Punctuation Pro Anchor Chart
PUNCTUATION PRO
7th Grade STAAR & TEKS 7.10.D(vi) Quick Reference Guide
Part 1: Sentence Boundaries Interactive Notebook
Compound Sentences , + FANBOYS
Complex Sentences Intro Clause , Main Clause
Linked Closely Independent ; Independent
1
Compound Sentences (The FANBOYS Rule)
For • And • Nor • But • Or • Yet • So
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction only when connecting two complete independent clauses (both have a subject and predicate).
Correct (Two Clauses)
Marcus scored the winning goal, and the crowd roared.
Compound Predicate Trap
Marcus scored the goal , and cheered. (No 2nd subject!)
2
Introductory Elements (AAAWWUUBBIS & Phrases)
After • Although • As • When • While • Until • Because • Before • If • Since
Place a comma after a dependent introductory clause, transitional word, or long prepositional phrase before the main sentence.
Dependent Clause in Front:
Although the storm approached, we stayed dry.
Dependent Clause at End (No Comma!):
We stayed dry although the storm approached.
3
Semicolons (;) vs. Colons (:)
Clause Connectors
; Semicolon Power
Joins 2 closely related complete sentences without a coordinating conjunction.
The bell rang; the students hurried out.
: Colon Clarifier
Follows a full sentence to introduce a list, quote, or explanation.
Pack three items: a flashlight, tent, and map.
STAAR Editing Showdown: Comma Splices & Run-Ons
Comma Splice Error
The test was difficult, I felt prepared.
(A comma alone cannot glue two sentences!)
3 Ways to Fix on STAAR
1. ...difficult, but I felt...
2. ...difficult; I felt...
3. ...difficult. I felt...
Trim along border and paste into ELAR notebook Section 4: Conventions
Page 1 of 2 • Sentence Rules
PUNCTUATION PRO
7th Grade Dialogue, Possessives & Interrupters
Part 2: Precision Marks STAAR Master
4
Dialogue & Quotation Rules (Inside the Quotes!)
Direct Speech
1. Dialogue Tag First
Maya whispered, "We need to leave right now."
Comma follows tag; period inside quotes.
2. Dialogue Tag Last
"We need to leave now," whispered Maya.
Comma replaces period inside quotation mark.
3. Split Dialogue
"I know," she said, "the answer."
Both tags framed by commas; second part lowercase if 1 sentence.
5
Apostrophe Master: Ownership vs. Missing Letters
#1 STAAR Trap
Singular Possessive
the teacher's desk
James's backpack
Add 's to singular owner.
Plural Possessive
the students' lockers
the children's toys
Regular plural add '; irregular add 's.
Never for Plurals!
dog's bark at night
Dogs bark at night.
Apostrophes show ownership, not quantity!
Quick Test: It's = It is (Contraction) | Its = Possessive Pronoun (Belongs to it) | Its' = NOT A WORD
6
Appositives & Interrupters (The "Drop-Out" Test)
Non-Essential Info
Surround non-essential information with two commas. If you drop the phrase out, the sentence must still be a complete, true sentence.
Mr. Alvarez, our science teacher, demonstrated the volcano model.
✓ Test: "Mr. Alvarez demonstrated the volcano model." (Sentence still works perfectly!)
STAAR 4-Step Editing Checklist
STAAR Reading-Language Arts
Step 1
Find the verb & subject for each clause.
Step 2
Check if conjunction joins 2 full sentences.
Step 3
Inspect apostrophes (plural vs. owner?).
Step 4
Verify end punctuation is inside quotes.
Trim along border and paste into ELAR notebook Section 4: Conventions
Page 2 of 2 • Precision & Dialogue
