Vocabulary Workshop Level B Unit 15 Answers

Apostrophes - Grade 6

Welcome to our lesson on apostrophes! An apostrophe is a punctuation mark that is used to show possession or to contract two words.

Using apostrophes to show possession

Possession is when something belongs to someone or something. To show possession with an apostrophe, you simply need to add an apostrophe and an "s" to the end of the word. For example:

• The cat's toy (The toy belongs to the cat)
• The boys' soccer ball (The soccer ball belongs to the boys)
• The teacher's desk (The desk belongs to the teacher)

To make a plural noun possessive, you can add an apostrophe and an "s" to the end of the word. For example:

• The dogs' toys (The toys belong to the dogs)
• The students' desks (The desks belong to the students)
• The parents' car (The car belongs to the parents)

If a plural noun does not end in "s," you should add an apostrophe and an "s." For example:

• The children's toys (The toys belong to the children)

Using apostrophes to form contractions

Contractions are when two words are shortened by combining them and using an apostrophe to show where letters have been left out. Some common contractions include:

Don't (Do not)

Can't (Cannot)

Won't (Will not)

Shouldn't (Should not)

Remember to use an apostrophe in contractions to show where letters have been left out!

Common mistakes with apostrophes

It's important to use apostrophes correctly in your writing. Some common mistakes include misusing apostrophes to form plurals and omitting apostrophes in contractions. Make sure to proofread your work carefully to avoid these mistakes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apostrophes are a useful punctuation mark that can be used to show possession or to contract two words. Always pay attention to your punctuation when writing, as it can change the entire meaning of a sentence.

Practice sentences

Here are some practice sentences for you to try using apostrophes correctly:

• The cat's toy is under the couch.
• The boys' soccer ball is in the garage.
• The teacher's desk is cluttered with papers.
• The boss's office is on the top floor.
• The dress's buttons are hard to fasten.
• The dogs' toys are scattered all over the backyard.
• The students' desks are arranged in rows.
• The parents' car is in the driveway.
• The cats' toys are always under the bed.
• The buses' seats are uncomfortable to sit on.