CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.2c
The Standard
Use a comma to set off the words yes and no (e.g., Yes, thank you), to set off a tag question from the rest of the sentence (e.g., It's true, isn't it?), and to indicate direct address (e.g., Is that you, Steve?).
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to place commas in three common sentence patterns: after yes or no, before a tag question, and around or before a name when speaking to someone directly. They also need to explain why the comma belongs there, not just copy a pattern.
Mastery looks like clean comma use in both isolated sentences and their own writing. Students often miss direct address because the name feels like part of the sentence. They also confuse tag questions with regular questions, or forget the comma after a short answer like “No, I’m not.”
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on activity: Give pairs sentence strips and comma cards, then have them place commas and label each sentence yes or no, tag question, or direct address.
- Writing prompt: Write six lines of dialogue where characters answer yes or no, use names, and add tag questions like “aren’t you?”
- Quick assessment: Display five comma-free sentences and have students rewrite them correctly on sticky notes before leaving.
- Real-world connection: Have students find examples in texts, emails, or interview transcripts where commas show who is being addressed.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.2c
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.2b
Use commas and quotation marks to mark direct speech and quotations from a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.2b
Use commas in greetings and closings of letters.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.2a
Use punctuation (commas, parentheses, dashes) to set off nonrestrictive/parenthetical elements.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2a
Use punctuation (comma, ellipsis, dash) to indicate a pause or break.