9 – Writing Strategies

Apostrophes

.Apostrophes are used with contractions and with possessive nouns

Contractions

.An apostrophe takes the place of the omitted letter in a contraction do not = don’t we are= we’re I am= I’m he is= he’s John is = John’s they have = they’ve

Possessives

An apostrophe is used to show possession. Add an ‘s to the end of singular nouns and irregular plural nouns Mary’s job The president’s speech My boss’s office The people’s choice .Add an apostrophe only to the end of regular plural nouns The students’ grades The workers’ demands

: Practice

Read this paragraph from a student essay. Find and correct ten errors about apostrophes

Tourism brings many opportunities to the local residents. Lets say, for example, that your a young person living in a small town near the beach. There aren’t many jobs in the town. You’re opportunities are very few. You probably think about moving to the city, where you have more chance’s of getting a good job. Now lets say that your town decides to develop the area for tourism. Hotels, restaurants , and stores are built. The roads are improved. Now you and all you’re relatives and friends have many job opportunities in your own town. You can stay they’re and earn a good living. You can raise your family they’re knowing that your childrens opportunities for a good future are better now. I understand why some people think that tourism causes many problems, but I think its a good thing. It makes life better for local residents

:Answers

Tourism brings many opportunities to the local residents. Let’s (Lets) say, for example, that You’re (your) a young person living in a small town near the beach. There aren’t many jobs in the town. Your (You’re) opportunities are very few. You probably think about moving to the city, where you have more Chances (chance’s) of getting a good job. Now Let’s(lets) say that your town decides to develop the area for tourism. Hotels, restaurants , and stores are built. The roads are improved. Now you and all Your (you’re) relatives and friends have many job opportunities in your own town. You can stay There ( they’re) and earn a good living. You can raise your family There (they’re) knowing that your Children’s (childrens) opportunities for a good future are better now. I understand why some people think that tourism causes many problems, but I think It’s (its) a good thing. It makes life better for local residents