CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2b
The Standard
Use an ellipsis to indicate an omission.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to know that three spaced dots show words have been left out of quoted material. They should keep the original meaning clear, use the marks only where text is removed, and avoid changing the speaker’s intent.
Mastery looks like a student shortening a long quote smoothly, placing the marks correctly, and still giving enough context for the quote to make sense. Students often get stuck by using the marks for pauses, adding too many dots, or cutting words that change the meaning.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students a printed paragraph and have them trim one quote to one sentence using sticky notes to cover omitted words.
- Ask students to explain how cutting one phrase from a quote could change the author’s meaning.
- Show three shortened quotes and have students mark which one uses the punctuation correctly and keeps the meaning.
- Use a news article excerpt and have students shorten a quote for a mock school newspaper caption.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2b
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.2a
Use punctuation to separate items in a series.
- 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.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.2b
Use end punctuation for sentences.