ECW: Unit 7. Monday, Oct. 23

The focus of today's classes:
1. Classification paragraph
2. Concluding paragraph
3. Punctuation: the use of comma

A classification paragraph divides people, places, things, ideas, etc. into groups. These groups must have something in common. A single subject can be divided in various ways; these ways are called “classes”." For example, students may be divided according to their year of study, their religion, their major study, or even their favorite style of music.
Rules for Classification
1. Arrange classes by a logical method
2. Make sure classes are relatively complete
3. Make sure classes do not overlap
4. Make sure classes follow a rule: “according to”

Examples:

Rock Music

There are three different types of rock music: alternative rock, classic rock, and hard rock, also known as metal. 1.Alternative rock features a steady bass drum laying down the beat, with easy flowing guitar riffs over the top. Depending on the song, the guitars can either be acoustic guitars or electric guitars. 2.Classic rock combines a steady driving bass drum sound, with high open overtones, steady and often repeating guitar riffs, and an intensive bass line. The guitars are more often than not all electric guitars, and distortion is rarely used. The lyrics are sung with style and enthusiasm. 3. Hard rock, or metal, features a hard rolling bass drum with an abundant amount of cymbal work. This style of rock uses several electric guitars with heavy distortion to bring a very intense sound. A hard, intense, driving bass line rounds out the style. The lyrics aren’t really sung so much as screamed. It doesn’t matter what your preference is, each different style of rock music is unique.

Shoppers

According to their shopping techniques, shoppers can be classified as necessity shoppers, over-spenders, and impulsive shoppers. 1.Necessity shoppers have an uncomplicated and normal shopping technique. They purchase only the items that are necessary, such as food and toiletries, and they only get these items when they need them. 2.The over-spenders purchase too many items and they spend too much money on them. They buy unnecessary products, such as clothes and accessories. They can turn a simple trip to the store into a wallet draining extravaganza. 3.Finally, there are impulsive shoppers. They are a combination between necessity shoppers and over spenders. They intend to be necessity shoppers by buying items that they need, but they turn into over spenders by buying unnecessary clothes and useless items. Even though there are millions of shoppers worldwide, they can easily be classified by their techniques as necessity shoppers, over spenders, or impulsive shoppers.


COMMA MARKS PAUSES
1. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by: AND, BUT, FOR, OR, NOR.
The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.
2. Use commas to separate words, phrases, and clauses written in a series of THREE or more coordinate elements.
A trio of Marie, Ellen, and Frances sang at the entertainment. Jack walked into my office, took off his hat, and sat down.
3. Use commas to separate two or more coordinate adjectives that describe or modify the same noun. (Coordinate adjectives can be interchanged.)
The noisy, enthusiastic group applauded the speech. (the group is noisy and enthusiastic or enthusiastic and noisy.) BUT: The new tennis court will soon be open. (The court is not new and tennis.)
4. Use commas in the BEGINNING of the sentence after an introductory clause or phrase which has a verb or verb form.
Hearing his owner call him, the dog ran forward. While I was reading, the cat scratched at the door. If you want a seat, you ought to arrive by 7:30 p.m. My schedule having been arranged, I went home for the week-end.
5. Use commas at the BEGINNING of the sentence to set off exclamations or comments such as "yes," "no," "well," "oh," etc.
Yes, I'll think about it.
6. Use commas in the MIDDLE of the sentence to set off phrases and clauses which are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use these commas in pairs, one before the phrase or clause to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause.
Sara Clark, who lives in my dorm, is in my chemistry class. (comma #1 at the beginning) (comma #2 at the end) BUT, commas are NOT used in this "who" clause because it is a necessary part of the sentence. The girl who is sitting at the table next to you is in my chemistry class. “Tom, the captain of the team, was injured in the game.” The person injured in the game was Tom, the captain of the team. -To set off words or names used in direct address. It is up to you, Jane, to finish the assignment. -To set off nonessential comments which interrupt the sentence. “I was, however, too tired to make the trip.”
7. Use commas near the END of the sentence to separate sharply contrasted coordinate elements in the sentence.
He was merely ignorant, not stupid.
8. Use commas to set off all geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day), addresses (except the street name and number), and titles in names.
Birmingham, Alabama, gets its name from Birmingham, England. July 22, 1967, was a momentous day in his life. Who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.? Donald B. Lake, M.D., will be the principal speaker.
9. Use commas after "he said," etc. to set off direct quotations.
John said, "I'll see you tomorrow." "I was able," she answered, "to complete the assignment this morning."
10. Use commas to prevent possible confusion or misreading.To John, Harrison had been a sort of idol. Above, the mountains rose like purple shadows.
More on the use of comma:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_comma.html
http://www.correctpunctuation.co.uk/punctuation-comma.htm
An overview of the three-part essay (intro, body, conclusion) you can find by clicking on the link:
http://www.edb.utexas.edu/pbl/ESOL/index.htm