English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Capitalization: review
Capitalization: review
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between common and proper nouns using contextual information in a sentence.
Analyze sentences to determine if a word is used as a specific name/title versus a generic term.
Apply capitalization rules for titles of works (books, articles, etc.) by identifying them within a larger text.
Correctly capitalize geographical directions versus named regions based on their specific usage in a passage.
Use context to identify and capitalize familial titles (e.g., Mom, Uncle) when they function as a proper name.
Evaluate the rhetorical effect of intentional capitalization choices in literary and formal texts.
Ever wonder why it's 'the white house' down the street but also 'the White House' in Washington, D.C.? 🤔 The secret is...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Proper NounThe specific, unique name of a person, place, organization, or thing. Proper nouns are always capitalized.Instead of 'a city,' the proper noun is 'Paris.' Instead of 'a teacher,' the proper noun is 'Mr. Harrison.'
Common NounThe general, non-specific name for a class of people, places, things, or ideas. Common nouns are not capitalized unless they begin a sentence.The words 'river,' 'book,' 'theory,' and 'king' are all common nouns.
Context CluesHints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings and functions of unfamiliar or ambiguous words.In 'The president gave a speech,' the context implies a job role. In 'We...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The Name vs. The Thing Rule
Capitalize a noun when it is used as the specific name of a unique entity, but not when it refers to a general type or category.
This is the most critical contextual rule. Look for articles like 'a' or 'an' which often signal a common noun, versus 'the' which can signal either. The key is to ask: 'Is this the official name of one specific thing, or is it a general description?'
The Title as Name Rule
Capitalize a professional or familial title (e.g., Doctor, President, Aunt) only when it is used directly before a name or as a substitute for a name.
If the title is preceded by a possessive pronoun (my, his, their) or an article (a, the), it is usually a common noun describing a role and should not be capitali...
5 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
In a poem, a student reads the line: 'Because I could not stop for Death – / He kindly stopped for me –'. What is the most likely rhetorical effect of capitalizing 'Death'?
A.To personify death, treating it as a specific character or entity rather than an abstract concept.
B.To comply with an old-fashioned grammar rule that required all important nouns to be capitalized.
C.To indicate that the word is an acronym for a longer phrase.
D.To show that the author made a capitalization error.
Challenging
A formal document states, 'The State must ensure the Freedom of its citizens.' What is the most probable reason for capitalizing 'State' and 'Freedom'?
A.It is a stylistic error that should be corrected to 'state' and 'freedom'.
B.The author is using the 'Center of the Page' Fallacy, capitalizing words they deem important.
C.To elevate these words from common nouns to foundational, philosophical concepts central to the document's purpose.
D.'State' is capitalized because it refers to a specific U.S. state, and 'Freedom' is the name of a specific law.
Challenging
Analyze the following sentence for errors: 'In the Spring, we drove South to visit my Grandma, who lives in the deep south near the gulf of Mexico.' Which option provides the most thorough and accurate correction?
A.In the spring, we drove south to visit my grandma, who lives in the Deep South near the Gulf of Mexico.
B.In the spring, we drove South to visit my grandma, who lives in the Deep South near the Gulf of Mexico.
C.In the Spring, we drove south to visit my Grandma, who lives in the deep South near the Gulf of Mexico.
D.In the spring, we drove South to visit my Grandma, who lives in the Deep south near the gulf of Mexico.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free