Mastering Capitalization: Unlocking the Secrets of Proper Writing

• ELA
• 6-8 Grade

Capitalization: Understanding the Rules of Proper Writing

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to understand the rules of capitalization and identify common mistakes.

What do you already know about capitalization?

What is Capitalization?

Capitalization is the use of uppercase letters at the beginning of a word. It is an important rule in writing that helps us convey meaning and show respect.

Rule 1: Capitalize the First Word

Always capitalize the first word of a sentence. For example: 'The sun is shining.'

Rule 2: Capitalize Proper Nouns

Proper nouns, which are specific names of people, places, and things, should always be capitalized. For example: 'John', 'Paris', 'Mount Everest'.

Rule 3: Capitalize Titles

When using titles before names, capitalize them. For example: 'Mr. Smith', 'Dr. Johnson', 'President Johnson'.

Rule 4: Capitalize Days, Months, and Holidays

Days of the week, months, and holidays are always capitalized. For example: 'Monday', 'December', 'Christmas'.

Rule 5: Capitalize Important Words in Titles

When writing titles of books, movies, songs, and articles, capitalize the important words. For example: 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets', 'The Lion King', 'Imagine' (song), 'The Importance of Reading'.

Common Mistake: Capitalizing Random Words

Avoid capitalizing random words in a sentence. Only capitalize when necessary.

Which word should be capitalized in the following sentence? 'he is a doctor at the hospital.'

1. is
2. doctor
3. hospital
4. he

Which word should be capitalized in the following sentence? 'my favorite season is fall.'

1. fall
2. my
3. season
4. favorite

Which word should be capitalized in the following sentence? 'do you want to watch the lion king tonight?'

1. do
2. watch
3. you
4. Lion

Which word should be capitalized in the following sentence? 'we are going to the beach on sunday.'

1. we
2. going
3. are
4. Sunday

Which word should be capitalized in the following sentence? 'I love reading harry potter and the chamber of secrets.'

1. Harry
2. love
3. reading
4. I

Which word should be capitalized in the following sentence? 'The president of the united states visited our school.'

1. states
2. president
3. The
4. United

Which word should be capitalized in the following sentence? 'my uncle lives in new york.'

1. lives
2. my
3. uncle
4. New

Write a complete sentence with the correct capitalization?

Give one example of when you have to capitalize a word?

Recap: Key Rules of Capitalization

1. Capitalize the first word of a sentence.
2. Capitalize proper nouns.
3. Capitalize titles.
4. Capitalize days, months, and holidays.
5. Capitalize important words in titles.

Practice Makes Perfect

Complete the interactive quiz to reinforce your understanding of capitalization rules.

Congratulations!

You have successfully learned the rules of capitalization. Keep practicing and applying these rules in your writing.