Own Your Learning: Independent Vocabulary & Grammar Study
Due Dates:
· Vocabulary logs due every Monday: 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 8/29, 9/05, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/24, 10/31, 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/05, 12/12
· Writing assignments due every other Tuesday: 8/16, 8/30, 9/13, 9/27, 11/01, 11/15, 11/29, 12/13.
It is the STUDENTS’ responsibility to remember these dates and to understand assignment directions waaay before assignments are due. If you have questions on any of the information herein, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Pierce via email with questions. Do NOT wait until the night before an assignment is due!
PART 1: VOCABULARY LOG
Objective:
To understand that vocabulary enrichment and building a better vocabulary is best achieved through reading and listening.
Read, and read critically. Empirical studies indicate that reading is the best way to improve vocabulary—the 2nd being the study of Greek and Latin roots. The more you read—particularly challenging reading more than recreational reading—the broader your vocabulary. The purpose for keeping these logs is to understand this concept. While you might read a complicated piece of writing and understand its basic content, knowing all that unfamiliar vocabulary would have enriched your understanding, and hence, the more nuanced tone and message. So—read.
The intent here is not to memorize the word, but rather, familiarize you with the word, its connotations, and its use proper use in context. Your Grammar & Syntax Practice sentences should reflect this level of understanding.
Vocabulary Log Directions:
· Complete eight logs per quarter, 10 words each, due every Monday.
· Your log should always be on your desk during class, unless otherwise instructed.
· Printing out, completing, and producing the vocabulary log upon request is the YOUR responsibility.
· Log 10 words per week on the provided forms (see Page 3 below).
· Two parts of speech must be provided, when applicable (plurals and tenses are not parts of speech).
· At least three of the words, per log, must be verbs (top entries on the forms).
· All sections of the log must be complete and neatly hand-written.
· No more than five words can be taken from any one source, unless otherwise instructed.
· Words may be culled from any sources available, including vocab lists, text, classes, TV, and conversations.
· Use common sense: log words you want to know and think you might use—do not log esoteric or archaic language.
Vocabulary Assessment:
· Are all boxes in the chart completed?
· Are two parts of speech provided, whenever applicable?
· Is the preponderance of the entries nouns, verbs and adjectives (few to no adverbs)?
· Are at least 3 verbs logged at the top of the page?
· Is the writing legible?
· Are sources varied and generally academic?
Vocabulary Materials:
· You are encouraged to use an online dictionary, such as dictionary.com to find your definitions.
· Print Page 3 of this document each week or print/make 16 copies to use throughout the semester.
PART 2: GRAMMAR & SYNTAX PRACTICE
Objective:
To understand that you will never be a good writer until you can write a great sentence.
This is a writing assignment and an assessment grade. Understand here that a sentence should stand on its own—and carry weight. Length, diction choices, structure and punctuation are among the considerations. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always write for clarity. Also, remember that every good sentence has a theme, something interesting and original to contribute to your reader’s understanding of people and how the world works.
Sentence Directions:
· Sentences must use at least ten words from the previous two vocabulary logs.
· The first five sentences must contain verbs from the vocabulary logs.
· Sentences should be typed and numbered, 1-10.
· All vocabulary words, in each sentence, should be identified: bolded.
· Proper grammar is expected (no passive voice, S/V agreement, antecedent agreement, etc.)
· Words should be used in proper context and in a way that demonstrates understanding.
· Sentences must be uploaded to turnitin.com (no hardcopies or emailed assignments will be accepted).
· Sentence Set # 1 (due on 8/16): Every sentence must fall under one of each of the following classifications at least twice: declarative sentence, interrogative sentence, imperative sentence, exclamatory sentence. Label sentences accordingly. If you are not sure what each of these classifications is, go to http://freelance-writing-articles.knoji.com/the-different-classification-of-sentences/.
· Sentence Set # 2 (due on 8/30): Every sentence must fall under one of each of the following classifications at least twice: simple sentence, compound sentence, complex sentence, compound-complex sentence. Label sentences accordingly. If you are not sure what each of these classifications is, go to http://freelance-writing-articles.knoji.com/the-different-classification-of-sentences/.
· Sentence Set #3 (due on 9/13): Every sentence should contain a pronoun and its antecedent. Italicize pronouns and underline antecedents. For a definition of an antecedent go to http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/antecedent.htm.
· Sentence Set #4 (due on 9/27): Sentences should contain modifiers as follows (italicize modifiers). For help with phrases and clauses as modifiers, go to http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/modifiers_modify.htm.
o 2 sentences employing a one-word adjective
o 2 sentences employing a one-word adverb
o 3 sentences employing a phrase as a modifier
o 3 sentences employing a clause as a modifier
· Sentence Set #5 (due on 11/01): Every sentence must utilize a subordinating conjunction—italicize these. For a list of subordinating conjunctions, go to http://www.myenglishteacher.net/subordinatingconjunctions.html.
· Sentence Set #6 (due on 11/15): Every sentence must utilize parallel structure; higher scoring sentences will use structures more complicated than parallel words (e.g. phrases, clauses, etc.). Italicize your parallel structures. If you need information on parallel structure, go to https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/623/01/.
· Sentence Set #7 (due on 11/29): Sentences should include 4 cumulative sentences, 4 periodic sentences, and 2 inverted sentences. Label sentences accordingly. For information on types of sentences, go to http://quizlet.com/25766345/types-of-sentences-periodic-cumulative-inverted-and-parallel-structure-flash-cards/.
· Sentence Set #8 (due on 12/13): All ten sentences must contain an appositive. They should not all look the same. Italicize the appositive. For help with appositives, go to http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/appositive.htm.
Grammar Assessment:
· Are directions followed and all sentences labeled correctly?
· Are all vocabulary words used correctly, with the correct part of speech and in context, without awkward wording?
· Are sentences structurally and grammatically correct, following the proper conventions of English?
· Are all 10 sentences provided?
· Is the required structure/punctuation assignment followed and do the sentences demonstrate understanding?
Name Period Points /100
Due every Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday).
You had points deducted for the following reasons:
Incomplete: All boxes must be completed.
Incomplete: Two parts of speech are required, whenever applicable (use dictionary.com). Plurals are not parts of speech. The preponderance of your entries should be nouns, verbs and adjectives; verbs are best—adverbs are weakest.
At least 3 verbs are required per log (log them at the top of the page)
Be neat. If I cannot read your writing easily (even if you can) then I cannot fully assess your work.
Sources are weak or not varied enough.
Vocabulary Word / Part of Speech / Definition/Picture/Synonym (whatever helps you remember)1. / Verb
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