Let's discuss irregular verbs!
Recall that regular verbs are formed by just taking the present tense verb and adding "-ed" to the end. An example of that would be the verb "yell." The past tense, because it's a regular verb, would be "yelled."
An irregular verb, however, does not follow that "nice" rule about adding "-ed" to the end for the past tense. Irregular verbs have a completely different word used.
Let's look at some examples.
1.)
Present tense: run
Past tense: ran
2.)
Present tense: shake
Past tense: shook
3.)
Present tense: shine
Past tense: shone
For a list of some irregular verbs, visit
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/eslirrverb.html
and
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwesl/egw/verbs.htm.
Check out those sites, pick 1 irregular verb, come back here, and post the following things: the present tense form, the irregular past tense form, and then use that past tense form in a correctly written sentence.
I'll start!
Present tense: awake
Past tense: awoke
Sentence: Last week, I awoke to the sound of a honking horn.
Now you try!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Writing Terminology
No matter what test you're doing (GED, FCAT, SAT, etc.)or homework assignment you may be working on, there are some basic terms associated with essay writing. In fact, if you've ever attended one of the online workshops about essay writing, you've probably heard these terms used.
Try this Quia "Rags to Riches" game that tests your knowledge of writing terminology. It's ok if you don't know all of the terms; for those that you don't know, however, consider writing them down and making flash cards to help you learn them!
Once you complete the game, come back here & blog about your results. Was this a review for you or did you learn something new? What terms (if any) were you not familiar with, but learned after doing the activity? What was your final score? Did you enjoy this activity?
Quia game link: http://www.quia.com/rr/311270.html
(Please note that although this game is referencing the FCAT test, everything presented is still 100% valid for those who are not doing the FCAT. Feel free to share this with any friends or relatives who are working on their FCAT writing skills, as this can help them too.)
Have fun!!!
Try this Quia "Rags to Riches" game that tests your knowledge of writing terminology. It's ok if you don't know all of the terms; for those that you don't know, however, consider writing them down and making flash cards to help you learn them!
Once you complete the game, come back here & blog about your results. Was this a review for you or did you learn something new? What terms (if any) were you not familiar with, but learned after doing the activity? What was your final score? Did you enjoy this activity?
Quia game link: http://www.quia.com/rr/311270.html
(Please note that although this game is referencing the FCAT test, everything presented is still 100% valid for those who are not doing the FCAT. Feel free to share this with any friends or relatives who are working on their FCAT writing skills, as this can help them too.)
Have fun!!!
Writing- Word of the Day
I found a neat website called DailyWritingTips.com and on there they have a "word of the day" section. If you click that link above, you're brought to the archive area where you can see past words of the day.
There are tons of great words there that you may not know. I'd like you to visit that site (DailyWritingTips.com/), find a word you do not currently know (or know well), and click on it. When you do that, you'll see the word and its definition. Come back here & post two words their definitions so we can all learn new words.
I'll start!
Word of the Day: Meritocracy
Meritocracy (mĕr’ĭ-tŏk’rə-sē) is a system where the advancement of individuals is based on their performance and ability. American companies, for instance, are said to be more meritocratic than Italian ones, where nepotism (family connections) prevail.
Now you try!
There are tons of great words there that you may not know. I'd like you to visit that site (DailyWritingTips.com/), find a word you do not currently know (or know well), and click on it. When you do that, you'll see the word and its definition. Come back here & post two words their definitions so we can all learn new words.
I'll start!
Word of the Day: Meritocracy
Meritocracy (mĕr’ĭ-tŏk’rə-sē) is a system where the advancement of individuals is based on their performance and ability. American companies, for instance, are said to be more meritocratic than Italian ones, where nepotism (family connections) prevail.
Now you try!
Vocabulary- Words with Multiple Meanings (Math)
The English language can be tricky because so many words have more than one meaning. This blog post is going to focus on some math terms that you know (and love) that have multiple meanings. Let's examine a few.
Fraction:In math, a fraction would be represented by values like 1/2, 1/4, or 5/8.
In general terms, a fraction means just a portion of something.
Example sentence: Sally completed just a fraction of her work for the day.
Area:In math, area is the amount of flat space that a figure covers. Depending on the figure, there are different formulas to use to calculate that specific value.
In general terms, area means a certain section of land or space.
Example sentence: This particular area of North Carolina is beautiful.
Volume:In math, volume is the amount of 3-dimensional space that something takes up, such as a box or a basketball.
In general terms, it could mean the amount of sound.
Example sentence: The volume of his radio is too loud for me.
Can you think of more math words that have dual meanings? Take a look at the list found at http://www.mathwords.com/a_to_z.htm. Be sure to scroll down since there are a ton of words to see! Find a word that has a particular meaning in math, but then a different meaning when it's used outside of a math context. Post your word, the math definition, and then try to give your best definition of what the word means outside of math. Lastly, use that word's non-math version in a sentence (similar to what I showed you above).
Fraction:In math, a fraction would be represented by values like 1/2, 1/4, or 5/8.
In general terms, a fraction means just a portion of something.
Example sentence: Sally completed just a fraction of her work for the day.
Area:In math, area is the amount of flat space that a figure covers. Depending on the figure, there are different formulas to use to calculate that specific value.
In general terms, area means a certain section of land or space.
Example sentence: This particular area of North Carolina is beautiful.
Volume:In math, volume is the amount of 3-dimensional space that something takes up, such as a box or a basketball.
In general terms, it could mean the amount of sound.
Example sentence: The volume of his radio is too loud for me.
Can you think of more math words that have dual meanings? Take a look at the list found at http://www.mathwords.com/a_to_z.htm. Be sure to scroll down since there are a ton of words to see! Find a word that has a particular meaning in math, but then a different meaning when it's used outside of a math context. Post your word, the math definition, and then try to give your best definition of what the word means outside of math. Lastly, use that word's non-math version in a sentence (similar to what I showed you above).
Writing-Let's Celebrate Dictionary Day!
Did you know that October 16th, was "Dictionary Day?" Did you know such a thing existed? If you've participated in other blog topics, you've probably had a chance to use an online dictionary.
Fun Fact: Noah Webster, considered the Father of the American Dictionary, was born on October 16, 1758. Webster began to write his dictionary at the age of 43 and completed the dictionary 27 years later.
Take a look at this online dictionary, http://www.merriam-webster.com. On there, they have a "Word of the Day" category and even an archive where you can see past words of the day!
So, to celebrate "Dictionary Day" I'd like you to visit the Merriam-Webster online dictionary's word of the day. To get there, click this link: http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/wodcalendar.pl. Pick any word or date you want & click on that word. You'll see the word, a definition, and an example sentence. Come back here & post at least three results!
I'll start!
kvell
\KVEL\
verb
to be extraordinarily proud, rejoice
Example Sentence: Critics kvelled over the violinist's triumphant return to the stage where she had made her debut many years ago.
Fun Fact: Noah Webster, considered the Father of the American Dictionary, was born on October 16, 1758. Webster began to write his dictionary at the age of 43 and completed the dictionary 27 years later.
Take a look at this online dictionary, http://www.merriam-webster.com. On there, they have a "Word of the Day" category and even an archive where you can see past words of the day!
So, to celebrate "Dictionary Day" I'd like you to visit the Merriam-Webster online dictionary's word of the day. To get there, click this link: http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/wodcalendar.pl. Pick any word or date you want & click on that word. You'll see the word, a definition, and an example sentence. Come back here & post at least three results!
I'll start!
kvell
\KVEL\
verb
to be extraordinarily proud, rejoice
Example Sentence: Critics kvelled over the violinist's triumphant return to the stage where she had made her debut many years ago.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sharing Websites
Many of us visit websites often that we find interesting, fun or informative.
Please share at least one of these websites with us. List the website address, explain the website and tell us why you think it is worth sharing.
Let me start with one site:
http://www.walkthetalk.com/pages/inspirational-movies.htm
It is a website that provides motivational messages for individuals,business leaders and even teens.
My favorite part of the site are the motivational movies. Whenever I can use a "pick me up" I watch a short movie. I think we can all benefit from a short movie to motivate us!
Thank you Shenea for this blog idea!
Please share at least one of these websites with us. List the website address, explain the website and tell us why you think it is worth sharing.
Let me start with one site:
http://www.walkthetalk.com/pages/inspirational-movies.htm
It is a website that provides motivational messages for individuals,business leaders and even teens.
My favorite part of the site are the motivational movies. Whenever I can use a "pick me up" I watch a short movie. I think we can all benefit from a short movie to motivate us!
Thank you Shenea for this blog idea!
Commonly Misued Words: Then and Than
It's very easy to mistakenly type one letter and change the whole meaning of a word. Take, for example, the words "then" and "than." Those have very different meanings and usages.
The word "then" is used when referring to a time or an order of events. Look at the examples below.
She opened up her purse and then took out the car keys.
First, put the bread in the toaster. Then turn it on and wait.
The word "than" is used when making a comparison between things. Look at the examples below.
I like cookies more than I like ice cream.
Henry buys broccoli less often than carrots.
Show me how you'd correctly use the words "then" and "than." Write one sentence illustrating usage of each word.
The word "then" is used when referring to a time or an order of events. Look at the examples below.
She opened up her purse and then took out the car keys.
First, put the bread in the toaster. Then turn it on and wait.
The word "than" is used when making a comparison between things. Look at the examples below.
I like cookies more than I like ice cream.
Henry buys broccoli less often than carrots.
Show me how you'd correctly use the words "then" and "than." Write one sentence illustrating usage of each word.
Commonly Misued Words: Accept & Except
By making an effort to correctly use all words in your writing, you can see big improvements in overall quality. What you say (and write) is a representation of you. If you went to the mall, you'd probably try to not mistakenly wear your shirt backwards or inside-out. With writing, it's the same way!
Another set of common misused words are the terms "accept" and "except." These aren't truly homonyms (words that are pronounced the same, but have different meanings), as they are said two different ways.
The word "accept" is used when talking about receiving something. Two examples are below.
I have accepted the new job offer.
My mailman asked if I'd accept the package on behalf of my neighbor.
The word "except" is used when excluding or leaving something out. Two examples are below.
I like many vegetables except broccoli and cauliflower.
Everyone came to the party except for my sister and her boyfriend.
Practice using those two terms. Write one sentence that shows the correct way to use each word, "accept" and "except."
Another set of common misused words are the terms "accept" and "except." These aren't truly homonyms (words that are pronounced the same, but have different meanings), as they are said two different ways.
The word "accept" is used when talking about receiving something. Two examples are below.
I have accepted the new job offer.
My mailman asked if I'd accept the package on behalf of my neighbor.
The word "except" is used when excluding or leaving something out. Two examples are below.
I like many vegetables except broccoli and cauliflower.
Everyone came to the party except for my sister and her boyfriend.
Practice using those two terms. Write one sentence that shows the correct way to use each word, "accept" and "except."
Writing- The Most Important Proper Noun
We've discussed proper nouns before. But what do you think is the most important proper noun of all? I bet you wouldn't be surprised to hear that it's your own name!
How many times each day do you write (or type) your name? It's probably many more times than you really think! Your name should always be written just the way you'd write any other proper noun (such as "Coca Cola," "Pepsi," "New York City," or "Florida"). The first letter of each name should be capitalized. But do you do that? Do you always do that?
No matter if it's an email, a blog post, a text or signing in to an online workshop, your name should always be typed with the first letter of each part being capitalized! Sometimes we all feel a bit lazy, and it might be easier to not capitalize it, but that's not right. You are important! Your name is important! Write it in a way that shows the importance!
*** Remember that on the blog, you can type your full first name and just the last initial! ***
Write one short sentence telling me what you hope to do before the end of the year. Then, be sure to correctly sign (type) your name at the end. Here's an example.
By the end of 2010, I hope to have met most of my New Year resolutions.
-Lourdes P.
How many times each day do you write (or type) your name? It's probably many more times than you really think! Your name should always be written just the way you'd write any other proper noun (such as "Coca Cola," "Pepsi," "New York City," or "Florida"). The first letter of each name should be capitalized. But do you do that? Do you always do that?
No matter if it's an email, a blog post, a text or signing in to an online workshop, your name should always be typed with the first letter of each part being capitalized! Sometimes we all feel a bit lazy, and it might be easier to not capitalize it, but that's not right. You are important! Your name is important! Write it in a way that shows the importance!
*** Remember that on the blog, you can type your full first name and just the last initial! ***
Write one short sentence telling me what you hope to do before the end of the year. Then, be sure to correctly sign (type) your name at the end. Here's an example.
By the end of 2010, I hope to have met most of my New Year resolutions.
-Lourdes P.
Customer Service
In almost every position, good customer service is invaluable. Whether you are a doctor, teacher, attorney, administrative assistant, clerk, technology representative,construction, realator, hair dresser, sales associate and on and on.....customer service is key! Remember you may not work with outside customers but even your fellow co-workers should/can be considered customers.
Please read these valuable customer service "words" shared by Steve Ventura in the book Serve Right
TALKING YOUR WAY TO BETTER SERVICE
The 10 important words to say:
I apologize for our (my) mistake. Let me make it right.
The 9 important words to say:
Thank you for your business. Please come back again.
The 8 important words to say:
I’m not sure, but I will find out.
The 7 important words to say:
What else can I do for you?
The 6 important words to say:
What is most convenient for you?
The 5 important words to say:
How may I serve you?
The 4 important words to say:
How did we (I) do?
The 3 important words to say:
Glad you’re here!
The 2 important words to say:
Thank you.
The 1 important word to say:
Yes.
Share your comments on these customer service "words". What words work for you or have worked "on" you?
Please read these valuable customer service "words" shared by Steve Ventura in the book Serve Right
TALKING YOUR WAY TO BETTER SERVICE
The 10 important words to say:
I apologize for our (my) mistake. Let me make it right.
The 9 important words to say:
Thank you for your business. Please come back again.
The 8 important words to say:
I’m not sure, but I will find out.
The 7 important words to say:
What else can I do for you?
The 6 important words to say:
What is most convenient for you?
The 5 important words to say:
How may I serve you?
The 4 important words to say:
How did we (I) do?
The 3 important words to say:
Glad you’re here!
The 2 important words to say:
Thank you.
The 1 important word to say:
Yes.
Share your comments on these customer service "words". What words work for you or have worked "on" you?
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Writing- Common Misspellings
When writing, you want to focus on the ideas and how you're conveying them. But don't let your ideas get overshadowed by misspellings. To see a more complete list of the most common misspelled words, visit this link
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0781709.html
I've picked a few words from that list. Now you get to practice using the word and spelling it correctly. Please select a word and use it in a sentence.
believe
changeable
definite
embarrass
government
grateful
guarantee
independent
knowledge
library
night
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0781709.html
I've picked a few words from that list. Now you get to practice using the word and spelling it correctly. Please select a word and use it in a sentence.
believe
changeable
definite
embarrass
government
grateful
guarantee
independent
knowledge
library
night
Tell me a story-October's edition
There's nothing worse than writing because you're forced to do so. Not every writing task should be like that, so let's have some fun and do a "tell me a story" blog!
I'll give you some key terms that I'd like you to weave into your story. You can make your entries funny, serious, informative, or persuasive. It's up to you. The only "rules" are that you should write your entries correctly and, most importantly, you have to enjoy this task! :-)
Here are the key words to use.
October
Weather
clouds
Candy
I look forward to seeing what you submit!!!
Please include your name (if anonymous) and spell check before you submit.
I'll give you some key terms that I'd like you to weave into your story. You can make your entries funny, serious, informative, or persuasive. It's up to you. The only "rules" are that you should write your entries correctly and, most importantly, you have to enjoy this task! :-)
Here are the key words to use.
October
Weather
clouds
Candy
I look forward to seeing what you submit!!!
Please include your name (if anonymous) and spell check before you submit.
Commonly Misued Words: Witch and Which
Happy October!
With Halloween around the corner, this next blog post is about the words "witch" and "which" is quite appropriate. These words, like many of the others that we've discussed during the "Commonly Misused Words" topics, are homonyms or homophones. They're pronounced almost identically, but have very different meanings. Let's look at each one a bit closer!
The word "witch" is meant to be used when describing the Halloween character who has the pointy hat, pointy shoes, and rides a broom. It can also be used to describe a nasty, mean-spirited person.
The word "which" can be used as a pronoun, as in the example below.
"Which of these should we buy?"
It can also be used as an adjective, shown in the example below.
"I spent the day at the mall, during which time my car was being fixed."
Probably the easiest way to remember this is to ask yourself if you're talking about a person or character. If that's not what you mean, then go with the word "which."
Can you write two sentences that show how to use the words "witch" and "which" correctly? Give it a try now!
With Halloween around the corner, this next blog post is about the words "witch" and "which" is quite appropriate. These words, like many of the others that we've discussed during the "Commonly Misused Words" topics, are homonyms or homophones. They're pronounced almost identically, but have very different meanings. Let's look at each one a bit closer!
The word "witch" is meant to be used when describing the Halloween character who has the pointy hat, pointy shoes, and rides a broom. It can also be used to describe a nasty, mean-spirited person.
The word "which" can be used as a pronoun, as in the example below.
"Which of these should we buy?"
It can also be used as an adjective, shown in the example below.
"I spent the day at the mall, during which time my car was being fixed."
Probably the easiest way to remember this is to ask yourself if you're talking about a person or character. If that's not what you mean, then go with the word "which."
Can you write two sentences that show how to use the words "witch" and "which" correctly? Give it a try now!
Writing-Using Hyphens Correctly (Part 5)
As we continue on with our blog discussions about using hyphens correctly, we reach part 5. (Who knew there were this many "rules" for hyphen usage? I certainly didn't!)
Rule: Use a hyphen between a prefix and a capitalized word.
Remember that a prefix is a word part that comes at the beginning of the word. For more information on prefixes and to see a list of some common ones, click this link or this one!)
Examples:
My mother loves to study the pre-Civil War era.
Charlie spilled spaghetti sauce on his white T-shirt.
When it comes to computers, I am very pro-Dell.
Some parts of the world have anti-American feelings.
Tell me what you think about this rule for hyphens? Does it seem logical? Do you think you can incorporate it into your writing (when necessary)? Did you know about this rule before? Have you seen this used correctly in other things you've read lately?
Please share your thoughts be using 2-4 complete sentences.
Rule: Use a hyphen between a prefix and a capitalized word.
Remember that a prefix is a word part that comes at the beginning of the word. For more information on prefixes and to see a list of some common ones, click this link or this one!)
Examples:
My mother loves to study the pre-Civil War era.
Charlie spilled spaghetti sauce on his white T-shirt.
When it comes to computers, I am very pro-Dell.
Some parts of the world have anti-American feelings.
Tell me what you think about this rule for hyphens? Does it seem logical? Do you think you can incorporate it into your writing (when necessary)? Did you know about this rule before? Have you seen this used correctly in other things you've read lately?
Please share your thoughts be using 2-4 complete sentences.
Writing-Using Hyphens Correctly (Part 4)
Here's the next bit about using hyphens correctly so your writing is the best it can be.
Rule: Use a hyphen with terms that involve numbers and letters.
Examples (Part 1): early-1980s, mid-1990s, late-2000s
Example (Part 2): The Olympic gymnast, Nastia Luiken, scored high-9s on her routines in order to win the gold medal.
Now it's your turn. Write two sentences that correctly illustrates this rule for using hyphens.
Please make sure to review your post before submitting it.
Rule: Use a hyphen with terms that involve numbers and letters.
Examples (Part 1): early-1980s, mid-1990s, late-2000s
Example (Part 2): The Olympic gymnast, Nastia Luiken, scored high-9s on her routines in order to win the gold medal.
Now it's your turn. Write two sentences that correctly illustrates this rule for using hyphens.
Please make sure to review your post before submitting it.
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