Week 1 Introductory phrases and clauses more Using

Week 1 Introductory phrases and clauses + more Using “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Grammar Lesson: Introductory words (transitions & names) and Introductory clauses (dependent clauses) need commas after them IF they appear before the independent clause in the sentence. An independent clause will have a subject (normally a noun) and predicate (a verb) and will be a complete thought. Examples: Independent clause (complete Introductory clauses (dependent clauses) sentence) (fragments) Subject in blue, predicate in green, and completion of the thought is underlined. I like to listen to loud music. Introductory words/Transitions Bill, will you please play that song again? Furthermore, I would like a higher volume. These will most likely begin with prepositions or adverbs such as: although, because, though, after, before, if, until, etc. Before you play that song, [understood you] please tell me the artist. Though I’ve never heard of him, I like his sound. Note: If these phrases come AFTER the independent clause, they do not need a comma. [Understood You] Please tell me the artist before you play that song. I like his sound though I’ve never heard of him.

Link to song #Mentor. Sentence. Monday Sunshine, she is here, so you can take a break. Why does “sunshine” have a comma after it? Find the two independent clauses in this sentence. What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to song Because I’m happy I feel like a room without a roof. Correct: Because I’m happy, I feel like a room without a roof. Grammar Rule: You must add commas after introductory clauses and phrases IF they are in front of the independent clause. Notice that it doesn’t need a comma after flipping it around: I feel like a room without a roof because I’m happy. Compound/Complex: Because I’m happy, I feel like a room without a roof, and nothing can hold me down. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence by adding punctuation. 2. After correcting the sentence, add a comma conjunction plus another COMPLETE sentence to the end of this corrected sentence to transform it into a compound/complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday 1. Whenever I’m feeling happy, here comes the bad news. However I should probably warn you that I will be just fine. A. No change B. Remove the comma after happy C. Add a comma after you D. Add a comma after however D. Because “However” is an introductory word. All introductory words need a comma. 2. Nothing can bring me down because my level is too high. If you feel like happiness is the truth, will be just fine. A. No change B. Add a comma after down C. Add a subject to make the 2 nd sentence a complete sentence D. Remove the comma before will C. Because “Will be just fine” nor “If you feel like happiness is the truth” are complete sentences. You can’t have an introductory clause paired with an incomplete sentence.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Because I’m happy, I feel like a room without a roof. Simile: the comparison of one thing to another thing of a different kind using like or as to make the description more vivid. Link to song Sunshine, she is here, so you can take a break. Personification: Giving inanimate objects human characteristics. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 2 Ways to combine sentences + more Using “Float On” by Modest Mouse

Grammar Lesson: To avoid run-on sentences, you must combine two independent clauses by using a comma conjunction (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So…FANBOYS) or a semicolon. You can also separate the independent clauses by using a period and starting a new sentence. Examples: Comma Conjunctions I am learning to play the guitar, but it is very hard for me to memorize the chords. I love listening to music, but I hate to dance. Note that you don’t need a comma when the conjunction isn’t followed by a complete sentence. I love listening to music and dancing. Semi-colons If I knew how to play the guitar well, I would sign up for the talent show; that would be an amazing experience.

Why do you think the writer changed the original lyric “car” to “ride? ” #Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to Song I backed my ride into a cop car the other day, but he just drove off; sometimes life is ok. Imagine this sentence broken into 3 different sentences. How would it sound? I backed my ride into a cop car the other day. He just drove off. Sometimes life is ok. Why do you think the writer chose to combine the last sentence with a semicolon rather than another comma conjunction? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to Song We’ll float on good news is on the way. Correct: We’ll float on; good news is on the way. Or… We’ll float on, and good news is on the way. Or… We’ll float on. Good news is on the way. Grammar Rule: “We’ll float on” and “Good news is on the way” are two independent clauses that must be combined using a semicolon, comma conjunction, or separated with a period to avoid run-on sentences. Compound/ Complex sentence example: Though we are having hard times, we’ll float on; good news is on the way. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence by adding punctuation. 2. Next, rewrite this compound sentence to transform it into a compound/ complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday 1. Resilient people don’t give in to anger or despair when faced with a setback. Instead, they tap into a greater purpose to bounce back stronger than ever. Highly resilient people 2. know that they will experience failures and tragedies but they have habits in place to overcome these inevitable setbacks. 1. A. No Change B. Add a comma before or C. Add a comma after or D. Add a comma before when 2. A. No Change B. Add a comma before and C. Add a comma before but D. Add a comma before and but A. Because the conjunction, or, doesn’t need a comma when it doesn’t combine two independent clauses. “Despair when faced with a setback” isn’t an independent clause. C. Because the conjunction, but, is combining an independent clause with another independent clause. See above for why you don’t need a comma with “and. ”

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to Song He took every last dime with that scam; it was Even if things get worth it just to learn from heavy, we’ll all his sleight of hand. float on alright. Idiom: An expression whose meaning is not predictable based on the individual meanings of the words that make up the phrase. Metaphor: A non-literal representation of a way to vividly describe something. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 3 Parallel Structure + more Using “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley

Grammar Lesson: All things in a list must follow the same grammatical pattern to form parallel structure. If the list is combined into one sentence, each item must be separated by a comma. Examples: Parallel Structure: Parallel Structure Sentence: Music gives life to the soul. I love to try new instruments, play Dance offers movement to the heart. Instruments deliver sound to the mind. V adj N V V adj N fresh music, and learn fancy chords.

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to song You need to rise in the morning and smile with the sun. How are the words in this sentence parallel? Why don’t you need a comma here? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to song Three little birds landed on a doorstep sang about a message and flew. Correct: Three little birds landed on a doorstep, sang about a message, and flew to a pier. Grammar Rule: All word parts of the list must be parallel and separated by commas. Complex: Because it was summer, three little birds landed on a doorstep, sang about a message, and flew to a pier. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, add a introductory clause in front of the corrected sentence to transform it into a complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday According to research, it is natural for us to worry. Studies suggest that there is an evolutionary link between our 1. tendency to worry our ability to learn, and our knack of planning. There is a link between high 2. intelligence and low anxiety. 1. A. No Change B. Add a comma after worry and change knack of planning to knack to planning. C. Change knack of planning to knack to plan D. Add a comma after worry and change knack of planning to knack to plan 2. A. No Change B. Add a comma before and C. Add a comma after and D. Change anxiety to a noun D. Because you need to separate the list with a comma and you must change “knack of planning” to match with “to learn” and “to worry. ” A. Because the sentence is parallel with matching adjectives and nouns.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to song Singin’ sweet songs Hint: This is technically a literary device and not a figure of speech, but like the answer to this, I want to keep my title “Figuresof. Speech. Friday Alliteration: Repetition of letters or sounds at the beginning of words The little birds are saying, “This is my message to you” Personification: Giving inanimate objects human characteristics, or technically Anthropomorphism which means giving human characteristics to animals. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 4 Colons and Dashes Using “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Grammar Lesson: Though technically interchangeable in most cases… use a colon (: ) before a list use a dash (--) before a “wait for it, wait for it” explanation and as a SUPER comma when you want the pause to be dramatic. Examples: Colon Example: The following skills are needed for Dash Examples: There’s really one thing I’m looking for in a good bass player—passion. bass players: desire to play, willingness to practice, and drive to succeed. Also notice the parallel structure in this list The best thing I’ve learned from music –to reluctantly narrow it down– is discipline.

Link to song #Mentor. Sentence. Monday Sometimes I feel like my only friend is the city I live in—The City of Angels. Why does the writer choose a dash instead of a comma? Why is “The City of Angels” capitalized ? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to song Take me to the places I love Las Angeles New York and Miami Correct: Take me to the places I love: Las Angeles, New York, and Miami. Grammar Rule: Use a colon before lists and separate lists with commas. Complex: Since I want to travel more, take me to the places I love: Las Angeles, New York, and Miami. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, add a introductory clause in front of the corrected sentence to transform it into a complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday Fareeda prefers to be alone. When she was little, her mother used to constantly 1. nag her to socialize, she still does: but Fareeda says that 2. she is pro-solitude. However studies show that social contact—whether wanted or not provides protection against the onset of mental health problems. 1. A. No Change B. socialize—she still does—but C. socialize, she still does but D. socialize she still does, but 2. A. No Change B. Add a comma after however C. Add a comma after however and add dash after not D. Add a dash after not B. Because this phrase must be separated from the main sentence since it can stand along, and B is the only option that completely does that. C. Because you need a comma after introductory words, and “whether wanted or not” needs to be separated from the main sentence.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to song City of Angels This is the translation of Las Angeles, but why did the writer choose these words instead? How does the connation of “angels” fit with the song’s theme? Many answers work, but here is one: He feels like a ghost in a busy city, and the word “angel” adds to this ghostly feeling. I drive on her streets. . she’s my companion. . she knows who I am. Personification: Giving inanimate objects human characteristics, or technically 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 5 Appositives + more Using “Electric Feel” by MGMT

Grammar Lesson: Appositives give more information about the subject of a sentence. If appositives are extra information that can be removed from the sentence, they are set aside by commas. Examples: Appositive at the Appositive in the start of a sentence: middle of the sentence: A bold innovator, Paul Mc. Cartney, the lead guitarist for the started a new style of music. Beatles, is a legend.

Link to Song #Mentor. Sentence. Monday I saw her, the girl of my dreams, in the Amazon with voltage running through her skin. Why does the writer add in the phrase, “the girl of my dreams”? Why is Amazon capitalized ? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to Song The girl a beauty I met in the Amazon has power in her hands. Correct: The girl, a beauty I met in the Amazon, has power in her hands. Grammar Rule: If appositives are extra information that can be removed from the sentence, they are set aside by commas. Simple: The girl I met has power in her hands. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, rewrite this sentence by transforming it into a simple sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday They both felt “tingly” 1. and “achy” common symptoms of lightning strikes for the rest of the day. An experienced 2. physician Dr. Smith told them that their handholding dispersed the electricity and saved their lives. 1. A. No Change B. “achy, ” common symptoms of lightning strikes for C. “achy, ” common symptoms of lightning strikes, for D. “achy, ” common symptoms of lightning strikes, but for 2. A. No Change B. Add a comma after physician and before and C. Add a comma after physician D. Add a comma before and C. Because “common symptom of lighting strikes” is extra information that can be removed from the sentence—an appositive set aside by commas. You don’t need a conjunction in this sentence. C. Because “An experienced physician” is an appositive at the start of the sentence giving more information about Dr. Smith. You don’t need a comma before “and” because “save their lives” isn’t a complete sentence.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to Song Plug it in/Turn me on/Voltage running through her skin Word choice: Why does the writer choose these words? Many answers work, but here is one: The writer is being clever because all of these words have a connection with “electricity. ” You shock me like an electric eel. Simile: the comparison of one thing to another thing of a different kind using like or as to make the description more vivid. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 6 Avoiding comma splices + more using “Brick House” by The Commodores

Grammar Lesson: Commas should never be used to splice (join) together run-on sentences or compound sentence elements. Don’t use commas where they aren’t needed, or it will result in a comma splice. Examples: Incorrect use of commas: Correct use of commas: Being in a band is fun, and cool. Furthermore, I would like a higher volume. I’m in a band, you should try it. Though I’ve never heard of him, I like his sound. I love listening to music, but I hate to dance. I love playing, singing, and drumming.

Link to Song #Mentor. Sentence. Monday She’s got everything a woman needs and knows how to use it. Why isn’t a comma needed here? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to Song She’s a brick house, ain’t holding nothing back. Correct: She’s a brick house, and she isn’t holding anything back. OR She’s a brick house; she isn’t holding anything back. Grammar Rule: Commas can’t spice together two sentences. You also can’t have double negatives in a sentence. Compound/Complex: Because she works out, she’s a brick house, and she isn’t holding anything back. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, add an introductory clause in front of the corrected sentence to transform it into a compound/complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday To maintain your 1. muscles, you should aim for 20 minutes of strength- training exercises three days a week. You should have one rest day in between sessions so that your 2. muscles have time to rest, and grow. 1. A. No Change B. To maintain your muscles you C. To maintain, your muscles you D. To maintain, your muscles, you 2. A. No Change B. time to rest and grow C. time to, rest, and grow D. time to, rest and grow A. Because “To maintain your muscles” is an introductory clause and needs a comma after it. B. Because you only use commas before conjunctions when you are combining two complete clauses.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to Song She’s a brick house. Metaphor: A non-literal representation of a way to vividly describe something. She is stacked; look at what a winning hand! Pun: A clever way of exposing different possible meanings of words. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 7 Prepositions + more using “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds ” by The Beatles

Grammar Lesson: Certain prepositions must follow certain words. You must try to avoid ending sentences with prepositions. Keep in mind that most introductory clauses/phrases (from week one) begin with prepositions and must be punctuated correctly. Common Prepositions Above Below Since Across Beside Through Incorrect After Between To Examples: At Beyond Until Before Down With Correct Prepositions in a sentence: In order for this to work _we must fix In order for this to work, we must fix the out the beside of tune guitar and plug the of tune guitar and plug in the mic in. Great extra practice link here: Prepositions

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to Song Why does the writer use the preposition “in” rather than “on? ” Picture yourself in a boat on a river with tangerine trees and marmalade skies. Why isn’t a comma needed here? What imagery does this word evoke? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to Song After she leaves follow her in a bridge from a fountain. Correct: After she leaves, follow her to the bridge in front of the fountain. Other answers will work also, but the prepositions need to make sense. Grammar Rule: Introductory clauses need commas after them when they are in front of the main clause. You also must use prepositions that make the directions clear. Compound/Complex: After she leaves, follow her to the bridge in front of the fountain, and you need to ask her out. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence by adding punctuation. 2. After correcting the sentence, add a comma conjunction after the corrected sentence to transform it into a compound/complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday I sympathize at the loss of creativity. It seems as though songs arrive out of nowhere, but you must have creativity to piece them 2. together and put a beat in. 1. A. No Change B. with the loss C. to the loss D. beside the loss 2. A. No Change B. put a beat down. C. put them in a beat. D. put them from a beat. B. Because “at the loss” isn’t standard. “With the loss” is a standard way of forming this phrase and preposition. C. Because you need to avoid ending sentences with prepositions and “in a beat” makes more sense than “from a beat”

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to Song The girl with kaleidoscope eyes. Metaphor: A non-literal representation of a way to vividly describe something. You have your head in the clouds. Idiom: An expression whose meaning is not predictable based on the individual meanings of the words that make up the phrase. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 8 Pronouns 1/me and we/us + more using “Mo Money Mo Problems” by Puff Daddy

Grammar Lesson: Subject pronouns are used in the subject (the thing doing or receiving the action) place of sentences and with being/linking verbs (is, was, were, been, etc. ). Object pronouns are used after prepositions and in the object place (the thing being acted upon) of sentences. Examples: Subject Pronouns 1 and We Object Pronouns Me and Us I am in a band, and we play everyday. I wish you would come play music with us. We fits, not Us Between you and me, I don’t like that Aaron and I are in a band too. It was I who told him about the band very much. Us fits, not We You should go play with Aaron and me. Trick: When you can’t decide which pronoun to use in a compound phrase, cross out the phrase in your mind and replace it with WE or US. If we fits, you use a subject pronoun. If us fits, you use an object pronoun.

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to clean version I don’t know what they want from me; it seems as if the more money we come across, the more problems we see. How is this sentence combined? Why is “I” not used here? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to clean version Between you and I I call the shots for daddy and I. Correct: Between you and me, I call of the shots for daddy and me. OR, Between you and me, I call of the shots for us. Grammar Rule: You must use subject pronouns in the subject place and object pronouns after prepositions and in the object place (remember to interchange “us” to help figure out the answer). Simple: I call of the shots for us. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this complex sentence into a simple sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday Often, my friends and I, think that we would be happier if we had more 2. money. Among us friends it was I who talked the most about how to make more money. 1. A. No Change B. my friends and me C. my friends and I D. my friends and me, 2. A. No Change B. Among, us friends we C. Among we friends, it was me D. Among us friends, it was I C. Because “I” is in the subject place, but you don’t need a comma after it. The comma stops the flow of the sentence. D. Because “among us friends” is a prepositional phrase (introductory clause) that needs a comma after it. Also, you must use a subject pronoun after being (linking) verbs.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to clean version I’m the young Harlem guy with the Goldie sound. Allusion: an expression designed to remind the reader of a prior knowledge from history, culture, or literature. *Goldie Locks- “just right sound” Data shows that richer people are happier than poorer people, but when wealth rises, happiness doesn’t. What do you call this contrast of reasoning? Paradox: a statement that contradicts itself. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 9 Pronouns She/he and him/her + more using “Tricky” by Run DMC

Grammar Lesson: Subject pronouns are used in the subject (the thing doing or receiving the action) place of sentences and with being/linking verbs (is, was, were, been, etc). Object pronouns are used after prepositions and in the object place (the thing being acted upon) of the sentence. Examples: Subject Pronouns 1/We, she/he Object Pronouns Me/Us, her/him She is in a band, and he plays with her. I wish you would come play music with her. Aaron and she are in a band too. Between you and him, I like your music the best. It was she who told him about the band. You should go play with Aaron and her. We fits, not Us Us fits, not We Trick: When you can’t decide which pronoun to use in a compound phrase, cross out the phrase in your mind and replace it with WE or US. If we fits, you use a subject pronoun. If us fits, you use an object pronoun.

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to song Ashley and she have slightly curly hair; they both say that it is naturally curly. Why is “she” used instead of “her? ” Why is a semicolon needed here? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to song Ashley and her tried to straighten their hair but it was tricky. Correct: Ashley and she tried to straighten their hair, but it was tricky. Grammar Rule: You must use subject pronouns in the subject place (remember to interchange “we” to help figure out the answer). You also need a comma conjunction to combine two sentences. Compound/complex: To get a new look, Ashley and she tried to straighten their hair, but it was tricky. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this compound sentence into a compound/complex by adding a prepositional phrase in front of the sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday 1. My dad and him are the only two people in our family who have curly hair. 2. Among us friends it was she who disliked having curly hair the most. 1. A. No Change B. my dad and he C. my dad, and he D. my dad, and him 2. A. No Change B. Among, us friends it was her C. Among us friends, it was her D. Among us friends, it was she B. Because “he” goes in the subject place, but you don’t need a comma after “dad”. The comma stops the flow of the sentence. D. Because “among us friends” is a prepositional phrase (introductory clause) that needs a comma after it. Also, you must use a subject pronoun after being (linking) verbs.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday To rock a rhyme that’s right on time Hint: This is technically a literary device and not a figure of speech, but like the answer to this, I want to keep my title “Figuresof. Speech. Friday Alliteration: Repetition of letters or sounds at the beginning of words Link to song She decided to be Brave today by channeling Princess Merida and letting her hair go all natural. Allusion: an expression designed to remind the reader of a prior knowledge from history, culture, or literature. *The Disney movie Brave 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 10 Indefinite Pronouns + more using “Move Your Body” by Beyoncé

Grammar Lesson: Indefinite Pronouns are words which replace nouns that are indefinite or vague in number. These pronouns much match in number with the rest of the sentence. Always Singular Always Plural Sometimes Singular or Plural Anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everything, neither, nobody, no one, somebody, someone Both, few, many, others, several All, any, more, most, some His, her Their, them You, yours Examples: Always Singular Everyone needs to bring his or her guitar to practice. Somebody left his or her mic last practice. Always Plural Singular or Plural Both of them are in the band. All of boys are great signers. Several of the girls like to sing. Though they messed up the song, all is forgiven.

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to song Everybody needs to move his or her body once in a while. Notice Beyoncé chooses the word “your” instead of “his or her. ” Why do you think this is? Hint: Pronouns “You” and “Your” can be singular or plural. Why is “his or her” used instead of “their? ” What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to song Nobody has never been harmed by a little sweat on their body. Correct: Nobody has ever been harmed by a little sweat on his or her body. Grammar Rule: “Nobody” is singular therefore “their” must be changed to singular. Also, you can’t have a double negative, so “never” must be changed to “ever. ” Compound: Nobody has ever been harmed by a little sweat on his or her body, so you need to get up and move. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this simple sentence into a compound sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday They give 1. everybody tips on how to improve their health by exercising more. 2. Few follow their advice though. 1. B. Because “everybody” A. No Change is singular, so you must B. everybody tips on how to use the singular “his or improve his or her. ” C. them tips on how to improve his or her D. everyone tips on how to improve their 2. A. No Change B. Few follow his or her C. Few follow them D. Not each follow their A. Because “few” is plural, so you must use the plural “their. ”

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Throw a lil swag on the swizzy beat. Hint: This is technically a literary device and not a figure of speech, but like the answer to this, I want to keep my title “Figuresof. Speech. Friday Alliteration: Repetition of letters or sounds at the beginning of words Link to song Make your body sizzle. Onomatopoeia: A formation of a word that makes the sound it’s associated with. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 11 Ambiguous and Vague Pronoun References + more using “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer

Grammar Lesson: Ambiguous and Vague Pronouns leave antecedents and the message of the sentence unclear or vague. Examples: Incorrect: The girl took her dog to the concert; she liked giving everyone big wet kisses. Aaron became good friends with Larry after he helped him get tickets to the concert. Correct: The girl took her dog to the concert; the dog enjoyed giving everyone big wet kisses. Aaron and Larry became good friends after Larry got him tickets to the concert.

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to song Ashley and Aaron went on a date; he wore dancing shoes, and she wore a nice dress. Why is “he” and “she” NOT vague in this sentence? Why do you need a semicolon here? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to song He wore that suit she wore that dress, but it didn’t fit well. Correct: He wore that suit; she wore that dress, but neither fit well. OR He wore that suit, and she wore that dress, but the dress didn’t fit well. Grammar Rule: It was unclear what didn’t fit well by using the ambiguous pronoun “it, ” so this needed to be clarified. Compound/Complex: Since they were going on a date, he wore that suit, and she wore that dress, but the dress didn’t fit well. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this compound sentence into a compound /complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday 1. Ashley and Angie dreamed of a fairytale romance, but it didn’t work out for her. Her boyfriends couldn’t live up to 2. her demands, so he left. 1. A. No Change B. They/her C. Ashley and Angie/Angie D. Everyone/her 2. A. No Change B. they C. them D. you C. Because “her” is ambiguous. We don’t know which girl it is referring to. B. Because “he” doesn’t fit with the plural “boyfriends. ” Since boyfriends is vague, we can say “they. ”

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Beside the green, green grass. Hint: This is technically a literary device and not a figure of speech, but like the answer to this, I want to keep my title “Figuresof. Speech. Friday Alliteration: Repetition of letters or sounds at the beginning of words Link to song Real love isn’t based on finding glass slippers—it’s based on respect, kindness, and commitment. Allusion: an expression designed to remind the reader of a prior knowledge from history, culture, or literature. *Cinderella 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 12 Passive Voice + more using “Sweet Dreams” by Annie Lennox

Grammar Lesson: Even though Passive Voice is grammatically correct, it is not supposed to be used in most forms of writing (technical writing such as science experiments is an exception). The ACT and most English teachers will deduct points for passive voice. To avoid passive voice, make sure that the subject of the sentence preforms the action. Examples: Passive Voice: Subject The tickets were bought by Aaron. Active Voice: Subject Aaron bought the tickets. Subject Early entry passes were passed out by The promotion team passed out early the promotion team. entry passes. Subject

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to song I traveled the world and the seven seas to find out that everybody is looking for something. Why don’t you need a comma before this “and? ” Who is the subject of the sentence and what is the action? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to song Sweet dreams are caused by a peaceful mind. Correct: A peaceful mind will cause sweet dreams. Grammar Rule: Avoid writing in passive voice by putting the subject in front of the action. Compound: Sweet dreams are caused by a peaceful mind, so you should try to clear your head before going to sleep. 1. Transform this sentence into an active voice sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this simple sentence into a compound sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday For centuries people have pondered the meaning of dreams. 1. 2. Dreams were thought of as having prophetic powers by the Greeks and Romans. 1. A. No Change B. people has pondered the meaning of dreams C. the meaning of dreams have been pondered on by people. D. the meaning of dreams has been pondered on by people. 2. A. No Change B. Greeks and Romans thought that dreams had prophetic powers. C. Dreams had prophetic powers as thought of by the Greeks and Romans. D. Greeks and Romans thought that dreams has prophetic powers. A. Because “people” is the subject, and they are the ones doing the action “ponder. ” B. Because “Greeks and Romans” are the ones doing the action “thinking. ” Also, dreams= plural /have

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to song I would sleep a thousand years if I were dreaming I traveled the world and about you. the seven seas, but Hyperbole: An exaggerated claim not meant to be taken literally. what I was looking for was right here all along. Irony: something that happens that is the opposite of what is expected or ends in a humorous outcome. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 13 Verb Tenses + more using “Somebody that I used to know” by Gotye

Grammar Lesson: You must not shift verb tenses in sentences unless the shift is necessary for the meaning of the sentence. Examples: Incorrect Correct Past They played at the venue all night then drive home. drove home. Present Past Perfect The Present concert has been sold out, and the stage is set up. Past Perfect The concert has been sold out, and the Past Perfect stage has been set up. *Notice that this sentence shifts verb tenses to make the meaning clear which is allowed. Present Future Aaron predicts that Larry will be asked to preform again.

Link to song #Mentor. Sentence. Monday I told myself that you were right for me, but I felt so lonely in your company. Locate all of the verbs. What tense are they? Why do you need a comma here? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to song You didn’t have to make out like it never happened you didn’t have to act like we are nothing. Correct: You didn’t have to make out like it never happened; you didn’t have to act like we were nothing. Grammar Rule: Don’t shift verb tenses. Compound/Complex: After we broke up, you didn’t have to make out like it never happened; you didn’t have to act like we were nothing. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this compound sentence into a compound/complex.

#Test. Prep. Thursday 1. Emotional pain and physical pain activate the same part of the brain and caused the same reactions. 2. 40 people who had been through a recent breakup had their brains scanning. 1. A. No Change B. brain, and cause C. brain and cause D. brain, and causes 2. A. No Change B. had been /scanned C. has been /scanned D. had been / scans C. Because “activate” is present tense so “cause” needs to be too. The comma would create a comma splice. B. Because “had been” is past tens so “scanned” must be also.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to song “Breakups are emotional roller coasters. Actually that’s not true. If a breakup was anything like a roller coaster the end would be visible from the start, you could say ‘no thanks’ to the ride and at the end of it, for a hefty sum the memory could be savored forever with a flimsy cardboard-framed photo” (“Your Body During a Breakup” 1). Analogy: This is to ____as that is to ______. A lengthy explanation in which one thing is compared to another. Many times analogies use similes and metaphors. You said you felt so happy you could die. Irony: something that happens or is said that is the opposite of what is expected or ends in a humorous outcome. or cliché or hyperbole or paradox 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 14 Irregular Verbs + more using “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

Grammar Lesson: You must use the perfect tense of irregular verbs when you use the words “have, has, had, or other forms of be” with them. Below are just 5 of MANY irregular verbs. See a larger list here: Link or listen to this teacher’s rap: Link Present tense Past Tense Perfect tense (add have, has, had, forms of be) Begin Began Begun Choose Chosen Drink Drank Drunk Eat Ate Eaten See Saw Examples: Seen We had already begun playing when the rain started. To be seen more, we need to advertise our band. He has chosen a new drum set to buy.

Link to song #Mentor. Sentence. Monday Mama, life had just begun, but now I’ve gone and thrown it all away. Locate the verbs “begun, ” “gone, ” and “thrown. ” Why is perfect tense used for these? Why do you need a comma after “mama” and before “but? ” What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to song I just seen my life get threw away. Correct: I just saw my life get thrown away. Grammar Rule: saw=simple past get thrown= form of be word and past perfect Complex: I just saw my life get thrown away because I messed up. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this simple sentence into a complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday 1. The study began by testing impulsive reactions to pictures. The results of the 2. study have been saw by hundreds of researchers I saw the results myself yesterday. 1. A. No Change B. begun C. has began D. have began 2. A. No Change B. saw/ researchers I seen C. seen/ researchers, I saw D. seen /researchers; I saw A. Because “began” is the simple past tense of begin. D. Because you need to use the past perfect tense of “see” with “have been. ” Also you need to avoid a run-on sentence by using a semicolon.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to song Sent shivers down my spine Hint: This is technically a literary device and not a figure of speech, but like the answer to this, I want to keep my title “Figuresof. Speech. Friday Alliteration: Repetition of letters or sounds at the beginning of words So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye? Allusion: an expression designed to remind the reader of a prior knowledge from history, culture, or literature. *Biblical allusion to “he who casts the first stone” 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 15 Subject Verb Agreement + more using “Seven Nation Army” by White Stripes

Grammar Lesson: Subjects and verbs must match so as to have correct subject verb agreement. This rule may become tricky when using collective nouns, compound subjects, and separated subjects and verbs. Examples: Collective Nouns He Compound Subjects They Separated Subjects and Verbs The army troop is getting The army troop and navy The delivery of this month’s generals are getting a a free concert. music magazine has been the The band sees how hard The band singers see highlight of my day. The bulk of the writing in the how hard they work. Trick: When in doubt, replace a singular noun with “he” and a plural noun with “they” to test out the verb choice. magazine is about new music

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to song A seven nation army is not going to hold me back because my friends and I are going to fight them off. Locate the nouns in this sentence. Then, decide why the verbs “is” and “are” are used. Why do you use the word “I” instead of “me? ” What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link to song The Queen of England, and everyone else knows about it. Correct: The Queen of England everyone else know about it. Grammar Rule: Compound subject = “they” know. The comma isn’t needed and is therefore a comma splice. Complex: Because it is on social media, The Queen of England everyone else know about it. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this simple sentence into a complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday The law say men must register with the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18 th 2. birthday. Men who do not register with the Selective Service will be in violation of the law. 1. A. No Change B. laws says C. law say D. law says 2. A. No Change B. Man who do not C. Men that do not D. Men who does not D. “Law” = singular “says” = singular A. “men” = plural “do” = plural “men”= person “who”= person (not “that”)

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday A seven nation army couldn’t hold me back. Hyperbole: An exaggerated claim not meant to be taken literally Link to song I’m going to Wichita, far from this opera for evermore. Metaphor: A non-literal representation of a way to vividly describe something. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 16 Subjunctive Mood + more using “If I Were a Boy” by Beyoncé

Grammar Lesson: You use regular subject verb agreement in all cases EXCEPT when a statement is wishful or hypothetical. This is called subjunctive mood. Examples: Regular Subject Verb Agreement Irregular Subjunctive Mood Agreement I was going to play in the band, but If I were a better player, I would have they didn’t accept me. gotten in the band. He was a really good drum player. I wish he were in our band because he is a really good drum player.

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to song If I were a boy, I would put myself first and make rules as I go. Why is “were” used rather than the singular “was? ” Why do you need a comma after boy? Why don’t you need a comma before “and? ” What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday I wish I was a boy, so that I could turn off my phone tell everyone it’s broken. Link to song Correct: I wish I were a boy so that I could turn off my phone and tell everyone it’s broken. Grammar Rule: “I wish” is a hypothetical statement so you use “were. ” “that I would turn. . ” isn’t a complete sentence, so you don’t use a comma conjunction. The fragment must be fixed also. Complex: He is a boy, so he can turn off his phone and tell everyone it’s broken. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this sentence into a non-hypothetical sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday If I was an administrator I would look at the school data to see if girls and boys are learning equally. 2. I wish she were more aware of the gender bias at school. 1. A. No Change B. If I were an administrator I would C. If I were an administrator, I would D. If I was an administrator, I would 2. A. No Change B. I wish she was C. I wish, she were D. I wish, she was C. “If” = Hypothetical. Therefore, you need to use the subjunctive “were. ” Also, introductory clauses need a comma after them. A. “wish” = hypothetical. Therefore, the subjunctive “were” is used.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday Link to song If I were a boy, I would kick it with who I wanted. Idiom: An expression whose meaning is not predictable based on the individual meanings of the words that make up the phrase. Pun: A clever way of exposing different possible meanings of words. 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 17 Adverbs + more using “Quickly” by John Legend

Grammar Lesson: When adverbs are used to modify verbs, they will end in –ly. If you want an adverb to say “good, ” you must use “well. ” Examples: Correct Adverb Use Incorrect Adverb Use He can play the banjo really good. He can play the banjo really well. His hands move so quick that I can’t His hands move so quickly that I can’t keep up.

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link to song The doctor told me that I’m dying slowly, so will you please love me quickly? Find the adverbs and the verbs they modify in this sentence. Why do you need a comma before “so? ” What makes this a well-written sentence?

Link to song #Transform. It. Tuesday I hope that you are doing good, because I want you to fall in love with me quick. Correct: I hope that you are doing well because I want you fall in love with me quickly. Grammar Rule: Doing=verb/well= adverb, fall= verb/ quickly= adverb. “Because” doesn’t need a comma since this dependent phrase isn’t at the start of the sentence. Compound/Complex: I hope that you are doing well because I want you fall in love with me quickly; don’t waste any time. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this complex sentence into a compound/complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday In order to know someone good you need to spend a lot of time with them. 2. However, studies show that falling in love happens much more quick. 1. A. No Change B. In order to know someone well you C. In order to know someone well, you D. In order to know someone good, you 2. A. No Change B. However / quickly C. However/ quick D. However, / quickly C. “know”= verb, “well” = adverb. Also, you need a comma after introductory clauses. D. “happens” = verb “quickly” = adverb. You need a comma after transition words.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday The news said the sky is falling. Idiom: An expression whose meaning is not predictable based on the individual meanings of the words that make up the phrase. Or allusion to a children’s book Link to song Kiss me like the world is quacking and like the earth is shaking. Simile: the comparison of one thing to another thing of a different kind using like or as to make the description more vivid. And Parallel Structure 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 18 Comparative and Superlative Adjectives + more using “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams *****for the summertime song scroll down****

Grammar Lesson: Comparative and superlative adjectives are used to compare. Normally, if words are 1 syllable, you add –er or –est to the end. If words are 2 syllables and end in Y, you ad –ier -iest to the end If words are 2 -3 syllables or more, you use “more” or “most. ” If an adjective is irregular, you must memorize the correct form. Good/better/best Bad/worse/worst Little/less/least Far/farthest (measurable distance) Far/Further/ furthest (abstract distance) Examples: 1 Syllable That guitar is nice, but the one I have is nicer. 2 Syllable ending in Y I’m happy with my progress, but I would be a lot happier if I knew how to play that song. The nicest one I have found I’m happiest when I’m listening costs a lot of money. to music. 2 -3+ Syllables He was the most famous musician I’ve ever met. 1 rregular His singing was bad, but I’ve heard the worst, and that wasn’t it. The signer was more To push my musical career further, interesting than the drummer. I’m going to start networking.

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link for song It’s the most wonderful time of the year; it’s the happiest season of all. Why do you use “most” with wonderful but –iest with happy? Why do you need a semicolon here? What makes this a well-written sentence?

Link for song #Transform. It. Tuesday Everyone are cheery but he is the most cheeriest of all. Correct: Everyone is cheery, but he is the cheeriest of all. Grammar Rule: Everyone= singular, a comma conjunction is needed to join complete sentences, and “cheery” ends in y and is two syllables so add –iest ( you can’t double up by using “most cheeriest”) Compound/Complex: Because it is the holidays, everyone is cheery, but he is the cheeriest of all. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this compound sentence into a compound/complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday On the most bright days of the year, we get lots of sunshine which will boost our mood. 1. 2. Finding sunnier rooms in the winter will further enhance your health. 1. A. No Change B. more bright C. brightiest D. brightest 2. A. No Change B. sunniest/farther C. sunnier/ farther D. sunnier/ furthest C. Bright= 1 syllable so add “-est) to the end. A. Sunny= 2 syllables ending in Y so add “-ier” further is used to describe abstract distances.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday There’ll be parties for hosting and marshmallows for toasting. Hint: This is a literary device which uses matching. Parallel Structure: All things in a list following the same grammatical pattern Link for song “Marshmallows for toasting” is imagery that mostly appeals to your sense of _____ Imagery: Words that appeal to your 5 senses. Marshmallows= sense of taste 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.

Week 18 Comparative and Superlative Adjectives + more using “Summer Time” DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince

Grammar Lesson: Comparative and superlative adjectives are used to compare. Normally, if words are 1 syllable, you add –er or –est to the end. If words are 2 syllables and end in Y, you ad –ier -iest to the end If words are 2 -3 syllables or more, you use “more” or “most. ” If an adjective is irregular, you must memorize the correct form. Good/better/best Bad/worse/worst Little/less/least Far/farthest (measurable distance) Far/Further/ furthest (abstract distance) Examples: 1 Syllable That guitar is nice, but the one I have is nicer. 2 Syllable ending in Y I’m happy with my progress, but I would be a lot happier if I knew how to play that song. The nicest one I have found I’m happiest when I’m listening costs a lot of money. to music. 2 -3+ Syllables He was the most famous musician I’ve ever met. 1 rregular His singing was bad, but I’ve heard the worst, and that wasn’t it. The signer was more To push my musical career further, interesting than the drummer. I’m going to start networking.

#Mentor. Sentence. Monday Link for song In the summertime, school is the furthest thing from my mind; it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Why do you use “furthest” instead of “farthest? ” Why do you use “most” with wonderful? What makes this a well-written sentence?

#Transform. It. Tuesday Link for song Everyone are happy but the teacher is the most happiest of all. Correct: Everyone is happy, but the teacher is the happiest of all. Grammar Rule: Everyone= singular, a comma conjunction is needed to join complete sentences, and “happy” ends in y and is two syllables so add –iest ( you can’t double up by using “most happiest”) Compound/Complex: Everyone is happy, but the teacher is the happiest of all because he is going to Europe over break. 1. Transform this sentence into a correct sentence. 2. After correcting the sentence, transform this compound sentence into a compound/complex sentence.

#Test. Prep. Thursday On the most bright days 1. 1. A. No Change of the year, we get lots of B. more bright sunshine which will boost C. brightiest D. brightest our mood and health. 2. Yet, school reformers once believed that the hottest schools were responsible for spreading disease the furthest. 2. A. No Change B. most hot/farthest C. hottest/ farthest D. most hot/ furthest C. Bright= 1 syllable so add “-est) to the end. A. hot= 1 syllable so add “-est” furthest is used to describe abstract distances.

#Figures. Of. Speech. Friday School is out; windows are down; music is in. Hint: This is a literary device which uses matching. Parallel Structure: All things in a list following the same grammatical pattern Link for song “As I think back makes me wonder how The smell from a grill could spark up nostalgia” is imagery that mostly appeals to your sense of _____ Imagery: Words that appeal to your 5 senses. Smell of a grill = sense of smell 1. Decide which figure of speech is being used in each clause. 2. Decipher the deeper meaning of each sentence.