. My teacher’s voice began to echo in my head. Her advice was now shaking my conscience. My ego seemed to fall flat in the utter shame and repentance. I closed the book and held my head with two hands with my elbows on the table.

After a while, I stood up from my chair and shambled toward the washroom. I stood in front of the mirror. I stared at my face that did not look as of mine. Standing in front of me in the mirror was an exhausted boy, just like a defeated soldier who had lost his battle and had nothing to rescue him.

I opened the water tap and started throwing water on my face with two cupped hands. I stopped and stared in the mirror; I saw a blurred face of me. I looked again. “Oh, is it me?” I mumbled. It was not my face; it was my teacher's face who was smiling at me.

“Sam, it is not too late,” Her voice echoed in my ear. “you still can catch up for your final exams.”

With wide open eyes, I tried to see in the mirror. I cleaned my eyes with cuffs and darted my look into the mirror; it was only me.

I pulled my towel and cleaned and dried my face and came out of the washroom with heavy heart and heavy foot. I dragged myself toward the bed and sat at its edge, hiding my face with hands. I was at fix. Nothing came into my mind what to do. I stood up and shambled toward the reading table. I sat down on the chair and opened the book. My head was heavy. I set the alarm of the early morning and went to the bed. However, I could not sleep for half an hour, and then sleep overwhelmed my worries and tension.


I felt someone banging my ears; I slightly opened my eyes. I felt unable to open my eyes. My mother was banging the door.

“Sam, you are too late for the school!” She was shouting.

I quickly sprang up from my bed and sprinted toward the door and opened it. My mother was rebuking me. I rushed to the washroom.

Within fifteen minutes, I was ready to go. I did not take breakfast. On my way to school, I was thinking about changing of my life, making a schedule of studies, and about not wasting time again.


Word Count = 639