Download Grammar Packet () - Martha J. Bianco, Ph.D.

WR 90 Fall 2008
Week 3 Packet
Dr. Bianco, p. 1
WEEK 33
Write the microtheme at the end of this week’s packet. You’ll be asked to do additional work on the microtheme after
today’s lesson. When you are finished, please carefully tear off the microtheme section and turn it in.
GRAMMAR TOPIC: Bringing Variety to Your Writing by Combining Ideas.s
Word Groups Come in All Flavors!
I.
See p. 46 to
review verbals!
What is a Sentence?
A. A sentence is a group of words that
1.
2.
3.
4.
has a subject + verb (not a verbal!)
starts with a capital letter
ends with a period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!)
makes sense on its own (with no added words)
B. Are these correct sentences (C) or not (N) ? Why or why not?
__1.
__2.
__3.
__4.
__5.
II.
A Starbucks just opened in our neighborhood.
did it just open.
The manager who asked about parking.
A brand-new Starbucks!
It did?
__6.
__7.
__8.
__9.
__10.
Time on our hands.
The winning team finished its practice.
While you were sleeping on the couch.
The idea you had.
Sit.
What is a Phrase?
A. A phrase is a group of words either
1. Without a subject and/or verb or
2. With a subject and verb (or verbal) but makes no sense
B. Are these phrases (P) or complete sentences (C)? Why?
__1.
__2.
__3.
__4.
__5.
The dog in the back yard continues to bark.
The dog, who is in the back yard, barks.
John, running down the street.
John ran down the street.
The final pages of the book.
__6.
__7.
__8.
__9.
__10.
The supervisor liked what he saw.
Hurrying away from the car.
About the future.
Worries about the future.
We worry about the future.
WR 90 Fall 2008
III.
Week 3 Packet
Dr. Bianco, p. 2
What is a Clause?
A. A group of words that has a subject and a verb
1. An independent clause (aka “main clause”)
 Has a subject and verb
 Stands on its own
 Makes sense by itself
1. Susan began using a spell checker.
2. John used a spell checker, too.
2.
A dependent clause (aka “subordinate clause”)
 Has a subject and verb (or verbal)
 Cannot stand on its own
 Doesn’t make sense by itself
 Depends on another group of words to make sense
1. Because she was having trouble with her spelling
2. Although he was a good speller
B. Which are independent (I) and which are dependent (D) clauses?
__1.
__2.
__3.
__4.
__5.
IV.
While you are waiting.
You might want to look at this magazine.
The project is really exciting.
Although the tasks seem boring.
The client rang the bell.
__6.
__7.
__8.
__9.
__10.
Because she wanted faster service.
As soon as the mail arrives.
I’ll see if the check is there.
If you can come.
Call me.
Simple Sentences and Compound Sentences
A. A simple sentence consists of one independent clause:
1. Susan began using a spell checker.
2. John used a spell checker, too.
B. A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses:
1. Susan was having trouble with her spelling, so she began to use a spell checker.
2. John was a good speller, but he used a spell checker, too.
WR 90 Fall 2008
Week 3 Packet
Dr. Bianco, p. 3
C. CCoordinating Conjunctionss
 FANBOYS. The independent clauses in a compound sentences are connected by
one of these coordinating conjunctions:
• For
• And
• But
• Or
• Nor
• Yet
• So
D. Are these simple (S) or compound (C) sentences? If compound, underline the coordinating
conjunction.
__1.
__2.
__3.
__4.
__5.
My boss dictates the memo, and Marty types it.
We filled out the correct forms.
He hasn’t called me, nor has he written.
He hasn’t called nor written.
She left work early, for she was not feeling well.
V.
__6. She was feeling ill when she left work early.
__7. She was feeling ill, so she left work early.
__8. Our customers can wait in line.
__9. They can order over the phone.
__10. They can wait in line, or they can order over
the phone.
What are Complex Sentences?
A.
One or more dependent clause(s) + one independent clause
1. Because she was having trouble with her spelling, Susan began using a
spell checker.
2. Although he was a good speller, John used a spell checker, too.
B.
before
after
while
when
Dependent clauses begin with a ssubordinating conjunctionn:
Time
whenever
until
as soon as
as long as
Cause/Effect
because
since
so that
in order that
Condition
if
unless
whether
Contrast/Compare
although
though
whereas
Place
even though
where
as though
wherever
as if
C. Are these complex sentences? Underline dependent clauses and .highlight. subordinating conjunctions:
1. Plan to fill out some forms before you see the
doctor.
2. We want to serve you better, so we have a tollfree number.
3. Although it was raining, the picnic was held
outside.
4. It was raining, and the picnic was held inside.
5. The contract expired on December 31.
6. With that résumé, you will definitely find a
job!
7. I wasn’t planning to come because I have a
conflicting engagement.
8. Come to my office after you finish the report.
9. Stay in your office to finish the report.
10. We’ll be ready when the time comes.
WR 90 Fall 2008
Week 3 Packet
Dr. Bianco, p. 4
COMBINING SENTENCESS
When a single simple sentence is just too boring . . .
I.
COORDINATION: Combining Simple Sentences: CComma + Coordinating Conjunctionn
A.
To combine two simple sentences this way,
1. Delete the period between them and replace it with a comma
2. Insert the appropriate FANBOY coordinating conjunction
3. Change the capital letter of the second sentence to a lowercase
B.
Practice combining sentences:
Do Exercises 1 (home)
& 2 (now), p. 72-3
1. Sue can pay her bill by postal mail. She can pay
online using PayPal.
2. An e-mail popped up. I opened it.
3. The movie was over. We got our things and left.
4. Your web site looks impressive. We have no jobs
right now
5. I didn’t like the web authoring class. I hated the
Photoshop class.
II.
6. Please bring your ID numbers. You’ll have no
other way to get logged on.
7. The students always check their e-mail. It
contains important information for the
upcoming week.
8. She wants to have friends. She never accepts
friend requests.
9. I know I should study. I am so tired after work.
10. I didn’t like the text book. I didn’t like the
instructor.
COORDINATION: Combining Simple Sentences: CSemicolon + Conjunctive Adverb + Comman
A.
To combine two simple sentences this way,
1. Change the period between them into a semicolon (;)
2. Change the capital letter of the second sentence to a lowercase
3. Insert the appropriate HOTSHOT CAT conjunctive adverb + a comma
However,
Otherwise,
Therefore,
Similarly,
Hence,
On the other hand,
Then,
Consequently,
Also,
Thus,
I’m so hot,
I’m cool!
WR 90 Fall 2008
B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
III.
Week 3 Packet
Dr. Bianco, p. 5
Practice combining sentences:
Do Exercises
The movie was over. We got our things and left.
3
(home)
& 4 (now),
Your web site looks impressive. We have no jobs right now
p. 75-6
I can pay my bill by postal mail. I can pay online using PayPal.
An e-mail popped up. I opened it.
I didn’t like the web authoring class. I hated the Photoshop class.
Please bring your ID numbers. You’ll have no other way to get logged on.
The students always check their e-mail. They have access to important information for the next week.
She wants to have friends. She never accepts friend requests.
I am very tired after work. I have a small meal and take a short nap before studying.
I paid for the text book. I took it to the library to study.
SUBORDINATION: Combining Clauses: CIndependent Clause + BAT + Dependent Clauses
A.
Use BAT WASHTUB (and other) subordinating conjunctions to introduce the dependent
clause at the end of a complex sentence.
Including and in addition to the list on p. 3, remember some subordinating conjunctions with
the help of the acronym BAT WASHTUB:
Because
After
That
B.
While
Although
Since
How
Till
Unless
Before
Practice combining through subordination:
1. We will keep working on these exercises. We fully understand the rules.
2. I ordered the item from eBay. I couldn’t find it in stores.
3. I sent in the check. I received the box.
4. I try not to wait until the last minute. Sometimes I have no choice.
5. He gave her his phone number. He asked her friend if it would be okay.
6. It is no surprise. He won the contest.
7. I proofread my paper one more time onscreen. I wait for it to print.
8. I ask for help from the Tutoring Center. This is my first term in college.
9. It’s a wonder to me. She finished all that work.
10. I will call you tonight. I hear from you by e-mail first.
WR 90 Fall 2008
IV.
Week 3 Packet
Dr. Bianco, p. 6
SUBORDINATION: Combining Clauses: CDependent Clause + Comma + Independent Clauses
A.
Use BAT WASHTUB (and other) subordinating conjunctions to introduce the dependent clause at
the beginning of a complex sentence, followed by a comma and then the independent clause.
B.
Practice combining through subordination:
1. We heard from the doctor. We had to wait patiently.
2. They built that new cinema in the suburbs. No one seems to go downtown anymore.
3. We practiced passing. We moved on to defensive exercises.
4. George passed the test on Chapter 1. He was worried about Chapter 2.
5. I heard about the great news. I immediately sent flowers to the new parents.
6. Students put their names on their tests. I don’t know which exam belongs to which student.
7. We are out of town next week. Please feed the cats every day.
8. The coach wanted the team to improve. He pushed them extra hard in morning drills.
9. People seal an envelope. They should make sure their check is inside.
10. Mike had told me there might be extra guests. I would have made more food.
V.
Punctuation with Subordinating Conjunctions
A.
When the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, set it off with a comma.
 Since Yoshi lives three miles from the plant, he takes the bus to work.
B.
When the dependent clause comes after or within the independent clause, set it off with
commas only if the clause is not necessary to the meaning of the independent clause.
 My neighbor, while she is a very good mother, is not the world’s best cook.
 My neighbor is not the world’s best cook, while she is a very good mother.
 My neighbor often cooks while she oversees her children’s homework.
C.
Usually set off a dependent clause at the end of a sentence if it begins with although, though,
or even though.
 Mike stayed up to finish the book, although he really didn’t find it all that interesting.
 Everyone said they liked Susan’s pie, even though they thought it was undercooked.
 Most of us remained very polite, though we preferred to be elsewhere.
WR 90 Fall 2008
Week 3 Packet
Dr. Bianco, p. 7
D. Practice punctuating these complex sentences:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
VI.
After they won the race the runners jumped for joy.
Try moving the
dependent
The runners jumped for joy after they won the race.
clause around!
Although I tend not to like candy I will always eat chocolate.
I will always eat chocolate although I tend not to like candy.
My mother ran for mayor when she heard about the opening.
Although she knew she didn’t have much experience she planned on running anyway.
Before you sit down to eat you should wash your hands.
You should wash your hands before you sit down to eat.
You should wash your hands before eating even though you washed them before cooking.
You should wash your hands when you return to work.
SUBORDINATION: Relative Pronoun Introducing a Dependent Clause
A.
Relative clauses are dependent clauses that begin with a relative pronoun (that, which, who,
whose, or whom)
B.
When the relative clause is necessary to the sentence, do not set it off with commas:
 Any student who is caught cheating will be sent to the Dean’s office.
 The book that I ordered for my English class has still not arrived.
C.
When the relative clause is not necessary to the meaning of the sentence, do set it off.
 Our textbook, which you can find for a good price on the Internet, is the fifth edition.
 Students in Writing 90, who are here to learn paragraph and essay writing, should go on to
Writing 115.
D. Practice punctuating:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The commission is studying the pollution levels that occur at temperatures above 90 degrees.
The attorney who advertises in the back of the weekly newspaper doesn’t charge for the first half hour.
These students whom I’ve been teaching for a year now are ready to graduate.
Most students whom I teach in Writing 90 go on successfully to Writing 115.
Cassius Clay who is better known as Muhammad Ali is known for his on- and off-ring poetry.
The boxer who used to be known as Cassius Clay is now called Muhammad Ali.
My grandfather married my grandmother who was a singer in his band.
My grandmother married the man who played bass in her band.
Do Exercises 51 (home) & 6
(now), p. 79-81
WR 90 Fall 2008
Week 3 Packet
Dr. Bianco, p. 8
VII. Other Ways to Combine Sentences to Add Variety to Writing
A.
Appositive phrases: a noun or noun phrase (group of words that act as a noun) coming
directly after a noun or pronoun, restating it in different words (and usually set off by
commas).
1. I ran into Ms. Smith the other day. She was my third grade teacher. →
a. I ran into Ms. Smith, my third grade teacher, the other day.
2. George W. Bush met with world leaders in Switzerland. Bush is the president of the
United States. →
a. George W. Bush, the president of the United States, met with world leaders in
Switzerland.
B.
Practice adding variety with appositives.
1. There is a live-action movie about Scooby-Doo. He is a cartoon dog. →
a.
2. Starbucks is closing over 500 American stores. It is the world’s largest coffee retailer. →
a.
See p. 35 on
prepositions!
C.
Prepositional phrases: start with a preposition (connective word indicating place, time, or
position) and end with an object (a noun or pronoun).
1. In that building: My office is a big mess. My office is in that building. →
a. My office in that building is a big mess.
2. In the afternoon: Please call me sometime. Call me in the afternoon. →
a. Please call me sometime in the afternoon.
3. From him: I borrowed the book. I borrowed it from him. →
a. I borrowed the book from him.
See p. 32 on nouns
& pronouns!
D. Practice adding variety with prepositional phrases:
1. Maria and her friends live downtown. They live in a small apartment. →
a.
2. There is an old photograph. The old photograph is of grandpa. It’s on the fireplace mantle. →
a.
E.
Compounding verbs: If the subject is the same in two related sentences, drop the second
subject and combine the sentences, to create a compound verb.
1. Some sentences are related. Some sentences can be combined. →
a. Some sentences are related and can be combined.
See p. 46 to review
compound verbs!
WR 90 Fall 2008
F.
Week 3 Packet
Dr. Bianco, p. 9
Practice adding variety with compound verbs:
1. This book is old. This book should be replaced. →
a.
2. My brother entered the armed forces. My brother served in Iraq. →
a.
G. Participial phrases consist of a group of words that includes a verbal, which is a verb-like word
typically ending in –ing or –ed.
1. Jane ate quickly. She ran out the door. →
a. Eating quickly, Jane ran out the door.
2. John was finished with his work. He sat down to watch TV. →
a. Finished with his work, John sat down to watch TV.
See p. 46 to
review verbals!
H. Practice adding variety with participial phrases:
1. Mike was interested in computers. He checked out a book on programming. →
a.
2. Sharon danced gracefully across the floor. She caught everyone’s attention. →
a.
Do Exercise 9 (home),
p. 84-5
Do Review 1, p. 90
(home)
Write the microtheme below. You’ll be asked to do additional work on the microtheme after today’s lesson. Write small enough so that
you can fit 80-100 words in the box, but if you need to, attach another piece of paper. When you are finished, please carefully tear off the
microtheme section and turn it in.
Name _______________________________________
Write a microtheme of 80 to 100 words about the breakup
of a relationship. It could be a friendship, romance,
school, or work situation. Focus on causes or effects.