Abbreviations and Acronyms Writing Opener
Common Core Language Standard 2
Teacher Talk: Abbreviations and acronyms are short-cuts to language. Although generally considered improper for formal writing, such as in an essay, these short-cuts are helpful ways to say and write commonly used language. Think about it. Without abbreviations and acronyms we would have to text “United States of America” and “Laugh Out Loud.”
Today’s mechanics lesson is on when and when not to use periods in abbreviations and acronyms. Remember to use periods after abbreviated words and after beginning and ending titles of proper nouns, such as “Mr.” and “Sr.” Display the lesson here: Abbreviations and Acronyms
Read the mechanics lesson and study the examples.
Use periods following the first letter of each key word in an abbreviated title or expression, and pronounce each of these letters when saying the abbreviation. Examples: U.S.A., a.m., p.m.
But, don’t use periods or pronounce the letters in an acronym. Acronyms are special abbreviated titles or expressions that are pronounced as words. Most all acronyms are capitalized. Example: NATO
Now circle or highlight what is right and revise what is wrong according to mechanics lesson.
Practice: David has worked outside of the U.S. in many foreign countries, but he now works for N.A.S.A.
Let’s check the Practice Answers.
Mechanics Practice Answers: David has worked outside of the U.S. in many foreign countries, but he now works for NASA.
Now let’s apply what we have learned.
Writing Application: Write your own sentence using an abbreviated title and an acronym.
This Abbreviations and Acronyms writing opener is part of a comprehensive language conventions lesson from Pennington Publishing’s Teaching Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics programs.
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Mark Pennington, M.A. Reading Specialist
Thirty-six years teaching ELA and reading, elementary through community college, plus district reading specialist. He wrote every program on this site.
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