CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.2a

ELA7th GradeConventions of Standard English

The Standard

Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was a fascinating, enjoyable movie but not He wore an old[,] green shirt).

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students decide whether two or more adjectives describe a noun equally or build meaning in a fixed order. They add commas only when the adjectives can switch places or be joined by “and.”
What Mastery Looks Like: Students punctuate adjective pairs correctly in sentences and their own writing. They can defend each comma by reversing the adjectives or placing “and” between them, while recognizing when those tests fail.
Common Misconceptions: Students may place a comma between every pair of adjectives or leave commas out entirely. They may also trust a spoken pause instead of checking whether the adjectives can switch order or take “and.”
How to Assess It: Give students four noun phrases, including “a noisy crowded hallway” and “two small glass jars.” Ask them to add needed commas and explain one choice using a test.

Lesson moves

Give pairs adjective cards, noun cards, and comma tiles, then have students reorder each pair and place commas where both orders sound natural.
Ask students to compare “a bright, cheerful room” with “three bright lamps” and write why only one phrase needs a comma.
Play a sorting game where teams place adjective phrases under “comma” or “no comma,” then earn points by explaining each choice.
Have students edit short restaurant or product descriptions, adding commas where equal adjectives describe the same item.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.2a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Learning progression

If students are struggling here, check these first.

Mastery here sets students up for these next.

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