2. Today’s Class
Review
Punctuation rules for the four sentence types.
Learn
How to use the punctuation marks dashes, colons, semicolons, and
parentheses.
Practice
Write an work email to your COO.
2
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4. 4
1) Simple sentences need a ___ ___ at the end.
2) Compound sentences need a ___, a ___, or a ___ and a ___ between the
independent clauses.
3) Complex sentences need a ___ after the dependent clause when it comes first.
4) Compound-Complex sentences follow the same rules as for ___ and ___
sentences.
5. 5
1) Simple sentences need a punctuation mark at the end.
2) Compound sentences need a conjunction, a semicolon, or a comma and a
conjunction between the independent clauses.
3) Complex sentences need a comma after the dependent clause when it comes
first.
4) Compound-Complex sentences follow the same rules as for compound and
complex sentences.
6. 6
Correct these sentences about Canadian workplace culture.
1) simple
Every person is important in the organization
2) compound
Every person is important in the organization each of our contributions counts.
3) complex
Every person is important in the organization there is still a hierarchy in a workplace.
4) compound-complex
Every person is important in the organization respect towards others should always
be top of mind there is still a hierarchy in a workplace.
7. 7
Correct these sentences about Canadian workplace culture.
1) simple
Every person is important in the organization.
compound
2) Every person is important in the organization and each of our contributions counts.
complex
3) Every person is important in the organization although there is still a hierarchy in a
workplace.
c-c
4) Every person is important in the organization; respect towards others should always
be top of mind although there is still a hierarchy in a workplace.
9. 9
punctuation
mark
symbol use
dashes -
a) emphasize the information inside or after the dash
b) stronger than parentheses but both are used for
non-essential information
1. Hierarchy is not pronounced in Canadian workplaces - a casual attitude
isn’t a sign of disrespect.
2. Hierarchy is not pronounced in Canadian workplaces - a casual attitude
isn’t a sign of disrespect - but there are still specific rules when engaging
with your superior.
3. Don’t be reactive – always pause and think before you say something
you may regret later.
10. 10
punctuation
mark
symbol use
colons and
semicolons :and ;
a)a colon between independent clauses means the
second clause is being emphasized
b)a semicolon between independent clauses means
they are of equal importance
1. You are expected to show respect for other people’s time: come to work
or to appointments early.
2. The language you use and the manner you communicate are the first
and most essential parts of fitting in: people explain what they think and
believe through their words.
11. 11
punctuation
mark
symbol use
parentheses ( )
a) emphasize the information inside the parentheses
both commas and parentheses are used for non-
essential information, for example dates; sources;
and non-identifying details
a) the emphasis is stronger for a parentheses than a
comma
This includes knowing the local language or jargon (specific terms used in
your field or occupation), body language (listening actively, maintaining eye
contact), speaking clearly, and using respectful language.
13. Add punctuation to these sentences to make them correct.
1. If someone does not treat you right in the workplace don’t jump to
conclusions right away pause and think.
2. Give them the benefit of the doubt speak to the other person calmly to
iron things out.
3. Always take the high road act politely and try to understand others.
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14. Add punctuation to these sentences to make them correct.
1. If someone does not treat you right in the workplace don’t jump to
conclusions right away pause and think.
2. Give them the benefit of the doubt speak to the other person calmly to
iron things out.
3. Always take the high road act politely and try to understand others.
possible answers
1. If someone does not treat you right in the workplace, don’t jump to
conclusions right away - pause and think.
2. Give them the benefit of the doubt: Speak to the other person calmly to
iron things out.
3. Always take the high road (act politely) and try to understand others.
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15. Make sentences using these clauses; use the correct punctuation.
1. Avoid conflict in the workplace
2. Learn how to provide constructive criticism
3. The only way to build credibility at work is
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16. Make sentences using these clauses; use the correct punctuation.
1. Avoid conflict in the workplace
2. Learn how to provide constructive criticism
3. The only way to build credibility at work is
possible answers
1. Avoid conflict in the workplace: being confident is a plus, but being
aggressive isn’t - calmly stating your position will be more effective every
time.
2. Learn how to provide constructive criticism (make a criticism sandwich)
to your coworkers.
3. The only way to build credibility at work is to work hard and exceed
expectations - get your work done before deadlines.
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18. Writing a professional email
1. Greeting
2. State your purpose in an introductory sentence/paragraph
3. Give a reason/the reasons with details
4. Concluding sentence/paragraph
5. Say farewell
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19. Hello, ____.
It has come to my attention that there is an imbalance in the dynamics in your team and I’d like to take
some time to discuss this with you. You many already know what I’m referring to; I want to be clear that
no one has made a mistake, but how the accounting team works together needs to improve. While
giving feedback is essential for a team leader, giving constructive feedback is what generates strong
outcomes.
If people don’t care about their work, then they don’t debate, they don’t give feedback on the
contributions of others, and they become apathetic. I appreciate you showing so much passion for your
work, and wanting to foster spirited debate. Although, there have been several formal complaints and
an increase in sick time requests from the team members.
Unless feedback is both positive and negative it will demotivate your coworkers and the final product
will be subpar because people won’t dedicate themselves to the project. Without the feeling of
intellectual security, people don’t think outside the box and we - Canada Life - miss out on those
innovative ideas.
Your dedication to the accounting team is obvious and appreciated. Nevertheless, unless everyone on
the team is able to share ideas and get respectful feedback from all team members, apathy grows and
Canada Life suffers. Please let me know if you can meet Tuesday at 9 am to discuss leadership
strategies and any concerns you have about this promising team.
Sincerely,
Brett Halajko
COO, Canada Life
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20. We’re working on the process and not just the product, so you need to
make an outline. Let’s practice by making a reverse outline for the email
from Brett, the COO at Canada Life.
main idea: ____
idea 1: ____
idea 2: ____
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21. We’re working on the process and not just the product, so you need to
make an outline. Let’s practice by making a reverse outline for the email
from Brett, the COO at Canada Life.
main idea: you need to give more constructive feedback to your
teammates
idea one: creating a negative work environment (complaints and an
increase in sick leave)
idea two: doesn’t lead to better work (demotivates coworkers and reduces
creative thinking)
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23. You are the accounting team leader for Canada Life, a national insurance company.
You know that your team has been unhappy with your leadership style. How do you
respond to this email? Write an outline first, and then the email.
Depending on how you feel you can write an email with one idea, besides the main
idea, and one body paragraph, or you can include two ideas and two body
paragraphs.
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25. send your homework to your teacher on Skype today
example title: 2 – Aug 4 – Nastashya
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Please send me your outline and your writing from class today, so I can give you
more feedback.
After you read my feedback, change your outline/writing and send them back to
me for more feedback.
27. 27
The content of this lesson was developed using the article:
5 steps to giving constructive feedback at work that really helps.
Many thanks to Cyrlin Loza for writing this article!
28. resources
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Definitions and sentences adapted from the Longman and Merriam-
Webster dictionaries
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/punctuation
/index.html
