Writing
7 Personal
Narrative
8 Literature
Models
10
Features of Personal Narrative
12 Writing
Process
12 Prewrite
14
Research and Inquiry
16 Draft
18 Revise
22 Proofread/Edit
24 Publish
26 Writing
Rubric
27 Persuasive
Writing
28 Literature
Models
30
Features of Persuasive Writing
32 Writing
Process
32 Prewrite
34
Research and Inquiry
36 Draft
38 Revise
42 Proofread/Edit
44 Publish
46 Writing
Rubric
47
Fictional Narrative: A Story
48 Literature
Models
50
Features of a Story
52 Writing
Process
52 Prewrite
54
Research and Inquiry
56 Draft
58 Revise
62 Proofread/Edit
64 Publish
66 Writing
Rubric
3
Writing
67
Expository Writing: Research Report
68 Literature
Models
70
Features of Explanatory Writing
72 Writing
Process
72 Prewrite
74
Research and Inquiry
76 Draft
78 Revise
82 Proofread/Edit
84 Publish
86 Writing
Rubric
87
Expository Writing: Writing That Compares
88 Literature
Models
90
Features of Descriptive Writing
92 Writing
Process
92 Prewrite
94
Research and Inquiry
96 Draft
98 Revise
102 Proofread/Edit
104 Publish
106 Writing
Rubric
107
Expository Writing: A How-to
108 Literature
Models
110
Features of Expository Writing:
112 Writing
Process
112 Prewrite
114
Research and Inquiry
116 Draft
118 Revise
122 Proofread/Edit
124 Publish
126 Writing
Rubric
4
Writing
128 Composition
128
Main Idea and Supporting Details
129 Outlining
130 Organization
131 Writing
Descriptions
132 Writing
Dialogue
133
Leads and Endings
134 Writing
Forms
134 Book
Review
135 Research
Report
136 Humorous
Play
137 Poem
Grammar
138
Grammar and Usage
138 Sentences
142 Nouns
145 Verbs
150 Pronouns
152 Adjectives
156 Adverbs
158
Negatives and Prepositions
160 Mechanics
160 Abbreviations
163 Capitalization
168 Punctuation
174 Diagramming
174 Sentence
Diagramming
180 Extra
Practice
5
Build Skills
232 Study
Skills
232
Maps and Atlases
233 Graphs
234 Dictionary
235 Bibliography
236 On-Line
Searches
237 Reference
Resources
238 Encyclopedia
239
Library Media Center
240 Card
Catalog
241 Note-Taking
242 Interviews
243 Periodicals
244 Vocabulary
250 Spelling
Troubleshooter
254 Troubleshooter
254
Correcting Sentence Fragments
256
Correcting Run-on Sentences
258
Confusing Plurals and Possessives
260
Lack of Subject-Verb Agreement
262
Incorrect Verb Forms
264
Incorrect Use of Adjectives That Compare
266
Incorrect Use of Pronouns
268 Apostrophes
270
Incorrect Use of Adverbs
272 Commas
6
Literature Models
Personal Narrative
Significant events happen in everyone’s life. A story that
tells an individual’s experience is called a personal narrative.
A personal narrative is a way of sharing a particularly
memorable event or of telling about important feelings. It
tells the reader how the writer felt about an experience.
Learning from Writers
Read the following examples of personal narrative. What
stories do the writers tell? Why do you think they wanted to
share their experiences? As you read, look for phrases from
each example that show the author’s feelings.
My Life With the
Chimpanzees
Once, as I walked through thick forest in a downpour,
I suddenly saw a chimp hunched in front of me. Quickly I
stopped. Then I heard a sound from above. I looked up and
there was a big chimp there, too. When he saw me he gave a
loud, clear wailing wraaaah—a spine-chilling call that is used
to threaten a dangerous animal. To my right I saw a large
black hand shaking a branch and bright eyes glaring threaten-
ingly through the foliage. Then came another savage wraaaah
from behind. Up above, the big male began to sway the veg-
etation. I was surrounded. I crouched down, trying to appear
as nonthreatening as possible.
Suddenly a chimp charged straight toward me. His hair
bristled with rage. At the last minute he swerved and ran off. I
stayed still. Two more chimps charged nearby. Then, suddenly,
I realized I was alone again. All the chimps had gone.
Only then did I realize how frightened I had been. When I
stood up my legs were trembling!
—Jane Goodall, from My Life With the Chimpanzees
AND
WRITE
TH NK
Purpose
Why are personal
narratives such an
effective form of
writing? Write a
brief explanation.
8
Literature Models
Features of a Personal
Narrative
▶
A Personal Experience
Reread “My Life With the Chimpanzees” by Jane Goodall
on page 8. How did the author feel when she encountered
the chimps?
Only then did I realize how frightened I had been. When
I stood up my legs were trembling!
The author expresses the terror she felt in her encounter.
▶
First-Person Point of View
In her narrative, Jane Goodall uses the first-person point
of view. This means she narrates her own experiences, using
the words I, me, and my. How does reading her own words
make you feel about her story?
To my right I saw a large black hand shaking a branch
and bright eyes glaring threateningly through the foliage.
The first-person point of view allows you to read the
author’s own words as she relates her experiences and
shows you her feelings about the event.
A personal narrative tells about something that happened to
you and how you felt about it. A good personal narrative:
▶
Expresses the writer’s feelings about a personal
experience.
▶
Uses
the
first-person point of view.
▶
Has an interesting beginning, middle, and end.
▶
Places events in a logical sequence.
▶
Uses
time-order words to show the sequence of events
and to make transitions from one idea to the next.
DEFINITIONS AND FEATURES
10
Literature Models
▶
A Beginning, Middle, and End
A strong narrative needs to include an interesting beginning,
middle, and end to seize and hold the reader’s attention. Reread
the following sentence from the first paragraph.
Once, as I walked through thick forest in a downpour,
I suddenly saw a chimp hunched in front of me.
Notice how the author uses a direct and straightforward
approach to begin her narrative.
▶
A Logical Sequence of Events
Jane Goodall describes her encounter with the chimps in a
logical sequence. Notice how the sentences inform the reader
that Goodall’s predicament is becoming more frightening.
Then I heard a sound from above. I looked up and there
was a big chimp there, too.
How did the author set up the action to follow?
▶
Time-Order Words
To help the reader clearly understand the events from
beginning to end, time-order words and phrases should
be used. Time-order words and phrases include first, next,
finally, the following day, at the last minute, and last year.
At the last minute he swerved and ran off.
What time-order phrase did the author use?
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Create a Features Chart
1.
List the features of a good personal narrative.
2.
Reread “My First Baseball Game” by Eric Rice on
page 9.
3.
Write one example of each feature in Eric’s writing.
4.
Write what you liked about Eric’s personal narrative.
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State Capital
State Boundary
Mountains
Rivers
Personal Narrative
▶
Writer’s Resources
To get more information for your personal narrative,
you may have to do research. Develop a list of questions.
Then decide what resources you need to answer them.
What Else Do I
Need to Know?
Where is Yellowstone Park?
Is a place to camp called a
campsite? Is it one word
or two?
Where Can I Find
the Information?
Look at a map or an atlas.
Use a dictionary.
▶
Use a Map or an Atlas
An atlas is a book of maps. All maps contain
information about places, such as where they are located
and the distance between them. A map uses symbols and
abbreviations to show information such as mountains,
lakes, cities, and states. The legend of a map explains
what these symbols and abbreviations stand for.
The scale tells how
much smaller maps
are than the actual
places they show.
The compass
rose indicates
the directions on
the map.
The legend explains
what each symbol
on a map stands for.
Prewrite
•
Research and Inquir
y
14
PREWRITE
DRAFT
REVISE
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
The Day I Photographed a Bear
by Hector Sanchez
I’ll never forget the day I photographed a bear. My
brothers and I were visiting my grandparents. They
live near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
Soon after we arrived, Grandpa decided to take us
camping in the park. First, we used a map to find the
best campsite. We found one by a beautiful pond where
mountains stood like tall soldiers. They made us feel
safe. Then, Grandpa showed us how to set up tents.
Later, we hiked winding trails and climbed steep hills.
We encountered many different kinds of animals, but
the biggest and meanest of all was the bear.
The next day, I saw the bear across the pond near
our campsite. It was busy catching fish. Since I didn’t
think it was looking, I aimed the camera at it. When
I moved to get a good shot, it looked at me and growled.
I panicked, but I clicked the camera anyway. I still have
that lifelike picture of the bear.
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Publish Your Own Personal Narrative
1. Check your revised draft one more time.
2. Make a neat final copy of your narrative.
3. Submit your narrative to a class or school newspaper.
TECHNOLOGY
Does your school have
a Web site? If possible,
use your school’s
technological resources
to publish your narrative
on the Internet.
25
Literature Models
Features of Persuasive
Writing
▶
States an Opinion
Reread “China’s Big Dam” from Time for Kids on page
28. What is the author’s opinion?
Many scientists say that the Three Gorges Dam project
in central China has been an ecological disaster. Over a
million people have already been displaced, and the natural
surroundings and wildlife will be destroyed.
The “ecological disaster” referred to is an opinion. Both
people and nature, the author believes, will be affected.
▶
Convincing Reasons and Arguments
What reasons does the author present to convince readers
that the dam represents an ecological disaster?
The reservoir will also threaten the habitats of hundreds
of fish, plant, and animal species. Among the creatures
most at risk: rare river dolphins, clouded leopards, and
Siberian white cranes.
How do you think these arguments influence the reader?
Persuasive writing states the opinion of the writer and
attempts to influence the audience. Writing that persuades:
▶
Clearly
states an opinion on a specific topic.
▶
Supports the opinion with convincing reasons and
arguments.
▶
Presents reasons in a logical order.
▶
Often saves the strongest argument for last.
▶
Uses
opinion words.
DEFINITIONS AND FEATURES
30
Persuasive Writing
After you have revised your persuasive writing, you
will need to proofread and edit it to find and correct any
errors in mechanics, grammar and usage, and spelling.
GRAMMAR
• Correct a double negative by removing one negative word
or replacing one negative word with a positive word.
MECHANICS
• Use a comma after a long introductory prepositional
phrase or after the last in a series of phrases.
• Use a colon between the hour and minute in time, to
introduce a list of items, and after the greeting of a
business letter.
• Use a hyphen in numbers, in some compound words, and
to show the division of a word.
REVIEW THE RULES
Spelling
When words end in
silent e, drop the e when
adding an ending that
begins with a vowel, as
in value and valuable.
STRATEGIES FOR PROOFREADING
• Reread your revised paper. Each time, look for a different
type of error. You’ll have a much better chance of
catching all errors.
• Read each sentence. Make sure all first words and
proper nouns are capitalized.
• Reread for proper punctuation. Use commas, colons, and
hyphens correctly.
• Check for spelling errors. Focus on each word individually.
Proofread/Edit
Go to pages 138–173 to review other rules.
42
Literature Models
Fictional Narrative: A Story
A story is a narrative that comes from the writer’s
imagination. It has a beginning, middle, and end. The story
includes characters that move the action along. The setting,
plot, and dialogue are important components in developing a
story to hold the reader’s attention.
Learning from Writers
Read the following examples of fictional narrative. Are
the characters developed so that they move the story along?
As you read, look for dialogue between characters that
makes you feel that you are a part of the story.
AND
WRITE
TH NK
Purpose
Why do you think
people write stories?
Write a brief
explanation in your
journal.
Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter
At the first cottage they came to, they asked to
see granny. She hobbled to the door in her rags and
curtsied to the king.
“Now,” whispered Rumpelstiltskin’s daughter, “give
her a bag of wool and a pair of needles. Tell her to knit it
all up and you will come back in a month to collect your
riches. Give her a gold coin for her pains.”
“Do I have to?” the king whined.
“My grandfather always did,” she said. “I would, if
I were you.”
And so they went all over the kingdom, hiring
every granny they could find.
At the end of the month, the king ordered his
coach and wagons, rounded up his guards, and went
to see the grannies. As he neared the first cottage, he
heard the sound of singing. Looking out the window, the
king saw the happy villagers waiting there to greet him,
cheering wildly as he passed. And every one of them
was warm as toast in yellow woolly clothes.
“Gold!” cried the king.
—Diane Stanley, from Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter
48
Literature Models
Thinking Like a Reader
1.
Summarize the story from
Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter.
2.
What is Linda’s response when
her mother tries to wake her?
Thinking Like a Writer
3.
How did the author of
Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter
bring the story to an end?
4.
What dialogue words did the
author use in “Getting Ready
for the Big Day”?
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Getting Ready for the Big Day
“Get up, Linda. Your team is waiting for
your practice run,” called Linda’s mother.
“Can’t do it,” said Linda yawning. “Too
tired.” She got up anyway. Today she knew
she had to decide who would run the
last leg.
Seated on the front porch were Tamara,
Sally, and Lee—members of the relay team
no one thought would win. This year, they
planned to prove the nonbelievers at
Calhoun Middle School wrong!
“Well, let’s get going,” Tamara urged.
For the first practice run, Lee took the last
leg. Her time was excellent.
“What do you think, Linda?” asked Lee.
Linda looked at her. Lee was the fastest,
but she was not consistent. This morning,
Linda decided to have faith. “It’s yours,” she
replied. “Now, let’s do it again.”
—Lauren Freeman
5.
Reading Across Texts Compare the two literature models. Write
about the setting and the characters in each story.
49
Literature Models
Features of Fictional Narrative
▶
Beginning, Middle, and End
Reread
Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter by Diane Stanley on
page 48. The beginning of a story usually introduces the
characters and the problem. The middle of the story leads to
a climax, a turning point. The end of the story shows the
resolution to the problem, or the moral of the story. Read
the passage below.
. . . And every one of them was warm as toast in yellow
woolly clothes.
“Gold!” cried the king.
How does the author end the story of Rumpelstiltskin’s
Daughter?
▶
Characters
The characters are people in the story. Their actions
create the plot.
“Do I have to?” the king whined.
“My grandfather always did,” she said. “I would if I
were you.”
In this passage, what does the author show us about the
personality of each of these characters?
A fictional narrative is a story that a writer creates from his or
her imagination. A good story:
▶
Has an interesting beginning, middle, and end.
▶
Has
a
plot with a problem that is solved at the end.
▶
Describes
a
setting, telling where and when the story
takes place.
▶
Can
use
dialogue words to vary the speaker’s responses.
DEFINITIONS AND FEATURES
50
Literature Models
▶
Plot
The plot is the sequence of events that take place in a
story. Most plots revolve around a problem that is solved by
the end of the story.
“Now,” whispered Rumpelstiltskin’s daughter, “give her a
bag of wool and a pair of needles. Tell her to knit it all and
you will come back in a month to collect your riches. Give
her a gold coin for her pains.”
What problem might the king be experiencing? What
problem might the people in the village have?
▶
Setting
The time and place of a story is the setting. The
setting can be realistic or imaginary.
And they went all over the kingdom, hiring every granny
they could find.
▶
Dialogue Words
The dialogue holds the reader’s attention by engaging
them in the conversation. Dialogue words should vary
throughout the story. Use words such as murmured,
stammered, cried, exclaimed, shouted, whispered,
babbled, remarked, whined, and questioned.
“Now,” whispered Rumpelstiltskin’s daughter, “give her a
bag of wool and a pair of needles.”
How does the dialogue word in the above
passage hold the reader’s attention?
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Create a Beginning, Middle, and
End Chart
1.
Reread “Getting Ready for the Big Day” on
page 49.
2.
In the chart, write the events that took place at
the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
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51
Prewrite
A Story
AND
WRITE
TH NK
Audience
In your journal, write
how you would choose
a topic that will make
an interesting story for
your audience.
A fictional narrative is a story written from a writer’s
imagination. Stories have a plot with a beginning, a middle,
and an end. They also have a problem that a character
solves. For your story, you can use make-believe characters
from the past, the present, or the future. You can also use a
setting that is a real or an imaginary time and place.
Purpose and Audience
The purpose of writing a story is to entertain your
readers, or audience. Before you write your story, you need
to think about who you are writing for. Your audience can be
your teacher, your classmates, your family, or even yourself.
Choose a Topic
Start
by
brainstorming a list of ideas that might be
developed into an interesting story. Then choose a topic.
After choosing a topic for your story, explore ideas by
making a list of events. Also list the character’s problem
and how he or she may solve it. Later, you will organize
these ideas.
Here are my ideas
for my story.
Mayflower Journey
Sailed to New England
Ship sailed through violent storms
People got sick
Lots of people on board
Helped one another stay alive
Mother almost died
Boy solved the problem
Some people survived
Reached New England
52
DRAFT
REVISE
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
PREWRITE
TIME LINE
EgZlg^i^c\
Q
Have you thought
about your purpose
and audience?
Q
Have you listed ideas
for interesting stories?
Q
Have you chosen a
topic and explored
ideas about it?
Q
Are the events
organized in a time line?
Q
Is there a beginning,
a middle, and an end?
Q
Does your story have
a plot, characters, and
a setting?
Q
Do you need to
research your topic?
Organize • Plot
A story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. This
sequence of events is called a plot. When a story is based
on historical events, the most important events should be
arranged in chronological, or time, order. What ideas from
his list did this writer leave out in this time line?
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Plan Your Own Story
1. Think about your purpose and audience.
2. Brainstorm ideas that can be developed into a good story.
3. Choose a story topic and explore ideas.
4. Organize your ideas into a plot.
2. People got sick.
3. People helped the sick.
4. Some died of starvation.
Matthew’s mother almost died.
5. Matthew kept her alive.
6. Matthew saw land.
November 21, 1620
7.
Mayflower reached
New England.
September 16, 1620
1. The Mayflower sailed
to New England.
53
PREWRITE
REVISE
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
DRAFT
Look at how the writer used the ideas in his time line
to write his first draft. He elaborated about the journey on
the Mayflower. He related a problem and how one of the
characters solved it.
Years ago, people left home to find a new life.
Among them were a young boy named Matthew and
his family. They left England on the Mayflower on
September 16, 1620, to sail to New England.
On the third week, people got sick. Some died
from lack of food. Matthew’s mother almost died.
He knew he had to help her.
The children were fed first. Matthew always got
some food. He would eat a little and hide some food.
Then he took the food to his mother. Here mother.
I saved this for you,” he said. “You are a wonderful
boy, Matthew. Thank you” she said.
His mother regained her strength. Matthew saw
land. On November 21, 1620, the Mayflower sailed
into Massachusetts, where a new life awayted he
and his family.
DRAFT
Setting and
characters
TECHNOLOGY
The most important
thing is to get your
ideas typed on the
computer. Remember,
your first draft does not
have to be perfect. You
will have an opportunity
to go back and make
corrections later.
Supporting
details tell how
the boy helped
his mother
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Draft Your Own Story
1. Review your prewriting time line.
2. Write about your character.
3. Events should be in the order in which they occurred.
Problem to
be solved
Ending or
conclusion
of story
57
A Story
Years ago, people left home to find a new life.
Among them were a young boy named Matthew and
his family. They left England on the Mayflower on
September 16, 1620, to sail to New England.
On the third week, people got sick. Some died
from lack of food. Matthew’s mother almost died.
He knew he had to help her.
The children were fed first. Matthew always got
some food. He would eat a little and hide some food.
Then he took the food to his mother. Here mother.
I saved this for you,” he said. “You are a wonderful
boy, Matthew. Thank you” she said.
His mother regained her strength. Matthew saw
land. On November 21, 1620, the Mayflower sailed
into Massachusetts, where a new life awayted he
and his family.
When you finish your draft, step back from your
writing and get a new point of view. To do so, ask a
partner to read your draft and make suggestions for
improvement. In turn, read your partner’s writing.
Conferencing for the Reader
Q
Are features of a story included in your partner’s piece?
• beginning, middle, and end
• characters that move the story along
• plot with a problem that is solved at the end
• setting that tells where and when
the story takes place
• dialogue words
Q
Be sure to tell what is good about the piece.
Dialogue makes
me feel as if I
were there.
Add details
for a better
beginning.
Sentences
are choppy. Revise
for better flow.
Make these
sentences more
vivid.
Revise
•
Peer Conferencin
g
60
PREWRITE
DRAFT
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
REVISE
Revising
Q
Does your story fit your
purpose and audience?
Q
Do you need to
elaborate on any part
of your story? Have you
included enough details
about the characters
and the setting?
Q
Is there dialogue to
make your story more
interesting?
Q
Do you have an
interesting beginning,
middle, and end?
Q
Do your sentences flow
well when you read
your story aloud?
Years ago, people left home to find a new life.
Among them were a young boy named Matthew and
his family. They left England on the Mayflower on
September 16, 1620, to sail to New England.
On the third week, people got sick. Some died
from lack of food. Matthew’s mother almost died.
He knew he had to help her.
The children were fed first. Matthew always got
some food. He would eat a little and hide some food.
Then he took the food to his mother. Here mother.
I saved this for you,” he said. “You are a wonderful
boy, Matthew. Thank you” she said.
His mother regained her strength. Matthew saw
land. On November 21, 1620, the Mayflower sailed
into Massachusetts, where a new life awayted he
and his family.
When you revise your story, you will want to consider
the comments and suggestions that your peer conferencing
partner gave you. This writer made some changes based
on his partner’s ideas.
REVISE
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Revise Your Own Story
1.
Read your draft aloud. Listen carefully to how your
story sounds.
2. Take notes from your peer conference.
3.
Use your partner’s comments to help make your
draft better.
Nearly four hundred
take a few bites
mother and father
an eleven-year-old
During
of the journey
began to die
was among the starving, and
Since
in his pocket
,when everyone was asleep,
whispered
Finally, in late October,
From then on,
replied
crossed the seas
61
A Story
Now that you have revised your story, you will need to
proofread it. Proofreading will allow you to find and correct
any errors in mechanics, grammar and usage, and spelling.
GRAMMAR
• A verb must agree with its subject. The ending may change
depending on which or how many people or things do the
action. The tense of a verb tells whether the action takes
place in the present, past, or future.
MECHANICS
• Use quotation marks before and after a direct quotation.
• A quotation begins with a capital letter. If a quoted
sentence is broken up by the name of the speaker, the
second part of the sentence is not capitalized.
• When the speaker changes, begin a new paragraph.
• Use a comma to set off the speaker from the spoken
words when the speaker is named before the quotation.
Use a question mark, exclamation point, or comma when
the speaker is named after the quotation. Place end
punctuation inside the quotation marks.
REVIEW THE RULES
Spelling
Look for word chunks
or smaller words that
help you remember the
spelling of the word, for
example: May + flower =
Mayflower.
STRATEGIES FOR PROOFREADING
• Reread your revised story. Look for a different type of
error each time. This will help you catch all errors.
• Read each sentence for correct punctuation and
capitalization. Check commas and quotation marks.
• Reread to check for correct subject-verb agreement.
• Check for spelling errors. Use your finger to slowly follow
each word of the story in order to focus on one word at
a time.
Proofread/Edit
Go to pages 138–173 to review other rules.
62
PREWRITE
DRAFT
REVISE
PUBLISH
PROOFREAD
Proofreading
Q
Did you indent your
paragraphs?
Q
Did you spell each word
correctly?
Q
Which
punctuation
errors do you need
to correct?
Q
Did you begin every
sentence with a capi tal
letter?
Q
Did you look
for subject-verb
agreement?
Q
Have you used
quotation marks
correctly?
PROOFREADING
MARKS
new paragraph
add
take out
Make a capital letter.
Make a small letter.
Check the spelling.
Add a period.
Years ago, people left home to find a new life.
Among them were a young boy named Matthew and
his family. They left England on the Mayflower on
September 16, 1620, to sail to New England.
On the third week, people got sick. Some died
from lack of food. Matthew’s mother almost died.
He knew he had to help her.
The children were fed first. Matthew always got
some food. He would eat a little and hide some food.
Then he took the food to his mother. Here mother.
I saved this for you,” he said. “You are a wonderful
boy, Matthew. Thank you” she said.
His mother regained her strength. Matthew saw
land. On November 21, 1620, the Mayflower sailed
into Massachusetts, where a new life awayted he
and his family.
Nearly four hundred
take a few bites
mother and father
an eleven-year-old
During
of the journey
began to die
was among the starving, and
Since
in his pocket
,when everyone was asleep,
whispered
Finally, in late October,
From then on,
replied
crossed the seas
Look at the proofreading corrections made on the draft
below. What does the symbol
mean? Why does the
writer start a new paragraph?
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Proofread Your Own Story
1. Correct spelling mistakes.
2. Check subject-verb agreement.
3. Correct punctuation and capitalization errors.
4. Check for correct use of quotation marks.
PROOFREAD
“
awaited him
63
PREWRITE
DRAFT
REVISE
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Publish Your Own Story
1.
Check your revised draft a final time.
2.
Copy your revised draft over neatly or print a clean
copy.
3.
Include a map, chart, graph, or drawing in your story.
Matthew’s Journey
by Justin Walker
Nearly four hundred years ago, people crossed the
seas to find a new life. Among them were an eleven-
year-old named Matthew and his mother and father.
They left England on the Mayflower on September 16,
1620, to sail to New England.
During the third week of the journey, people got sick.
Some began to die from lack of food. Matthew’s mother
was among the starving, and he knew he had to help
her.
Since the children were fed first, Matthew always
got some food. He would take a few bites and hide some
food in his pocket. Then, when everyone was asleep, he
took the food to his mother. “Here, Mother. I saved this
for you,” he whispered.
“You are a wonderful boy, Matthew. Thank you,”
she replied.
From then on, his mother regained her strength.
Finally, in late October, Matthew saw land. On
November 21, 1620, the Mayflower sailed into
Massachusetts, where a new life awaited him and
his family.
TECHNOLOGY
Add some clip art or
other graphics to
illustrate your story.
65
Literature Models
Expository Writing
When was the last time you gave important information
about a specific topic? Your facts and details are an example
of expository writing. This type of writing summarizes facts
from different sources to draw a logical conclusion.
Learning from Writers
Read the following examples of expository writing. What
facts and information do they present? As you read, look for
the main idea and how the writers develop it with details.
Mummies, Tombs, and Treasure:
Secrets of Ancient Egypt
In 1875, unusual objects began to appear for sale in the
shops, hotels, and bazaars of Luxor. This new city had sprung
to life on the east bank of the Nile, on the site of ancient
Thebes. Ever since the early 1800s, when Egypt’s past had
begun to be revealed through the discovery of the Rosetta
Stone, the country had been swarming with foreign visitors.
Among them were tourists, souvenir seekers, art collectors,
and archaeologists, who were studying the monuments and
digging for the remains of Egypt’s ancient civilization.
The mysterious objects that were coming on the market
turned out to be scrolls, shabtis, and other articles belonging
to the various rulers of the New Kingdom and of the Twenty-
first Dynasty, which followed it. Finally, in 1881, the Egyptian
government tracked down the source of the articles. Sure
enough, one of the old tomb-robbing families had been at
work again. A pair of brothers had discovered the hiding
place of the mummies near the temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
—Lila Perl, from Mummies, Tombs, and Treasure:
Secrets of Ancient Egypt
AND
WRITE
TH NK
Purpose
Why do you think
people write to
inform, explain,
or report? Write a
brief explanation in
your journal. Also
explain what you can
learn from reading
expository writing.
68
Literature Models
Expository Writing:
Research Report
▶
Main Idea
Reread Lila Perl’s article on page 68. What do you think
is the main idea of the passage?
In 1875, unusual objects began to appear for sale in
the shops, hotels, and bazaars of Luxor.
The writer states the main idea in the first sentence.
When the writer says “unusual objects began to appear for
sale,” you know the passage will explain how these odd
items reached the marketplace.
▶
Important Information
The writer provides key details about the topic. What
details do you learn from this passage?
The mysterious objects that were coming on the
market
turned
out
to
be
scrolls,
shabtis,
and
other
articles
belonging
to
various
rulers
of
the
New
Kingdom
and
of
the
Twenty-first
Dynasty,
which
followed
it.
These facts tell you that many people wanted antiques
from Egypt’s distant past.
Expository writing, such as a research report, gives facts and
information about a topic in an organized way. A good report:
▶
Introduces
a
main idea and develops it with facts
and details.
▶
Gives
important information about a specific topic.
▶
Summarizes information from a variety of different sources.
▶
Draws
a
conclusion based on the facts and information
presented.
▶
Uses
transition words to connect ideas.
DEFINITIONS AND FEATURES
70
Expository Writing: Research Report
▶
Writer’s Resources
To get the facts you need to support your main idea,
you will need to do research. Look for gaps in information
in your prewriting web. Write questions and decide which
resources can help you answer them.
▶
Use the Library or Media Center
A library or a media center provides a variety of services,
such as books, magazines, newspapers, videos, audio
recordings, and CD-ROM materials. A library has a system
of organizing its materials. Most libraries use the Dewey
Decimal system. This system groups books into broad
categories of knowledge as shown on the chart below.
What Else Do I
Need to Know?
How are tornadoes predicted?
How strong are tornado
winds?
Where Can I Find
the Information?
Interview an expert, such as a
local meteorologist.
Visit the media center.
Category
Major
Sample of a
Number
Category
Subcategory
000–099 General
Reference
Almanacs
100–299 Philosophy
and
Mythology
Religion
300–399 Social
Sciences
Psychology
400–499 Language
Spanish
500–699 Science,
Meteorology
Mathematics,
and
Technology
700–899 Arts
and
Literature
Plays
900–999 Geography
and
American
History
History
A reference book
such as an
almanac, atlas, or
encyclopedia will
have a number
between 000– 099
on its spine.
A book about how
meteorologists track
tornadoes will have
a number between
500–699 on
its spine.
Prewrite
•
Research and Inquir
y
74
PREWRITE
DRAFT
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
REVISE
Better Sentences
Each time you revise, reread your sentences aloud.
How do they sound? Does your writing sound boring
because you haven’t used vivid verbs and precise
adjectives? Adding precise, vivid language will make
your writing more exact and descriptive.
He explained that if these are present they use
the Doppler radar to track down strong winds.
However, this tool is often not enough.
, swirling
modern, powerful
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Revise Your Own Report
1.
Add vivid verbs, precise adjectives, and words that
appeal to the senses to make your writing more
descriptive and interesting.
2.
Choose words that express your ideas accurately
and effectively.
3. Use transition words to show cause and effect.
4.
Grammar Can you combine any sentences that have
the same subjects, verbs, or other words?
TECHNOLOGY
When you revise, paste
a new copy of the
paragraph right below the
original. Keep the original
paragraph in view until
you are satisfied with your
revised paragraph. Then
delete the original.
in the atmosphere, meteorologists turn to
79
PREWRITE
DRAFT
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
REVISE
Revising
Q
Do the ideas in your
report suit your
purpose and audience?
Q
Can you elaborate on
any of your ideas to
make them clearer or
more accurate?
Q
Do the facts and
examples in your report
appear in a logical
order?
Q
Did you use transition
words to show cause
and effect?
Q
Did you add vivid verbs,
precise adjectives, and
sensory details?
Q
Did you choose your
words carefully? Do
all the sentences fit
together well?
Consider your partner’s comments and revise your
report based on them. Here is how this writer did it.
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Revise Your Own Report
1. Ask a partner to comment on your draft.
2.
Think about your partner’s comments and decide
how to use them to revise your report.
3.
As you make each change, read your report aloud
to see if the change flows smoothly.
4.
Take out information from your draft that
isn’t necessary.
Tornadoes cause injury and death to thousands of
people and damage to millions of american homes
every year, early warning is crucial. Predicting
tornadoes is a important job. Tornado is the Spanish
word for “thunderstorm.”
The National Weather Service forecasters, such as
Dr. Fields, do the job by watching weather conditions
that often preced tornadoes. He explained that if
these are present they use the Doppler radar to track
down strong winds. However, this tool is often not
enough. Some information also comes from weather
watchers called Skywarn volunteers they gather
data about the weather in their neighborhoods and
pass them on. Predicting tornadoes is not an exact
science. As meteorologists get more better more lives
will be saved.
REVISE
like thunderstorms and sudden temperature changes
in the atmosphere, meteorologists turn to
, swirling
modern, powerful
Because
a network of
shifts in
conditions
Fortunately,
are getting
at their job. As a result,
in the future
81
Expository Writing: Research Report
Once you are satisfied that you have explained your
ideas fully, you will need to proofread and edit your report
to find and correct errors in mechanics, grammar and usage,
and spelling.
STRATEGIES FOR PROOFREADING
• Don’t try to find all the errors in one reading. Reread
your report several times, focusing on a different type of
error each time.
• Make sure you have used articles correctly. Look at the
word that follows the article to determine which one to use.
• Read your report aloud. Make short pauses for commas
and long pauses for periods to check punctuation.
• Check for omitted or reversed letters. Correct all
spelling errors.
GRAMMAR
• A pronoun takes the place of one or more nouns.
Pronouns can be singular or plural and can be used as
either subjects or objects in a sentence.
• Use the irregular comparative and superlative forms of
good and bad: better, best and worse, worst.
• Use the article a before a word that starts with a consonant
sound. Use the article an before a word that starts with a
vowel sound.
MECHANICS
• Use abbreviations for dates, addresses, and people’s titles.
REVIEW THE RULES
TECHNOLOGY
Make sure that you know
how to use the spell
checker. Remember that
the spell checker will
find only words that are
misspelled, not words
that are misused, such
as a and an. As a result,
you must proofread your
work after you use a
spell checker.
Proofread/Edit
Go to pages 138–173 to review other rules.
82
PREWRITE
DRAFT
REVISE
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Publish Your Own Report
1. Double-check your proofread draft.
2.
Make a final copy of your report in your best
handwriting or on a computer.
3.
Add photos or diagrams to support your ideas and make
your report more interesting.
4.
Display your report on a weather bulletin board.
Predicting Tornadoes
by Tamesha Woodruff
Predicting tornadoes is an important job. Because
tornadoes cause injury and death to thousands of people
and damage to millions of American homes every year,
early warning is crucial.
The National Weather Service forecasters, such as
Dr. Fields, do the job by watching weather conditions
like thunderstorms and sudden temperature changes
that often precede tornadoes. He explained that if these
are present in the atmosphere, meteorologists turn to
the Doppler radar to track down strong, swirling winds.
However, this modern, powerful tool is often not
enough. Some information also comes from a network
of weather watchers called Skywarn volunteers. They
gather data about shifts in weather conditions in their
neighborhoods and pass them on.
Predicting tornadoes is not an exact science.
Fortunately, meteorologists are getting better at their
job. As a result, more lives will be saved in the future.
TECHNOLOGY
When you choose a
typeface style for your
report, remember
that fancy or unusual
typefaces are often
difficult to read. Choose a
plain, clear style that will
not distract your readers.
85
Literature Models
Writing That Compares
Hurricane Rescue
What happened in Florida in 1992 is a good
example of how pre-hurricane evacuations can save
many lives. When Hurricane Andrew struck there,
fewer than 40 people died. Of course, any loss of life
in a hurricane is tragic, but compared with the 6,000
deaths that occurred during the Galveston, Texas,
hurricane of 1900, the low number of deaths in Florida
represents an incredible improvement.
More people died in the Galveston hurricane
because in 1900 there were no weather satellites
or computers to warn people about the storm. The
deadliest hurricane on record, however, was in 1970 in
Bangladesh, where some 500,000 people died. There
were no advance warnings for that storm, too—by then,
the technology was available, but Bangladesh was
unable to afford such sophisticated equipment.
—Bill E. Neder, from Hurricane Rescue
Writing that compares often explains how two things are
similar and how they are different. A comparison can help
the reader understand an unfamiliar idea by relating it to a
more familiar one. Writing that compares can also help the
reader learn more about two familiar subjects.
Learning from Writers
Read the following examples of writing that compares.
What information do the writers give you? As you read each
example, look for clear similarities and differences between
the subjects.
AND
WRITE
TH NK
Purpose
How can comparisons
help a writer explain
ideas to the reader?
Write a brief
explanation in your
journal.
88
Literature Models
Features of Writing
That Compares
▶
Similarities
Reread “Hurricane Rescue” by Bill E. Neder on page 88.
What are the similarities between the Galveston hurricane in
1900 and the hurricane in Bangladesh in 1970?
More people died in the Galveston hurricane because
in 1900 there were no weather satellites or computers to
warn people about the storm. The deadliest hurricane on
record, however, was in 1970 in Bangladesh . . . There
were no advance warnings for that storm.
The author shows that there was no sophisticated
equipment to protect either Galveston in 1900 or Bangladesh
in 1970.
▶
Differences
Neder explains that pre-hurricane evacuations can
save lives and made Hurricane Andrew different from the
Galveston hurricane. What information does the author
present to show this difference?
When Hurricane Andrew struck there, fewer than 40
people died . . . compared with the 6,000 deaths that
occurred during the Galveston, Texas, hurricane of 1900…
The author tells how many people died in each hurricane
to make his comparison clear.
In writing that compares, the writer often explains how two
things are alike or different. Writing that compares:
▶
Explains how two things are similar.
▶
Explains how two things are different.
▶
Organizes details in a logical order.
▶
Uses
comparison and contrast words to make
transitions from one idea to the next.
DEFINITIONS AND FEATURES
90
Literature Models
▶
Logical Order
There are two ways you can organize points in a
comparison. You can discuss the features of one subject and
then the features of your second subject. Or you can discuss
one feature at a time, comparing and contrasting the two
subjects on the basis of that feature.
What happened in Florida in 1992 . . . More people died
in the Galveston hurricane…The deadliest hurricane on
record, however, was in 1970 in Bangladesh…
How did the author choose to organize his comparison?
▶
Comparison and Contrast Words
Comparison and contrast words lead the reader smoothly
from idea to idea. Use comparison and contrast words, such
as both, too, similarly, also, on the one hand, on the other
hand, however, and on the contrary.
Of course, any loss of life in a hurricane is tragic, but
compared with the 6,000 deaths that occurred during
the Galveston, Texas, hurricane of 1900…
Which comparison phrase did Neder use in “Hurricane
Rescue”?
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Create a Venn Diagram
1.
Make a diagram with two overlapping circles.
Label the left-hand circle Jogging. Label the
right-hand circle Running.
2.
Reread “Moving Legs Fast” by Raynell
Johnson on page 89.
3.
List the differences in the parts of the circles
that do not overlap. Write the similarities in
the portion where the circles do overlap.
4.
Below the diagram, list the comparison and
contrast words Raynell used in his essay.
Ch``bg`
;hma
Knggbg`
91
Prewrite
Writing That Compares
AND
WRITE
TH NK
Audience
Are your readers
familiar with the
subjects you are
comparing? In your
journal, list what you
think they already
know. Then list what
they need to find out.
Writing that compares can inform readers about how
two people, places, things, or ideas are alike and different.
When you compare and contrast, you give your reader a
clear understanding of how two items are like and unlike
each other.
Purpose and Audience
Before writing, think about who will be reading your
comparison. You can explain something unfamiliar to your
reader by comparing it to something familiar. You can also
contrast two subjects by pointing out their differences.
Writing that compares helps you organize ideas in a
clear and logical way. How can you use comparisons to
help your readers understand your ideas?
Choose a Topic
Start
by
brainstorming a list of topics you could
compare. Think about your readers. What comparison
would they find interesting? Then, choose one set of items
you would like to compare.
Next, brainstorm traits the two items have in common.
Then, think about how the two items are different. Explore
ideas by making a list. Later, you will organize your ideas.
Black Star, Bright Dawn by O’Dell
Iditarod Dream by Wood
Sled-dog races
Reasons to race
Courageous
Lead dog helps
Exciting
Illustrated? Photographs?
Fierce desire to win
Injured dogs?
I got these ideas by
brainstorming with
my writing group.
92
Writing That Compares
STRATEGIES FOR PROOFREADING
• Reread your revised paper several times. Look for a
different type of error each time. This will enable you to
catch your mistakes.
• Read each sentence for correct capitalization. Every
sentence begins with a capital letter. Remember that
proper nouns must begin with capital letters, too.
• Check for missing words. Read each sentence to make
sure you haven’t omitted any words.
• Check for spelling mistakes. It helps if you start at the
end of your paper and read backwards.
After you have revised your draft, you will need to
proofread and edit it to find and correct any mistakes in
grammar, mechanics and usage, punctuation, and spelling.
GRAMMAR
• Adjectives can be used to compare and contrast two or
more people, places, things, or ideas. A comparative
adjective is made by adding -er to most one-syllable
(and sometimes two-syllable) adjectives. A superlative
adjective compares more than two things. You usually
form the superlative by adding -est.
• An appositive tells more about the noun it follows.
Commas are used to set off most appositives from the
rest of the sentence.
MECHANICS
• Titles of books are underlined and the first letter of each
important word in the title should be capitalized.
REVIEW THE RULES
TECHNOLOGY
Use the spell checker on
your computer, but don’t
forget to use your head,
too. The computer can’t
tell whether the word
you are checking is a
plural noun, like dogs, or
a possessive noun, like
dog’s, but you can.
Go to pages 138–173 to review other rules.
Proofread/Edit
102
PREWRITE
DRAFT
REVISE
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Publish Your Own Writing That Compares
1. Check your revised draft one more time.
2. Make a neat, final copy of your draft.
3.
Choose photographs, pictures, or maps that illustrate
your similarities or differences.
Adventures on Ice
by Denise Maxwell
Scott O’Dell’s Black Star, Bright Dawn and Ted
Wood’s Iditarod Dream are similar in some ways.
Each book describes the adventures of a teenager
who participates in the Iditarod, Alaska’s famous
sled-dog race. Thanks to the authors, we can read
an exciting book.
O’Dell’s Bright Dawn, a girl, and Wood’s Dusty,
a boy, both rely on the skill of their lead dog to
complete the race. Both characters have courage.
They also have a fierce desire to win.
However,
there
are
key
differences
between
the
two
books.
O’Dell’s
book
is
fiction,
whereas
Wood’s
book
is
nonfiction.
Dusty
races
because
he
wants
to. Bright Dawn enters the race at the insistence
of her father, who cannot compete. Dusty joins
the 158-mile Jr. Iditarod. Bright Dawn enters the
traditional thousand-mile race.
No one who reads these books will ever forget
the characters or the Iditarod.
TECHNOLOGY
Experiment with different
type styles for your final
copy. Make sure the size
and font are easy to read
and suit your topic.
105
Literature Models
Expository Writing: A How-to
EARTHQUAKES
There are forces inside the earth that bend and twist
rock of the crust and upper mantle. They put the rock under
great strain. When the strain becomes too great, the rock
snaps.
You can see and feel the kind of thing that happens if
you take a fairly thick stick and bend it. As you do, energy
from your muscles is stored in the stick as strain. When
you bend the stick past a certain point, it snaps, and the
stored-up energy is suddenly released. The broken ends of
the stick fly up, and you feel a sharp stinging in your hands.
The stinging is something like the shaking caused by an
earthquake.
—Patricia Lauber, from Volcanoes and Earthquakes
How-to
writing
explains
a
process.
This
process
may
describe
how
to
do
something,
how
something
works,
or
what
causes
an
event
to
occur,
for
example.
Learning from Writers
Read the following examples of how-to writing. What are
the writers explaining? Do you think their explanations are
clear enough for readers to follow? As you read, think about
how the writers chose to organize their ideas.
AND
WRITE
TH NK
Purpose
Why do you think
people write
explanatory articles?
Write your ideas in
your journal.
108
Literature Models
Features of How-to
Writing
▶
Informs or Explains
Reread “Earthquakes” on page 108. What process is the
author explaining?
When the strain becomes too great, the rock snaps.
The writer’s first paragraph tells what causes an
earthquake.
▶
A Series of Steps
A writer sometimes describes cause and effect
relationships to explain steps in a process.
When you bend a stick past a certain point, it snaps,
and the stored-up energy is suddenly released.
What is the effect of bending the stick too far?
In how-to writing, the writer describes a process step by step.
Good how-to writing:
▶
Informs or explains how to complete a specific task or
describes the cause of an effect.
▶
Presents
a
logical series of steps.
▶
Outlines
clear details that are easy to follow.
▶
Uses
time-order or spatial words to make steps clear.
DEFINITIONS AND FEATURES
110
How-to Writing
▶
Writer’s Resources
It may be necessary to do research to get more
information for your explanatory article. First, make a list
of questions that you have about your topic. Then decide
what resources you will need to answer your questions.
▶
Using an Encyclopedia
An encyclopedia contains articles about thousands of
different topics. Encyclopedias can be found in a library or
on CD-ROM. The topics are arranged alphabetically. Here
is an encyclopedia entry that includes facts about the glass
harmonica.
What Else Do I
Need to Know?
Who developed the glass
harmonica?
Can I use ordinary drinking
glasses to make a glass
harmonica?
Where Can I Find
the Information?
Look in an encyclopedia.
Refer to how-to books.
HARMONICA,
har
MAHN uh kuh, is a
musical instrument which is a small case
with slots containing a series of metal
reeds. It is played by blowing in and out
through the slots. Also called the mouth
organ, it dates back to the aura, which
was
developed
by
Friedrich
Buschmann
of
Germany
in
1821,
and
to
the
symphonium,
which
was
created
by
Charles
Wheatstone
of
England
in
1829.
One rare type of harmonica, the glass
harmonica, was invented in 1763 by
Benjamin Franklin. The idea originally
came from Richard Pockrich, an Irishman.
After experimenting with several types
of glasses, Franklin used a series of thin
bowl-shaped glasses. When the finger was
held against the glass’s wet rim as the rim
rotated, music resulted. This instrument
was popular in the late 1700s.
The entry word
is followed by a
respelling to help
you pronounce
the word.
HARMONICA
The guide word
at the top of a left-
hand page shows
the first entry on
the page.
The article
contains facts
about the
entry word.
Some words or names
in the article may be
separate entries in the
encyclopedia.
Prewrite
•
Research and Inquir
y
114
PREWRITE
DRAFT
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
REVISE
Revising
Does your explanatory
article suit your purpose
and your audience?
Do you need to
elaborate on any part
of your article?
Did you present
the steps in the
right order?
Do your sentences
flow smoothly when
read aloud?
Did you use precise
words? Did you include
enough details?
Did you use transition
words to make your
writing flow better? Did
you use spatial words
to make your writing
easier to read?
Did you know that you can make music with
glass and water. Benjamin Franklin. He figured out
how to do it. he made something called the glass
harmonica. All he did was moisten a finger and run
it slowly around the rim of a goblet made of thin
glass. A high-pitched sound was the result.
You can make your own glass harmonica. Gather
eight thin glassses. Glasses with thick sides wont
work well. Put the glassses in a row. Fill the glasses
with water. Each glass should have less water.
Then, wet your index finger run it around the
rims of the glasses. Each glass will have a different
musical tone. Play a simple tune, such as “Twinkle,
Twinkle, Little Star,” or a tune you makes up.
Experiment with various musical notes. Its fun!
As you revise your how-to article, think about the
comments your partner made. This writer made some
changes based on his partner’s ideas.
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Revise Your Own Expository How-to Article
1.
Read your draft aloud or listen as your partner reads it.
2. Jot down your partner’s comments.
3. Make notes about what you want to change.
4. Add an appropriate title.
REVISE
How To Make a Glass Harmonica
that was almost like singing
First,
,starting with the glass on the far left
It’s really interesting and entertaining!
and
Then,
Next,
than the one to the left of it
Finally,
121
PREWRITE
DRAFT
REVISE
PUBLISH
PROOFREAD
Proofreading
Did you use commas
where needed?
Did you spell all the
words correctly?
Did you make
sure subjects and
verbs agree?
Did you make sure verb
tenses are correct?
Did you end each
sentence with the
correct punctuation?
Did you add a
good title?
PROOFREADING
MARKS
new paragraph
add
take out
Make a capital letter.
Make a small letter.
Check the spelling.
Add a period.
Did you know that you can make music with
glass and water. Benjamin Franklin. He figured out
how to do it. he made something called the glass
harmonica. All he did was moisten a finger and run
it slowly around the rim of a goblet made of thin
glass. A high-pitched sound was the result.
You can make your own glass harmonica. Gather
eight thin glassses. Glasses with thick sides wont
work well. Put the glassses in a row. Fill the glasses
with water. Each glass should have less water.
Then, wet your index finger run it around the
rims of the glasses. Each glass will have a different
musical tone. Play a simple tune, such as “Twinkle,
Twinkle, Little Star,” or a tune you makes up.
Experiment with various musical notes. Its fun!
How To Make a Glass Harmonica
that was almost like singing
First,
,starting with the glass on the far left
It’s really interesting and entertaining!
and
Then,
Next,
than the one to the left of it
Finally,
Look at the proofreading corrections made on the draft
below. What does the symbol
mean? When does the
writer need to use that symbol?
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Proofread Your Own Expository How-to
Article
1. Insert commas and apostrophes where needed.
2. Correct spelling errors.
3. Correct subject-verb agreement errors.
4. Capitalize words correctly.
PROOFREAD
?
’
glasses
glasses
123
PREWRITE
DRAFT
REVISE
PROOFREAD
PUBLISH
PRACTICE AND APPLY
Publish Your Own Explanatory Writing
1. Check your revised draft one more time.
2. Make a neat, final copy.
3. Add a border, pictures, a cover, or all three.
Handwriting
If you’re not using
a computer to type your
article, use your best
handwriting to make a
neat, final copy. Your
piece will look neater if
all of the lower parts of
letters like j, g, p, and y
are the same length.
How to Make a Glass Harmonica
by Daniel D. Sohn
Did you know that you can make music with glass
and water? Benjamin Franklin figured out how to do it.
He made something called the glass harmonica. All he
did was moisten a finger and run it slowly around the
rim of a goblet made of thin glass. A high-pitched sound
that was almost like singing was the result.
You can make your own glass harmonica. First,
gather eight thin glasses. Glasses with thick sides won’t
work well. Then, put the glasses in a row. Next, fill the
glasses with water. Each glass should have less water
than the one to the left of it.
Then, wet your index finger and run it around the
rims of the glasses, starting with the glass on the far left.
Each glass will have a different musical tone. Finally,
play a simple tune, such as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little
Star,” or a tune you make up. Experiment with various
musical notes. It’s really interesting and entertaining!
125
Composition
in
A writer usually states the main idea of a paragraph in
a topic sentence. The rest of the sentences in the paragraph
provide details that support the main idea.
AND
WRITE
TH NK
Main Idea
How
does
your
writing
become
focused
when
you
decide
on
a
main idea? Write a
brief explanation in
your journal.
• The main idea is the most important thought in a piece of
writing. The main idea is usually stated in a topic sentence.
• In a paragraph, all the sentences should work together to
support one main idea.
• Supporting details develop the main idea by providing
explanation and giving examples, facts, or opinions.
• The main idea and supporting details should be placed in a
logical order.
• Use time-order words, such as first, then, and after, to connect
ideas.
IE
I
N
E
I found the best dog of all time at an animal shelter.
For a long time, I had been asking my parents if we could
get a puppy. One day, we all went to the animal shelter.
We saw great puppies of all shapes and sizes. I heard
barking coming from behind me. There stood a puppy with
huge brown eyes. As soon as I saw this frisky mutt, I knew
we would become best friends.
Read this paragraph about a personal experience. Notice
how the writer states the main idea and uses supporting
details to develop that idea.
The topic
sentence states
the main idea of
the paragraph.
Time-order
words make
the sequence of
events clear.
Supporting
details help to
develop or clarify
the main idea.
128
Composition
Organization
A writer can choose from a number of methods when orga-
nizing a written piece. Whichever the writer chooses, the goal
is to make the writing more understandable for the reader.
• Spatial descriptions describe how things are arranged. For
example, spatial descriptions could use words such as left,
right, above, near, in front of, or outside.
• To help set up an organized sequence of steps, use time-order
words such as first, next, then, before, and after.
• When events occur because of the effect of some action, then
use cause-and-effect words, such as caused and because.
GUIDELINES
It’s fun to make a delicious “smoothie.” First, get out an
electric blender, and get an adult to help you use it. Then
gather your ingredients. Arrange them next to the blender.
My favorites are these: one cup of orange juice, one scoop of
frozen yogurt, a banana, and four or five strawberries. Put
them into the blender in that order, because the blender
works better when liquid ingredients are at the bottom. Firmly
put the blender’s lid in place and turn on the blender. When
your smoothie is well mixed, pour it into a glass and enjoy it.
Placing the liquids
in the blender
first will cause
the blender to
work better.
Spatial words help
clarify location.
The time-order
words in the second
and third sentences
clarify what order
to follow.
Read this paragraph about how to make a fruit drink.
Notice how the writer organizes the steps. Look for spatial,
time-order, and cause-and-effect words.
AND
WRITE
TH NK
Organization
Why is it important for
explanatory writing
to be organized in a
logical way? Write
a brief response in
your journal.
130
Composition
Writing Descriptions
Writing a description is like painting a picture with words.
You can use vivid descriptions to help your audience see what
you see, hear what you hear, and feel what you feel.
• Descriptions are vivid word pictures of a person, place, or thing.
• Descriptions can present broad views or close-ups.
• Sensory details that appeal to sight, sound, taste, touch, and
smell can add richness to descriptions of everyday things.
• The order of details in a description should be presented in an
order that makes sense, such as spatial order, front-to-back,
or left-to-right.
GUIDELINES
Far, far north on Earth, a small band of men
struggled against icy blasts of wind. The howling Arctic
gales drove needles of ice into their faces. The bitter east
wind was like a sharp sword, slicing right through the thick
fur parkas. It was 60 degrees below zero, so cold that the
men’s noses, cheeks, and toes turned black with frostbite.
But Robert Peary and Matthew Henson were determined to
be the first men to reach the North Pole—or die trying.
Details appeal
to touch, sight,
and sound.
The broad view of
the Arctic is that of
a harsh, extremely
cold place.
Details are
arranged in
spatial order.
Read this descriptive paragraph. Notice how the writer
presents a broad view, includes sensory details, and arranges
details in a sensible order.
ND
WRITE
THN
K
Description
Why is description
an important part
of almost every type
of writing? Write a
brief explanation in
your journal.
131
Lg^i^c\;dgbh
Ten-year-old Milo is bored. He is
convinced that everything is a waste of
time. But one day, a tollbooth suddenly
appears in his bedroom. Because he has
nothing else to do, Milo decides to jump in
his toy car and go through the mysterious
tollbooth. The story develops around a
mission that is assigned to Milo in The
Lands Beyond. He must find and return
two princesses.
This is a fascinating story of excitement
and mystery. If you enjoy magical
adventures with a lot of unexpected
twists and turns, you will love this book
just as much as I did.
The Phantom Tollbooth
by Norton Juster
Book Review
Write the title of
the book and the
author’s name.
Always begin
with a strong
introduction to
grab your
audience’s
attention.
Is the book funny,
happy, scary,
exciting, or sad?
The conclusion
should contain
your opinion of
the book. Did
you like it? Would
you recommend
it to others?
The body should
give the setting, or
when and where
the story takes
place, as well as
the characters, and
one or two events
from the plot.
A
book review does two things. It tells what a book is about
and gives you, the reviewer, an opportunity to tell your opinion of
the book.
Practice Select a book you have recently read. Fold a piece of
paper in half so that it opens like a book. Draw a scene from
the book on the front of the folded paper. Write a book review
inside. Then exchange book reviews with a classmate, and
decide whether you would like to read each other’s books.
134
Lg^i^c\;dgbh
Humorous Play
Base your title
on the plot.
Name and
briefly describe
your characters.
Use stage
directions to tell
the characters
when and how to
move on stage.
Describe the
setting, when
and where the
story takes place.
A
humorous
play
tells
a
funny
story
through
the
use
of
dialogue,
characters,
stage
directions,
and
scenery.
A
play
is
usually
performed
in
front
of
an
audience.
Include dialogue,
or spoken parts,
for each character.
Suggest props
and costumes.
The Price of a Smell
Characters:
JUDGE: A wise old woman
VINCE: A poor young painter
CHEF LEGREED: A greedy man
Setting: A courtroom
Props: five silver dollars
Costumes: black robe for judge
As the play opens, a judge is sitting behind a desk. Chef
LeGreed and Vince are standing in front of her.
VINCE: Your Honor, this man is trying to steal from me.
CHEF LEGREED: That’s a lie. I only want what is due me.
JUDGE: Quiet! One at a time. (Speaking to LeGreed) You first.
CHEF LEGREED: This Vince rents a room above my restaurant.
I heard him tell a friend that he was stealing from me.
VINCE: Smells, Your Honor. All I take is the smell of the food
coming up from the restaurant.
JUDGE: (Looking at Vince) What do you do with the smells?
VINCE: The only food I can afford is noodles. The smells from
the restaurant help me imagine that I’m eating a fine dinner.
JUDGE: (To Chef LeGreed) And how much do you want to be
paid for these smells, sir?
CHEF LEGREED: I want the five silver dollars he always
carries.
VINCE: But my mother gave me those to save for an
emergency.
JUDGE: (To Vince) Drop the coins onto the table one at a time.
(Vince drops the coins.) Case dismissed.
CHEF LEGREED: What do you mean? I didn’t get paid.
JUDGE: You were concerned about SMELLS being stolen.
Vince has now repaid you in SOUNDS—the sounds of the
coins dropping.
Practice Write a short play based on a joke or funny story.
Include setting, plot, characters, dialogue, and stage directions.
Perform the play for the class.
136
Lg^i^c\;dgbh
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
—by Robert Frost
The Road Not Taken
A
poem is an expressive form of writing that allows you
to describe, persuade, explain, or tell a story. Poems use
word pictures, special forms, sounds, rhyme, and rhythm to
communicate thoughts and feelings.
Poem
Choose an appropriate
title for your poem.
Capitalize the first letter
of each important word
in the title.
This poet used rhyming
words to create
interesting sounds
in his poem.
This poem is divided
into stanzas, or groups
of lines that rhyme.
You can use this form,
or another one for
your poem.
Use sensory words to
make descriptions more
vivid.
Practice Think about the world around you. Do you see anything
that inspires you? Let your imagination guide you as you write
your own poem.
137
Sentences
Write five complex sentences. Circle the conjunctions in red.
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• A compound sentence is a sentence that contains two sentences
joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or or.
The fire alarm went off, and it woke us up.
Combining Sentences: Compound Sentences
Practice: Combine the clauses to form complex sentences.
Write the sentences, underlining the conjunctions.
1. We decided to go boating. Because it was a beautiful day.
2. If we had known how windy it would be. We would have waited.
3.
Because of our experiences that day. I am taking lessons
in boating.
Practice: Rewrite each pair of simple sentences using a comma
and the conjunction and, but, or or.
1. I saw a yellow blaze. I was frozen still.
2. Should I see if anyone is in the house? Should I call 911?
3. I ran to my neighbor’s house. I used the phone.
• A complex sentence contains an independent clause and one or
more dependent clauses.
We got very wet while we were boating.
• An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.
We got very wet.
• A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and begins
with a conjunction.
While we were boating
• Use a comma after the dependent clause when it comes at the
beginning of a sentence.
Combining Sentences: Complex Sentences
I saw a yellow blaze, but I was frozen still.
Should I see if anyone is in the house, or should I call
911?
I ran to my neighbor’s house, and I used the phone.
We decided to go boating because it was a beautiful day.
If we had known how windy it would be, we would have
waited.
Because of our experiences that day,
I am taking lessons in boating.
139
Nouns
Practice: Write each sentence. Circle the noun. Write whether
the noun names a person, place, thing, or idea.
1. The kids in my class want to do a special project.
2. The class decided to make a mural for the front entrance.
3. My teacher distributed paper, paint, and markers.
• A singular noun names one person, place, thing, or idea.
The cookie was freshly baked.
• A plural noun names more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
The kids were excited to have a treat.
Singular and Plural Nouns
• A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. It can be a single
word or a group of words used together.
Person Place
Thing
Idea
boy store
book
sadness
Nouns
Practice: Write each sentence. Replace the word in parentheses
( ) with the plural form of that word.
1. Our neighbor gave us two (ticket) to the hockey game. tickets
2. Before I could go, I had some (responsibility) to take care of
at home. responsibilities
3. As soon as I finished, I put on one of my favorite (jersey).
4. I went straight to the game and met some of my (friend).
5. We watched a player make two (goal) in the first period. goals
person, thing, thing, thing
person, thing,
thing
thing
,
thing
,
thing or place
jerseys
friends
142
Nouns
Practice: Write each phrase using the possessive form.
• A possessive noun names who or what has or owns something.
• Form a singular possessive noun by adding an apostrophe and s (’s).
boy—boy’s
• Form a plural possessive noun of a noun ending in s by adding an
apostrophe (’) to the end of the word.
girls—girls’
• Form a plural possessive noun of a plural noun not ending in s by
adding an apostrophe and s (’s).
men—men’s
Possessive Nouns
• An appositive is a word or group of words that follows a noun.
It identifies or tells more about the noun it follows. Commas are
used to set off most appositives from the rest of the sentence.
Bill, my skiing partner, wore his new coat.
• Use an appositive to combine two short sentences into one.
Evergreen has steep slopes. Evergreen is where we usually ski.
Evergreen, where we usually ski, has steep slopes.
Appositives
1. the hats of the ladies
2. the collar of the jacket
3. the rules of the contest
4. the car of Ms. Ying
5. the floors of the tents
Practice: Write a new sentence by using an appositive to
combine the two sentences in each pair.
1. Nick came with us on our ski trip. Nick is my best friend.
2. Sari led us up the mountain. Sari is our instructor.
3. The chair lift moved fast. A chair lift is a device that takes
people up the mountain.
ladies’ hats
jacket’s collar
contest’s rules
Ms. Ying’s car
tents’ floors
Nick, my best friend, came with us on our ski trip.
Sari, our instructor, led us up the mountain.
The chair lift, a device that takes people up
the mountain, moved fast.
144
Verbs
Practice: Write each sentence, making plural subjects singular.
Change each verb so that it agrees.
1. The children enjoy Ireland. child; enjoys
2. Their grandparents live there. grandparent; lives
3. Every summer the women visit for four weeks. woman; visits
• A verb must agree with its subject. Add -s to most verbs if the
subject is singular. Do not add -s if the subject is plural or I or you.
Kristene parks her car on the street.
Marla and Osvaldo park their car in a garage.
• When parts of a compound subject are joined by or, either...or, or
neither...nor, the verb agrees with the subject that is nearer to it.
Neither Kristen nor her cousins live in the suburbs.
Subject-Verb Agreement
• A verb phrase is a verb that contains more than one word. The last
word is the main verb. All other words are helping verbs. A helping
verb helps the main verb show an action or make a statement.
We have been making some strides in that direction.
Common Helping Verbs
am, are, is; do, does, did; will, would; was, were; be, being, been;
shall, should; have, has, had; may, might, must; can, could
Main Verbs and Helping Verbs
Practice: Write each verb phrase. Underline the main verb.
1. Many families are going on vacation next week. are going
2. I have offered to take care of their plants and pets. have offered
3. I could be a part-time house-sitter. could be
Write a paragraph about your favorite television show or
movie. Include different verb tenses and tell which tense each verb is.
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147
Pronouns
Practice: Write the pronoun in each sentence. Then write the
referent, or the noun to which the pronoun refers.
1.
Pascal’s father used a calculator to help him figure out tax
payments. him—Pascal’s father
2.
Some people used pebbles to help them keep accurate records.
3.
In the Middle Ages, merchants used tally sticks as they
bought and sold goods. they—merchants
Practice: Write each sentence. Replace the words in
parentheses ( ) with a personal pronoun.
1. (Jeff and I) planted peas, carrots, and onions in the garden. We
2. (Susan and Mary) are in charge of watering the garden. They
3. All of us are enjoying (this garden). it
• A pronoun is a word that takes the place of one or more nouns.
The garden is beautiful.
It is beautiful.
• A personal pronoun can be singular or plural.
Dave gave the seeds to Mom.
He gave the seeds to Mom.
Dave and Lee gave the seeds to Dad. They gave the seeds to Dad.
Personal Pronouns
Singular
I
me
you
he, she, it
him, her, it
Plural we
us
you
they
them
Personal Pronouns: Singular and Plural
• A referent, or antecedent, of a pronoun is the word or group of
words to which the pronoun refers.
Blaise Pascal invented a calculator in 1642, and it was a
great success. (pronoun = it, referent = calculator)
Pronouns and Referents
them—people
150
Pronouns
• A subject pronoun can take the place of a noun that is the subject
of a sentence. I, you, he, she, it, we, and they are subject pronouns.
Rex rides the bus.
He rides the bus.
• An object pronoun can be used as the object of an action verb
or after words such as to, for, with, in, or at. The words me, you,
him, her, it, us, and them are object pronouns.
Rex talks to Bob. Rex talks to him.
• An indefinite pronoun, such as anyone, nobody, or both, does not
refer to a particular person, place, or thing.
Subject, Object, and Indefinite Pronouns
Practice: Write each sentence. Choose the verb in parentheses
( ) that agrees with the subject pronoun in the sentence.
1. We (are, is) in the school orchestra. are
2. They (plays, play) the drums. play
3. She (has, have) been playing the clarinet for about a year. has
• Sometimes a pronoun is used as the subject of a sentence. The
verb must always agree with the subject pronoun.
He watches basketball alone.
They watch basketball together.
Pronoun-Verb Agreement
Practice: Write each sentence. Underline each pronoun and say
whether it is a subject, object, or indefinite pronoun.
1. Everyone is waiting for the bus. indefinite pronoun
2. Mom gives the fare to me. object pronoun
3. When the bus arrives, we get on board. subject pronoun
151
Adjectives
Practice: Write the adjective or adjectives in each sentence.
1. Airplanes are a wonderful form of transportation. wonderful
2. Many people fly on large jets. many, large
3. These enormous jets can cross the ocean in a few hours.
4. Airplanes are quieter than they were many years ago.
5. They have comfortable seats and entertaining movies.
• An adjective describes, or modifies, a noun or pronoun. It may
come before or after the word it describes. A single noun can be
modified by more than one adjective.
The roller coaster was huge.
The huge, metal roller coaster was there.
• Adjectives describe, or modify, nouns or pronouns in three ways.
They can explain what kind, which one, or how many.
I enjoy the long rides.
(What kind of rides?)
That ride is my favorite.
(Which ride?)
I have ridden it seven times.
(How many times?)
• A predicate adjective follows a linking verb. It modifies the subject.
That roller coaster is scary!
Adjectives
• Articles are special adjectives that you often use before nouns.
The three articles are a, an, and the.
The children asked for a piece of pie.
• Use a and an with singular nouns. Use a if the next word starts with a
consonant sound. Use an if the next word starts with a vowel sound.
She didn’t want an apple. She said she wanted a sweet dessert.
• Use the to name a certain person, place, or thing.
I’ll have to check the pantry.
Articles: a, an, the
These, enormous, few
quieter, many
comfortable,
entertaining
152
Adjectives
Write a description of a person, place, or object that you
think is fascinating. Use comparative and superlative adjectives.
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•
The
comparative
and
superlative
forms
of
some
adjectives
are
irregular.
Good
and
bad
are
two
irregular
adjectives.
The
chart
below
shows
how
to
use
these
words.
Adjective Comparative
Superlative
good better
best
bad worse
worst
Comparing with Good and Bad
• Combine short, choppy sentences that tell about the same
person, place, or thing. You can combine sentences by leaving out
repeated words and adding an adjective to one of the sentences.
Choppy:
The elephant is large. The elephant is impressive.
Combined:
The elephant is large and impressive.
Combining Sentences: Adjectives
Practice: Write each sentence. Choose the correct form of good
or bad.
1. Ray likes the ocean (best, better) than the lake. better
2. He thinks the (best, better) part of the ocean is the waves.
3. He also believes the sand is a (best, good) place to play. good
Practice: Combine the two sentences into one sentence. Then
underline the adjectives.
1. A Venus’s-flytrap is a fascinating plant. A Venus’s-flytrap is a
unique plant.
2.
This type of plant needs a dry place. This type of plant needs
a sunny place.
3. This plant eats live bugs. This plant eats flying bugs.
This plant eats live, flying bugs.
A Venus’s-flytrap is a fascinating and unique
plant.
This type of plant needs a dry, sunny place.
best
155
Adverbs
Practice: Write the adverb in each sentence. Write whether it
tells how, when, or where.
1. We visited the ocean today. today—when
2. Sharks swam briskly through the water. briskly—how
3. One shark swam away. away—where
• An adverb can modify a verb.
• An adverb can supply three types of information about a verb:
how, where, or when.
We arrived at the ocean today.
(verb)
(when)
Many fish swam nearby. Seagulls
loudly squawked.
(verb)
(where)
(how)
(verb)
• Many adverbs end in -ly.
Adverbs That Modify Verbs
Practice: Write each sentence. Replace the underlined word or
words with the correct possessive pronoun.
1. The children’s teacher is taking them on a field trip today.
2. Terrence’s mom will go along as a chaperone. His
3. Ruthie’s dad is driving the bus to the museum. Her
• A possessive pronoun shows who or what owns something.
Blane’s house is on the corner.
His house is on the corner.
• My, your, his, her, its, our, and their are possessive pronouns
that come before nouns.
Dad and I enjoyed your play.
• Mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, and theirs are possessive
pronouns that can stand alone.
The camera on the stairs is mine.
Possessive Pronouns
Their
156
Negatives and Prepositions
• A negative is a word that means “no” or “not.” Some examples
of negatives are:
no, not, never, barely, hardly, scarcely, don’t, didn’t, couldn’t
• Do not use a double negative in one sentence. Correct a double
negative by changing one negative into a positive word.
Incorrect: She
didn’t want no one to feel bad about the race.
Correct: She
didn’t want anyone to feel bad about the race.
Negatives
• A preposition is a word that relates a noun or pronoun to another
word in a sentence. Some common prepositions are:
in, over, under, near, during, on, over, with, for, by, down
• A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a
noun or pronoun.
A bat colony lives near the lake.
Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases
Practice: Write each sentence correctly. Use only one negative
in each sentence.
1. My brother didn’t pick up no trash at the picnic.
2. He hasn’t helped no one mow her yard.
3. He won’t never earn a “Good Citizen” badge.
Practice: Write each sentence. Underline the prepositional
phrases. Circle each preposition.
1. During the summer, Grandma and I bake every day.
2. Each afternoon we go to the store for supplies.
3. Our favorite little bakery is around the corner.
My brother didn’t pick up any trash at the picnic.
He hasn’t helped anyone mow her yard.
He won’t ever earn a “Good Citizen” badge.
158
Mechanics •
Abbreviations
• Abbreviate units of measure.
in.—inch(es) ft.—foot
(feet)
g—gram(s) L—liter(s)
Units of Measure
• In informal writing, use abbreviations of the days of the week
and the months of the year. These abbreviations begin with a
capital letter and end with a period. May, June, and July are never
abbreviated.
Day Abbreviation
Month
Abbreviation
Monday Mon.
January
Jan.
Tuesday Tues.
February
Feb.
Wednesday Wed.
March
Mar.
Thursday Thurs.
April
Apr.
Friday Fri.
August
Aug.
Saturday Sat.
September
Sept.
Sunday Sun.
October
Oct.
November
Nov.
December
Dec.
Days and Months
• Abbreviations to indicate time before noon (A.M., for ante
meridiem) and after noon (P.M., for post meridiem) are capitalized
with periods after each letter.
• Abbreviations for years are capitalized with periods: B.C. for
before Christ and A.D. for Anno Domini, “in the year of the Lord.”
Time
Practice Write each sentence using abbreviations.
1. Meet me on Thursday, September 15, at three in the afternoon.
Meet me on Thurs., Sept. 15, at 3:00 P.M.
2. Shannon measures five feet and ten inches tall. Shannon
measures 5 ft. 10 in. tall.
3. Roman Emperor Tiberius lived from 42 before Christ to 37
Anno Domini. Roman Emperor Tiberius lived from 42 B.C. to 37 A.D.
161
Mechanics •
Capitalization
Practice Rewrite this friendly letter correctly. Use capital letters
where needed, and abbreviate when possible.
(
1
)
49
Wilshire
Boulevard
Blvd.
(2)
Dedham, Massachusetts 02062 MA
(3) January
30,
2010
Jan.
(4) dear grandma joyce,
(5) here is a poem for you. (6) It’s my way of saying, “happy
birthday!”
Another year older
Isn’t so bad.
(7) you look terrific,
Even better than Dad!
(8) your grandson,
Gregory
• Capitalize all words in a letter’s greeting, including the title and
name of the person addressed.
Dear Sirs:
Dear Friend,
Dear Uncle Jim,
• Capitalize the first word in the closing of a letter.
Sincerely, Yours
truly,
Fondly,
Salutations and Closings
• Capitalize the first word of a sentence.
Soil provides nutrients for plants.
• Capitalize the first word of a direct quotation. Do not capitalize
the second part of an interrupted quotation.
“I am leaving,” Jan declared, “as soon as I can.”
• When the second part of a quotation is a new sentence, put a
period after the interrupting expression and capitalize the first
word of the new sentence.
“I know that song,” said Lisa. “We learned it last week.”
First Words in Sentences
Dear Grandma
Joyce; Here; Happy
birthday; You; Your
163
Mechanics •
Capitalization
• Capitalize the names of people and the initials that stand for
their names.
Alice Suzanne Martin
A. S. Martin
• Capitalize titles or abbreviations of titles when they come before
or after the names of people.
Mrs. Kate Jones
General K. T. Jones
Dr. Albert Garcia
• Capitalize an official title when it appears before a person’s
name or when it is used in a direct address.
When we had a hurricane, we contacted Governor Winslow.
Governor Winslow, you have a call on line 7.
• Do not capitalize the title that falls after or is a substitute for a
person’s name.
Frances Smith, the mayor of our city, called for help.
• Capitalize words that show family relationships when used as
titles or as substitutes for a person’s name.
Then Dad and Grandma Ellen cooked dinner.
• Do not capitalize words that show family relationships when they
are preceded by a possessive noun or pronoun.
Diane’s grandmother is a good cook. Her dad is a good cook, too.
• Capitalize the abbreviations Jr. and Sr.
Robert James, Jr.
Marvin Robbins, Sr.
• Capitalize the pronoun I.
Can I help cook dinner?
Proper Nouns: Names and Titles of People
Practice Rewrite each sentence correctly. Capitalize the names
and titles of people where needed.
1.
The Arbor Day committee is led by p. j. winslow. P. J. Winslow
2.
We contacted mayor henry erickson about planting trees.
3. He asked us to call dr. mario ortiz, the city’s landscaper.
4. Dr. Ortiz referred us to deputy mayor nina grayson.
5. The deputy mayor sent mr. price to help us organize our project.
6.
P. J. and i bought a tree with the Arbor Day committee funds. I
7. P. J. Martin, sr. delivered the tree to the park. Sr.
8. I helped uncle joe dig the hole. Uncle Joe
9. My uncle and i worked hard. I
10. I watched as P. J. Martin, jr. planted the tree and watered it.
Jr.
Dr. Mario Ortiz
Mr. Price
Mayor Henry Erickson
Deputy Mayor Nina Grayson
164
Mechanics •
Capitalization
Practice Rewrite each sentence correctly. Use capital letters
where needed.
1. Our class visited arnold arboretum, which is south of boston,
massachusetts. Arnold Arboretum; Boston, Massachusetts
2. The bus passed boston harbor, and we saw the atlantic ocean.
3. We drove along washington street and arborway until we
arrived.
4. On the tour, we learned about trees in north america.
5. The tour guide said that earth is the only planet in our solar
system with plant life. Earth
• Capitalize the names of cities, states, countries, and continents.
Do not capitalize articles or prepositions that are part of the name.
City New
York
City
State Florida
Country
United States of America
Continent North
America
• Capitalize the names of bodies of water and geographical features.
Atlantic Ocean
Niagara Falls
Grand Canyon
• Capitalize the names of sections of the country.
the South
the Pacific Northwest
• Do not capitalize compass points when they just show direction.
New York is east of Cleveland.
• Capitalize the names of streets and highways.
Dover Street
Santa Ana Freeway
• Capitalize the names of buildings, bridges, and monuments.
Sears Tower
Brooklyn Bridge
Jefferson Memorial
• Capitalize the names of stars and planets.
The closest star to our planet is Proxima Centauri.
The planet closest to the sun is Mercury.
• Capitalize Earth when it refers to the planet. Do not capitalize
earth when preceded by the. Do not capitalize sun or moon.
One moon revolves around Earth.
The earth revolves around the sun.
Proper Nouns: Names of Places
Boston Harbor; Atlantic Ocean
North America
Washington Street; Arborway
165
Mechanics •
Capitalization
Practice Rewrite each sentence correctly. Use capital letters
where needed.
1. The sixth graders at park middle school studied ancient Greece.
2. The parkville history club and its president, mr. Gary Post,
talked to the class. Parkville History Club; Mr.
3. The students learned about the trojan war. Trojan War
4. The students learned that some anthropologists have been
studying what Greece was like during the bronze age.
5. The greek empire once stretched all the way to India. Greek
• Capitalize the names of schools, clubs, organizations,
institutions, political parties, and businesses.
Jefferson Middle School
Girl Scouts of America
Hopewell Chamber of Commerce
Smithsonian Institution
• Capitalize the names of historic events, periods of time, and
documents.
Battle of Bunker Hill
Colonial Period
Declaration of Independence
• Capitalize the days of the week, months of the year, and holidays.
Do not capitalize the names of the seasons.
We started school on Tuesday, September 1.
Our first holiday is on Labor Day.
My favorite season is autumn.
• Capitalize abbreviations that are parts of a proper noun.
Dr. Ave.
Oct.
Ln.
• Capitalize the names of ethnic groups, nationalities, and languages.
Many people in our town are Norwegian.
I speak Japanese.
• Capitalize proper adjectives that are formed from the names of
ethnic groups and nationalities.
Italian bread
Egyptian cotton
• Capitalize the first word of each main topic and subtopic in an
outline.
I. Products
and
exports
A.
Natural
resources
B.
Manufactured
goods
Other Proper Nouns and Adjectives
Park Middle School
Bronze Age
166
Mechanics •
Capitalization
•
Capitalize
the
first,
last,
and
all
important
words
in
the
title
of
a
book,
play,
short
story,
poem,
film,
article,
newspaper,
magazine,
TV
series,
chapter
of
a
book,
or
song.
I can’t wait to read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
Did you see Peter Pan at the community theater?
A clever short story is “Rip van Winkle.”
My favorite poem when I was young was “Old King Cole.”
You should read “Cars of the Future” in this month’s
Vehicles Monthly.
My dad reads The Los Angeles Times.
Did you watch Newsbreaker last night?
Chapter one of that book is titled “The Long Night.”
I sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” before the big game.
Titles of Works
Practice Rewrite each sentence correctly. Capitalize all titles
of works.
1. Did you read white fang by Jack London? White Fang
2. Yes, my favorite chapter was “the gray cub.” “The Gray Cub.”
3. Scott reminds me of the main character in the film old yeller.
4. If the story were true, we would surely have read about it in
dog lovers monthly. Dog Lovers Monthly
5. They would probably title the article “man: dog’s worst friend.”
6. If I were going to write a play based on the book, I would call it
wolf dog. Wolf Dog
7. However, if I were to write a poem about the story, I would title
it “gentle inside.” “Gentle Inside.”
8. Let’s write a humorous short story about a sled dog and call it
“rush and mush.” “Rush and Mush.”
9. We could write a funny song about a sled dog and call it
“bobsled blues.” “Bobsled Blues.”
10. Maybe we could perform the song on that television show
called singing for dollars. Singing for Dollars
“Man: Dog’s Worst Friend.”
Old Yeller
167
Mechanics •
Punctuation
• Use a comma between the name of the city and state in an
address.
Lafayette, Indiana
• Use a comma after the name of a state or a country when it is
used with the name of a city in a sentence.
We visited San Francisco, California, on our vacation.
• Use a comma between the day and year in a date.
April 20, 2002
July 4, 1776
• Use a comma before and after the year when it is used with both
the month and the day in a sentence. Do not use a comma if only
the month and the year are given.
June 4, 2000, is our last day of school.
The school was built in September 2001.
• Use a comma after the greeting in a friendly letter and after the
closing in all letters.
Dear Tyler,
Sincerely,
• Use commas to separate three or more items in a series.
Our flag is red, white, and blue.
You are kind, patient, and helpful.
• Use a comma before and, but, or or when it joins simple
sentences to form a compound sentence.
We like to play softball, but the field is often used.
My mother can drive us, or we can take the bus.
My brownies are tasty, and everyone enjoys them.
Commas
Practice Rewrite the following friendly letter. Place commas
where needed.
365 Harding Drive
1. La Grange Illinois La Grange
2. December 4 2001 December 4, 2001
3. Dear Tomiko Dear Tomiko,
4. On December 16 2001 I will start winter break.
5. Yours truly Yours truly,
Jennifer
On December 16, 2001,
170
Mechanics •
Punctuation
Practice Rewrite each sentence. Add commas where needed.
1. Patty, what is your favorite subject?
2. Oh, I like math the best.
3. Mathematics, the study of numbers, is very interesting to
me.
4. Well, I’m fond of a different subject.
5.
“Physical science, the study of matter, is my favorite
subject,” said Nancy.
6. If possible, can you please tell us where the hayride will be?
7.
To the south of town, over the bridge, is the stable called
Shady Acres.
8. As you know, nothing will stop us from going.
9. Craig wants to join us, too.
10. He will, of course, be invited.
• Use two commas to set off an appositive, a group of words that
tells more about the subject.
Joe, a good student, enjoys science class.
• Use a comma after introductory words or phrases in a sentence.
Yes, I enjoy science class.
• Use a comma to set off a noun of direct address.
Greta, please pass the mustard.
• Use a comma to set off a direct quotation.
“I’ll be right there,” I said.
“Will you please,” I added, “pass the salt?”
• Use two commas to set off words that interrupt the flow of
thought in a sentence.
There is, no doubt, room for another bike in the garage.
• Use commas after a long prepositional phrase or series of
phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
At the end of the meeting, we took a vote.
• Use a comma before the word too when it means “also.”
I want to go to the park, too.
Commas
171
Mechanics •
Punctuation
• Use quotation marks before and after a direct quotation, the
exact words that a speaker says.
“Someday I’m going to learn to roller blade,” said Paul.
“Someday,” said Paul, “I’m going to learn to roller blade.”
•
Use
a
comma
or
commas
to
separate
a
phrase,
such
as
he
said
,
from
the
quotation
itself.
Place
the
comma
outside
the
opening
quotation
marks
but
inside
the
closing
quotation
marks.
Veronica asked, “What would you like to learn to do?”
“This summer,” replied Adam, “I’d like to learn to roller blade.”
• Place a period inside closing quotation marks.
Pam added, “I want to learn to snorkel.”
• Place a question mark or an exclamation mark inside the
quotation marks when it is part of the quotation.
“What do you want to learn to do?” asked Maria.
“I want to figure out how to get straight A’s, of course!”
shouted Lily.
Quotation Marks
Practice Rewrite each sentence correctly. Add punctuation
where needed.
1. Are you ready for Adventure Camp asked Mr. Lee.
2. I’m ready for sailing said Courtney.
3. Will we asked Keiko get to ride horses?
4. Yes replied Mr. Lee we will.
5. Lionel said How great this camp is!
• Use quotation marks around the title of a short story, essay,
song, short poem, magazine or newspaper article, and a chapter
of a book.
“Jack and the Beanstalk”
“Yankee Doodle Dandy”
“How Valentine’s Day Came to Be”
“Little Miss Muffet”
“Hurricane Floyd Rocks the Southeast”
“A Mysterious Visitor”
Quotation Marks
“Are you ready for Adventure Camp?” asked Mr.
Lee. “I’m ready for sailing,” said Courtney.
“Will we,” asked Keiko, “get to ride horses?”
“Yes,” replied Mr. Lee, “we will.”
Lionel said, “How great this camp is!”
172
Mechanics •
Punctuation
Practice Rewrite each sentence correctly. Underline titles
where needed.
1. Are you going to see SpaceForce at Movieland this weekend?
2. No, I’m staying home to watch Lion’s Den on television.
3. Are you still reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe?
4.
Yes, and I like reading the sports section of The Los Angeles
Times, too.
5. Did you want to borrow my copy of Sports Illustrated for Kids?
• Use italics or underlining to enclose the title of a book, film,
play, television series, magazine, or newspaper.
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden
Air Bud
Air Bud
The Price Is Right
The Price Is Right
Fiddler on the Roof
Fiddler on the Roof
Family Circle
Family Circle
The Chicago Tribune
The Chicago Tribune
Italics (Underlining)
Practice Rewrite each sentence correctly. Add quotation marks
where needed.
1.
Should we sing Let Me Call You Sweetheart at the Valentine’s
Day assembly? “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”
2. Perhaps we should read a funny poem, such as Georgie Porgie.
3.
Or, we could read and act out a magazine article, such as this
one titled Ten Ways to Be Sweet. “Ten Ways to Be Sweet.”
4.
It might be fun to act out the chapter of the book called
True Friends. “True Friends.”
5.
I think the best idea is to write and read aloud an essay titled
What Valentine’s Day Means to Us.
“Georgie Porgie.”
“What Valentine’s Day Means to Us.”
173
Diagramming
Practice Diagram each sentence.
1. Most frogs have thin, moist skin.
2. Male frogs make loud, croaking sounds.
3. A frog has a long, sticky tongue.
4. A frog has very strong back legs.
5. Frogs can swim very well.
6. This beetle has brightly colored wings.
7. Wild chimpanzees sometimes use tools.
8. The huge gorilla ate a ripe, yellow banana.
9. Jackrabbits can run very fast.
10. Wild mice hardly ever enter houses.
• Adjectives modify or describe nouns and pronouns. Adjectives
tell what kind, which one(s), and how many. In a sentence
diagram, place an adjective on a slanted line below the noun or
pronoun it modifies.
• Diagram possessive nouns and pronouns and the articles a, an,
and the in the same way you diagram other kinds of adjectives.
That girl’s collection includes two yellow frogs.
collection includes frogs
• Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Adverbs tell
how, when, where, or to what extent.
• In a sentence diagram, place an adverb on a slanted line below
the word it modifies.
Beetles can live almost anywhere.
Adjectives and Adverbs
Beetles can live
Check that answers follow the patterns shown above.
176
Diagramming
Practice Diagram every word in these compound sentences.
1. Tulips look like bells, and they come in different colors.
2. Some tulips are solid colors, and others have streaks of
different colors.
3. Most tulips have six petals, but some can have double rows
of petals.
4. You may see flowers along a quiet path, or you may find them
in an empty lot.
5. Some flowers are planted by people, but wildflowers grow on
their own.
6. Many wildflowers are annuals, and they live for one year.
7. Some people pick wildflowers, and many kinds have
become rare.
8. Some orchids grow in hot, damp climates, but other types
grow in cool woods.
9. Most orchids are grown for their beautiful flowers, but one
kind of orchid is used for food.
10. Vanilla comes from a vanilla orchid, and this flavoring is used
in many foods.
• A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses
joined by a coordinating conjunction, such as and, but, or or.
• When you diagram a compound sentence, join the independent
clauses in the following way:
The bulbs are planted in the fall, and the flowers appear in the
early spring.
• In a sentence diagram, the second part of the compound
sentence is always placed below the first part.
Compound Sentences
bulbs are planted
and
flowers appear
fall
spring
Check that answers follow the patterns shown above.
179
Extra Practice
Sentences and
Sentence Fragments
A.
Write whether each sentence is a complete sentence or a
sentence fragment.
1. Fun things to do during the summer. frag.
2. We went swimming at the pool today. sent.
3. Jumped off the high diving board. frag.
4. Kelly wore a new swimsuit. sent.
5. Floated on my back. frag.
6. Next to the lifeguard stand. frag.
7. Jacob learned to do a flip. sent.
8. Hold my breath underwater. frag.
9. Towel, snorkel, mask, and flippers. frag.
10. You should always wear sunscreen. sent.
B.
Rewrite each pair of fragments as a complete sentence.
11. Yesterday we. Went to the park to play baseball. …we went…
12.
Lydia. Hit the first home run of the game. Lydia hit…
13. The players. Were very hot and thirsty. The players were…
14. Just then, an ice cream truck. Drove by the ballpark. …truck drove…
15. Joey’s dog, Peanut. Likes to catch the fly balls. …Peanut, likes…
16. Rebecca, the girl with red hair. Pitched the first three innings.
17. After the sixth inning, the score. Was tied at 3 to 3. …score was…
18. My friend, Sam. Borrowed my glove. …Sam, borrowed…
19. Before long, the sun. Began to set. …sun began…
20. Baseball. Is a great summer activity. Baseball is…
C.
Complete each sentence fragment.
21. Playing baseball. Playing baseball is a lot of fun.
22. Hot in the sun. It was very hot in the sun.
23. Drank lemonade. The whole team drank lemonade.
24. A dip in the pool. A dip in the pool feels good after playing baseball.
25. Summer. Summer is my favorite time of year.
Underlined parts are rewritten.
…hair, pitched…
Possible answers are given.
180
Extra Practice
Combining Sentences:
Compound Sentences
A.
Write which sentences are simple sentences and which are
compound sentences.
1. I will visit camp in Colorado in June. simple
2. I didn’t want to go at first, but then I read the camp brochure.
3. My group will sleep in a big log cabin near the lake. simple
4. The counselors build a big fire, and the campers cook fish.
5. There are many fascinating activities at camp. simple
6. I will learn to paddle a canoe this year. simple
7. I like photography, and many plants are around the camp.
8. My friends will take pictures, and we can make a scrapbook.
9. Oh, how exciting it is to hike in the mountains! simple
10. Jake was going to camp, but he decided to work for his dad.
B.
Write each sentence. Write S for simple sentences and C
for compound sentences. Underline the conjunctions.
11. I started a dog-walking business, and I had a lot of fun. C
12. I helped man
y people, and I made some money, too. C
13. I sent out advertisements about my services. S
14. I did not get many phone calls at first, but I did not give up. C
15. I walked around, and I noticed the neighbors with dogs. C
16. I knocked on the door at every house. S
17. I introduced myself, or I left a business card. C
18. I got a lot of responses, and I was happy. C
19. I asked my neighbor Sara to work with me, and she said yes. C
20. We fed the dogs twice a day. S
C.
Rewrite each pair of simple sentences as a compound
sentence. Add the conjunction that shows the correct
meaning.
21. We walked ten dogs at once. Things did not always go smoothly.
22. One day, Sara tripped over a rock. All the dogs ran away.
23. Some dogs came right away. Others were hard to catch.
24. Sara may walk dogs again this summer. She may not.
25. Having a business can be fun. It can also be a lot of responsibility.
compound
compound
compound
compound
compound
…them, but others…
…rock, and all…
Underlined parts are rewritten.
…once, but
things…
…fun, but it…
…summer, or she…
182
Extra Practice
Combining Sentences:
Complex Sentences
A.
Write the dependent clause in each sentence.
1. Before class began, Jason told me about his new computer.
2.
He can play games on it although he uses it mostly for research.
3. Jason would play all day if his parents would let him.
4. After we talked, I decided to learn about computers.
5. Since I was at school, I borrowed a book from the library.
6. While I read, I learned about the invention of the first computer.
7. This computer was fairly fast although it was invented in 1888.
8. When a census was done, the computer was a great asset.
9. Because the computer was so successful, the inventor sold it.
10. After the computer was invented, the world changed.
B.
Write the sentences. Draw one line under the dependent
clause in each sentence. Draw two lines under the conjunction.
11. Though I read the book slowly, some parts were confusing.
12. After I used the mouse for a while, I really started to like it.
13. The first electronic computer was as big as a house, while
today’s computers can be smaller than your hand.
14. Until I read the book, I didn’t know about the first computers.
15. The first successful one ran in 1946, before my dad was born.
16. Because it was so large, it weighed more than 30 tons.
17. Newer computers were faster, although they were still large.
18. Since businesses had to store data, they began to use computers.
19. When computer prices dropped, people bought them for home use.
20. After some time had passed, computers became even easier to use.
C.
Form complex sentences by combining clauses.
21. As computers became easier to use. They became more popular.
22. As soon as personal computers were invented. Many people
bought one. …invented, many…
23. Read a book about computers. If you want to know more.
24. If I can. I will find out more about the computer industry. …can,
I…
25. After school ends. I’m going to the computer store. …ends, I’m…
…use, they…
Answers are underlined.
Underlined parts are rewritten.
…computers if…
183
Extra Practice
Mechanics and Usage:
Punctuating Sentences
A.
Write the missing punctuation in each sentence.
1. Figure skating is my favorite sport at the winter Olympics.
2. Did you see the winner in the solo competition?
3. I watched the games last year, but I missed them this year.
4. During the summer Olympics, my favorite competition is
soccer.
5. Come watch the game with me this year.
6. Although it looks hard, pole vaulting is interesting to watch.
7. Would you like to participate in the Olympics?
8. Wow, that would be exciting!
9. I would love to try figure skating, but it looks difficult.
10. I may try figure skating anyway. I think it would be a lot of
fun.
B.
Write each pair of clauses as one sentence.
11. After I eat dinner. I want to watch the winter Olympics. …dinner,
I…
12. Sha
wn’s favorite Olympic sport is bobsledding. But he gets
nervous watching it. …bobsledding, but…
13. I could watch bobsledding. Or I could watch skiing.
14. While it is not usually my favorite. I enjoy watching skiing.
15. Roxanne’s favorite is ice dancing. Because it is exciting.
16. There are a lot of twirls. And the skaters are energetic.
17. If it is possible. I would like to travel to the next winter Olympics.
18. Wherever the winter Olympics are held. It should be snowy.
19. The American team looks tired. As if everyone practiced too hard.
20. I want to watch the games again. Because they were so inspiring.
C.
Write each pair of clauses as one sentence. Use conjunctions
and commas where needed. Underlined parts are rewritten.
21. The American ice hockey team lost. It played a good game.
22. The Canadian players could win. The Swedish team beats them.
23. Whenever one team scored. The crowd went wild. …scored, the…
24. My sister wants to see the skating competition. I prefer the skiing.
25. I am looking forward to the downhill skiing. It is fun to watch.
…possible, I…
…again because…
…lost, but it…
…bobsledding, or…
…favorite, I…
…dancing because…
…tired, as if…
…win unless the…
Underlined parts are rewritten.
…held, it…
…competition, but
I… …skiing because
it…
…twirls, and…
184
Extra Practice
Nouns
A.
Write whether each underlined noun is a person, place,
thing, or idea.
1. Soccer is a rewarding sport. thing, thing
2.
Many people explore the wilderness on foot. person, place, thing
3. Hikers need to think about food, clothing, and shelter.
4. Equipment has to be carried in a backpack. thing, thing
5. Tents work well for lightweight shelter. thing, place or thing
6. The weather can change quickly, so hikers must be prepared.
7. Mountain storms can be fierce, bringing rain, snow, and hail.
8. Without warm, dry clothes, sightseers can be in great danger.
9. Good boots help make any hike a pleasure. thing, thing, idea
10. Thick socks are important for your comfort. thing, idea
B.
Write each sentence. Draw one line under the noun
or nouns in each sentence.
11. The Hamiltons spend much time in the outdoors.
12. Dad spends days on plans for trips to the mountains.
13. Mom fills the backpacks with clothes and food.
14. Ryan carries one tent, and Caitlin carries some pots and pans.
15. Uncle Greg carries the stove and some fuel bottles.
16. Grandma carries a rope and the water bottles.
17. The excited campers cross the narrow bridge above the winding river.
18. Sometimes the adults climb up on glaciers.
19. Both parents have taught people climbing skills.
20. When the family goes to the mountains, every member has a
feeling of freedom.
C.
Write each sentence. Draw a line under each noun. Then
write whether the noun names a person, place, thing, or idea.
21. A person needs common sense in the wilderness. person, idea, place
22. Hikers face many hardships. person, idea
23. Animals and the weather can cause trouble. thing, thing, idea
24. Wild creatures have the right to live in a natural environment.
25. Campers must keep bears out of garbage and stored food.
thing, people
thing, thing, thing, thing
thing, people,
idea
person
thing
thing
place or thing
person, thing, thing, thing
thing, idea, place
188
Extra Practice
Singular and Plural Nouns
A.
Write the singular and plural nouns in each sentence.
1. The sixth-grade class wants to earn money for a class trip.
2. The students hope to earn five hundred dollars.
3. Naoko and her friends want to make and sell birdhouses.
4. She has wood and tools at her house.
5. They make simple boxes out of the wood.
6.
Jeremy and Marko use a drill to make holes.
7. Jorge and Leila use nails to put the boards together.
8. It is a good thing there are two workbenches in the shop.
9. The sixth grade made fifteen birdhouses in one day.
10. The houses are finished a week before the holidays begin.
B.
Write the plural form of each underlined noun.
11. Tomas wants his classmate to earn money for the trip.
12. He wants his friend to suggest the best idea for making money.
13. Their hobby could turn into the best money-making opportunity.
14. Serena makes the birthday card and envelope on her computer.
15. Miguel paints the picture of the baby. pictures, babies
16. Anna makes the toy out of recycled material. toys, materials
17. She makes the toy boat and bus out of junk. boats, buses
18. She uses rag to make the stuffed animal. rags, animals
19. She makes the cutest fox and monkey with button eye.
20. The class will make a great deal of money selling the thing.
C.
Write each sentence. Use the plural form of the noun in
parentheses ( ).
21. The students plan for the fair during math
. (class) classes
22. They get a little help from their
. (teacher) teachers
23. Even their
are helping them with plans. (family) families
24. Some students will shop at the fair for
. (present) presents
25. Naoko and her friends hope the
are clear on the day of
the fair. (sky) skies
Singular nouns are underlined once. Plural nouns are underlined twice.
classmates, trips
cards, envelopes
foxes, monkeys,
eyes
classes, things
hobbies, opportunities
friends, ideas
189
Extra Practice
Capitalization
A.
Write and capitalize the underlined proper nouns in these
sentences.
1. niki decided to start a club for inventors. Niki
2.
She called it the greenwood club. Greenwood Club
3. She named it after the inventor chester greenwood.
4. He lived in farmington, maine, where it was often cold.
5. One december, he invented earmuffs. December
6. The club met every thursday at 3:30. Thursday
7. They discussed inventors, such as carver and curie. Carver; Curie
8. They talked about things like the stove invented by franklin.
9. They visited the portland museum. Portland Museum
10. In october, they started working on their own inventions. October
B.
Write each sentence. Circle each word that needs a capital
letter.
11. The club decided that february would be a special month.
12. They named it ancient inventions month.
13. They researched special inventions from asia.
14. I know that jasmine studied early agriculture.
15. She saw an exhibit of farm tools in the smithsonian museum.
16. Such tools were used first in the near east.
17. Another club member, kayi, wondered if paper was invented in
china.
18. Inventors in the middle ages designed parachutes.
19. My partner, mario, didn’t want to study famous inventions.
20. He wondered if betsy ross invented chocolate chip cookies.
C.
Write each sentence with the correct capitalization.
21. amit brought in a special guest on april fools’ day.
22. His uncle, mr. khetan, worked at gerstle laboratory.
23. He showed a movie called “try, try again.”
24. Even thomas edison had many failures.
25. This news made grady and yan feel better.
Underlined words should be capitalized.
Chester
Greenwood
Farmington, Maine
Franklin
192
Extra Practice
Appositives
A.
Write the appositive in each sentence. Appositives are
underlined.
1. Two climbers, a man and woman from Germany,
discover
ed the Iceman.
2. They found him in the Alps, a mountain range.
3. His location, a distant glacier, was hard to reach.
4. Strange tools, a bow and knife, were beside him.
5. It took time, two days or more, before the world noticed.
6. Rainer Henn, an expert, was called to the site.
7. Bad weather, thick fog, made recovery difficult.
8. Some hay, the lining of his shoes, was still dry.
9. His clothes, finely stitched leather, were lined with fur.
10. The Iceman, an unknown human, will teach us about the past.
B.
Write the appositive. Then write the noun to which it refers.
11. The Iceman, a middle-aged male, was about 30 years old.
12. A glacier, a thick river of ice, preserved his body.
13. This hunter, a brave man, tells us about life in the Bronze Age.
14. He had good teeth, a full set. a full set—teeth
15. Good supplies, warm clothing and protection, were important.
16. He carried a quiver, a pouch for arrows. a pouch for arrows—quiver
17. Tools then were made of bronze, a mixture of copper and tin.
18. His house, one room with a fireplace, was covered with branches.
19. People of the Bronze Age hunted for their food, deer and pigs.
20. They baked loaves of ground-up grains, a kind of coarse flour.
C.
Combine the sentences by forming an appositive.
21. Many people are studying the Iceman. They are scientists
and students.
22. Two countries claimed the Iceman. They are Italy and Austria.
23. The Alps separate Italy from Austria. The Alps are the
mountains where the Iceman was found.
24. No one owns the Iceman. He is a messenger from long ago.
25. The Iceman can solve mysteries. He is a symbol of the past.
a middle-aged
male—Iceman a
brave man—hunter
a thick river of ice—glacier
a kind of coarse flour—ground-up grains
a mixture of copper and tin—bronze
deer and pigs—food
warm clothing and protection—supplies
one room with a fireplace—house
Many people, scientists and students,
are studying the Iceman.
The Alps, the mountains
where the Iceman was found, separate Italy from Austria.
Two countries, Italy and Austria, claimed the Iceman.
No one owns the Iceman, a messenger from long
ago.
The Iceman, a symbol of the past, can solve
mysteries. 194
Extra Practice
Subject-Verb Agreement
A. Write
yes if the verb in parentheses agrees with the
underlined subject, no if it does not.
1. My family (own) a large working farm. no
2.
We (grows) corn, beans, and squash. no
3. In the fall, my dad and I (makes) a maze in the cornfield.no
4. He (sells) tickets to enter the maze. yes
5. I (helps) people go through the maze. no
6. The whole town (loves) the maze. yes
7. People (buys) their pumpkins and squash afterwards. no
8. This year my sisters (watches) the action. no
9. They (enjoy) the crowds. yes
10. My dog (likes) the people too. yes
B.
Write each sentence. Complete the sentence with the verb in
parentheses that agrees with the subject.
11. Life on a farm (involve, involves) hard work.
12. I (know, knows) that farm life is a great deal of fun.
13. We (raise, raises) pigs and cattle.
14. Cattle (eat, eats) more than pigs.
15. Our baby piglets (keep, keeps) themselves clean.
16. Kyle and I (feed, feeds) the pigs at noon and at five.
17. Children (visit, visits) our farm on field trips.
18. My mother (provide, provides) the snacks.
19. Sometimes my brother (perform, performs) magic tricks.
20. The boys (complete, completes) their chores after dinner.
C.
Rewrite each sentence, changing plural subjects to singular
subjects. Change the verb so that it agrees with the subject.
21. Our neighbors enjoy visiting Italy. Our neighbor enjoys...
22. Their relatives live in Rome. Their relative lives...
23. The boys write to their family often. The boy writes to his...
24. Tourists find Italy very romantic. The tourist finds...
25. The chefs make excellent pizza. The chef makes...
199
Extra Practice
Commas
A.
Write each sentence. Place a comma or commas where
needed in each underlined group of words.
1. I was born on December 17, 1980.
2.
Our first house was in Marvella, Texas.
3. We did, however, move shortly after I was born.
4. Yes, that was difficult for my mother.
5. She had to choose a house, a mover, and a painter.
6. My cat, Stella, almost got lost in the move.
7. My father, the hero, eventually found her.
8. Our next house was in Topeka, Kansas.
9. Please, let’s not move again.
10. Simon, please help Mom unpack those boxes.
B.
Write each sentence. Put in the missing commas.
11. You can see the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
12. We went to see the bell on Tuesday, July 5.
13. There is no charge, of course, to see the Liberty Bell.
14. Yes , the Liberty Bell is cracked.
15. Sure, there are other things to see in Philadelphia.
16. There is an art museum, a science museum, and beautiful
parks.
17. Mom and Dad, you might consider taking us to Philadelphia.
18. We could go on from there to Washington, D.C.
19. Yes , that would that be fantastic!
20. Let’s plan this trip for June 10, 2012.
C.
Rewrite the sentences. Add the phrase in parentheses to each
sentence. Use commas to set off the added text.
21. My cousin is going to Hawaii. (a sixth-grade teacher)
22. She is talented with pencils. (watercolors and charcoals)
23. Hawaii will inspire my cousin to paint. (a beautiful place)
24. Everyone says Teah is talented. (including her art teacher)
25. Teah plans to study at the Art Institute. (a well-known school
in Chicago) ...Institute, a well-known school in Chicago.
My cousin, a sixth-grade teacher,
is... ...pencils, watercolors,
and charcoals.
Hawaii, a beautiful place,
will…
Everyone, including her art teacher,
says...
201
Extra Practice
Progressive Forms
A.
Write whether the underlined verb phrase is present
progressive or past progressive.
1. Today our town is holding a Clean-Up Day. pres. prog.
2. All f
amilies are participating this year. pres. prog.
3. Some children were picking up litter earlier. past prog.
4. Some people were working to clean up the river banks. past prog.
5. These days our trash is cluttering the river banks. pres. prog.
6. The boys and girls are doing an excellent job right now. pres. prog.
7. At this time, the city sewers are filling up with trash. pres. prog.
8. The street workers were trying to clean the drainage ditches.
9. For years, we were neglecting the natural beauty of our parks.
10. Now we are taking good care of our parks. pres. prog.
B.
Write each sentence. Choose the correct form of the helping
verb in parentheses.
11. Tonight, the mayor (is, was) deciding what to do about litter.
12. Last week, everyone (is, was) calling the mayor to complain.
13. The children (are, is) organizing a task force now.
14. All last week, the street cleaners (were, are) working hard.
15. A month ago, some of the sewers (were, are) overflowing.
16. Now the sewers (were, are) no longer backing up.
17. The whole town (is, was) beginning to look beautiful.
18. Businesses along Main Street (is, are) providing trash barrels.
19. Students (is, are) making posters about the cleanup effort.
20. I (am, are) writing to the newspapers about our newly
cleaned town.
C.
Write each sentence. Use the present-progressive or the past-
progressive form of the verb in parentheses.
21. I
to clean my room today. (go) am going
22. The children
hard all last week for their math test. (study)
23. Two years ago, my neighbors
in Pittsburgh, PA. (live)
24. Now my best friend, Aaron,
right next door. (live) is living
25. My sister
for her doll in the closet for three hours. (look)
past
prog.
past
prog.
were studying
were living
was looking
202
Extra Practice
Perfect Tenses
A.
Write whether the underlined verb phrase is present perfect or
past perfect.
1. We have learned new facts and skills in language arts. pres. perf.
2.
Before this school year, we had studied spelling. past perf.
3. We have studied verb tenses this entire week. pres. perf.
4. We had worked with commas for a day before I understood them.
5. Previously, I had thought that semicolons were dull. past perf.
6. I had spent a month on quotation marks before they made sense.
7. I have attended Jefferson Elementary School for six years.
8. Our class had tried to do a project alone until we asked for help.
9. I have tried to memorize a grammar rule each day. pres. perf.
10. Before Juan passed the test, he had studied for two weeks.
B.
Write each sentence. Choose the correct verb in parentheses.
11. I (have read, has read) some books by Robert Louis Stevenson.
12. Until recently, she (have written, had written) only one paper.
13. By 6:00 P.M., I (had finished, has finished) my homework.
14. Everyone (has tried, have tried) a few interesting experiences.
15. Reporters (has written, have written) about what they know.
16. Children (has memorized, have memorized) punctuation rules.
17. By 8:00, the baby (had slept, have slept) for two hours already.
18. I wrote my essay after I (has found, had found) all the facts.
19. You (have passed, has passed) the test with a good score.
20. Before I started my essay, I (has not known, had not known) how
much fun it could be to write.
C.
Write each sentence. Use the present-perfect or past-perfect
tense of the verb in parentheses.
21. Some children
that school can be fun. (realize) have realized
22. They
a great effort this year. (made) have made
23. Kareem
hard, and now his essay was done. (work) has worked
24. Miss Jones
the class about the test every day. (remind)
25. Last month, the class
often to prepare themselves. (study)
past
perf.
pres.
perf.
past
perf.
past
perf.
past perf.
had studied
has reminded
203
Extra Practice
Irregular Verbs
A.
Write the irregular verb in each sentence.
1. We went on a great vacation.
2.
We flew to Louisiana.
3. Then we drove to the coast.
4. I had done this trip before.
5. My brother and I rode in the back seat.
6. He took drawing paper and pens with him.
7. We drew pictures of the faces of people around us.
8. I knew all the people in my brother’s pictures.
9. Then we wrote stories about these people.
10. I saw some interesting sights along the way, too.
B.
Write each sentence. Choose the correct verb in parentheses
to complete the sentence.
11. I have (took, taken) plenty of trips with my family.
12. We’ve (driven, drove) through thirteen different states.
13. We (flown, flew) across the country, but that was expensive.
14. We (seen, saw) the most amazing sights from the airplane.
15. When we landed, we (gone, went) straight to the motel.
16. My mother (knew, known) we would want to rest.
17. My family has (did, done) a lot of work to get here.
18. We (took, taken) hikes, camped, and fished.
19. I have (knew, known) people who really enjoyed mountain trips.
20. My friend, Tato, (written, wrote) about his trip in his journal.
C.
Write the sentences. Use the correct form of the verb in
parentheses to complete each sentence.
21. We have
a list of new ideas. (write) written
22. Yesterday, LeeAnn
nothing about this list. (know) knew
23. My mother
a look at the new list. (take) took
24. Afterwards she
we were on the right track. (see) saw
25. Why
this seem so difficult? (do) did
205
Extra Practice
Pronouns and Referents
A.
Read each sentence. Then write the pronoun and its referent.
1. Susie researched her report on Egypt. pron., her; ref., Susie
2. The Internet was helpful because it provided information.
3. Roberto shared his computer with Susie. pron., his; ref., Roberto
4. Susie and Roberto worked hard on their project.
5. Susie searched the Web site to find her information.
6. Roberto had a turn, and he found a picture of a pyramid.
7. Susie and Roberto realized they could help each other.
8. The teacher said she was pleased. pron., she; ref., teacher
9. Did Sharifa save the information on her disk?
10. The information will be useful when I need it.
B.
Write each sentence. Use the correct pronouns in parentheses.
Select the pronoun that matches the underlined referent.
11. Roberto helped Susie, and (she, he) helped Roberto.
12. Roberto and Susie used (their, our) information to write a paper.
13. Roberto said (he, him) was happy with what he found.
14. The scanner was needed, but (they, it) wasn’t available.
15. I liked working with Susie, and she liked working with (her, me).
16. The teacher sent us to the library to begin writing (our, your)
research
paper.
17. “If (she, I) can help you, please let me know.”
18. The teacher talked to Susie about (my, her) question about Egypt.
19. The students worked hard when (they, them) had an assignment.
20. We use encyclopedias because (it, they) contain good information.
C.
Write each sentence. Write a pronoun in each
blank that matches the underlined referent.
21. Roberto and I created a pyramid for
project. our
22. Susie took great pride in
project. her
23. The students watched a video that taught
how an archeologist digs for artifacts. them
24. Roberto presented
project next. his
25. Roberto and Susie placed
projects on the table. their
pron., it; ref.,
Internet pron., their; ref., Susie and
Roberto
pron., he; ref.,
Roberto pron., they; ref., Susie
and Roberto
pron., her; ref.,
Sharifa pron., it; ref.,
information
pron., her; ref., Susie
207
Extra Practice
Subject and Object Pronouns
A.
Write the personal pronoun in each sentence. Tell whether
the word is a subject pronoun or an object pronoun.
1. Are you going fishing this weekend? subj.
2.
Dad helped me with the equipment. obj.
3. Sam took a fishing hat and put it on his head. obj.
4. He was excited about the fishing trip. subj.
5. They packed the car and were ready to leave. subj.
6. The family took a fishing boat, and the car pulled it. obj.
7. They planned to fish for five days. subj.
8. Sam brought his tackle box and carried it with his gear. obj.
9. The map guided them to the cabin. obj.
10. They arrived and unpacked the car. subj.
B.
Write each sentence. Write S above each subject pronoun
and O above each object pronoun. Write the referent for
each pronoun.
11. Dad and Jeff wanted an early start, so they went to bed early.
12. Dad asked the cabin owner to give him a wake-up call. Dad
13. The gear was packed, so Dad put it into the boat. gear
14. The boat landing was old, and it was rickety. boat landing
15. Dad called, “Help me, son!” Dad
16. Dad hitched the boat and trailer and backed them down to the
water’s edge. boat and trailer
17. When Dad unhitched the boat, it slid easily into the lake. boat
18. Jeff held out a worm, and Dad put it on a hook. worm
19. When family members caught fish, they threw them back into
the lake.
20. It was an exciting fishing trip! fishing trip
C.
Write each sentence. Choose a pronoun to fill in the blank.
21. The fisherman didn’t move as
watched the water. he
22. He said, “
am glad the fish are biting today, aren’t you?”
I
23. The men caught fish and cooked
in a pan. them
24. Sam grabbed his net and shook the water out of
. it
25. The men had fun because
caught large fish all day. they
Dad and Jeff
Dad and Jeff; fish
S
S
S
S
S
O
O
O
O
O
O
208
Extra Practice
Combining Sentences: Subject
and Object Pronouns
A.
Underline the compound subject or compound object in each
sentence.
1. Gretta and I wanted to go to the park.
2.
Sauki and she took skates to the park.
3. Leila invited Joseph and me to go.
4. He and his friends packed a picnic lunch.
5. Joseph served Leila and me.
6. Gretta and she provided the drinks.
7. Sauki and I had knee pads and a helmet for skating.
8. Joseph had a picnic and cookout with Gretta and her.
9. He and Ralph skated on the path and basketball court.
10. Gretta and he ate the brownies.
B.
Write each sentence. Use the correct word in parentheses.
11. Ralph and (she, her) tripped and fell.
12. Leila and (I, me) enjoyed the picnic.
13. The food satisfied my friends and (I, me).
14. Joseph and (she, her) ate potato chips.
15. The jogger helped Ralph and (they, you).
16. Sauki and (he, him) took a break from skating.
17. Leila gave some soda to Joseph and (she, her).
18. Ralph invited a younger boy and (I, me) to rest on a bench.
19. Joseph and (she, her) began picking up the picnic.
20. Ralph and (I, me) put on protective gear again.
C.
Combine each pair of sentences by forming compound
subjects or compound objects. Write the new sentence.
21. After the picnic, she picked up the trash. I also picked up
the trash. …she and I picked up…
22. Sauki skated home. He skated home. Sauki and he…
23. Sauki greeted him. She greeted her friends. …him and her friends.
24. He gathered the food. Leila gathered the food. He and Leila…
25. Gretta helped Leila load the car. Gretta helped him load the car.
…Leila and him…
209
Extra Practice
Punctuation in Dialogue
A.
Write the sentences. Draw a line under the name of the person
who is speaking in each sentence. Circle the quotation marks.
1. Patty asked, “Do you want to go to the movies with us?”
2.
“
We would love to go,” said Oliver.
3. “What day is best for you?” asked Patty.
4. Angela responded, “Wednesday is good.”
5. “Great!” exclaimed Alex.
6. “Good,” replied Patty. “Wednesday works for me, too.”
7. “I haven’t been to that theater,” said Alex.
8. “It’s cool,” commented Omar. “They have huge screens.”
9. “I have only been to that theater once,” added Angela.
10. “How much money should we bring?” questioned Alex.
B.
Write each sentence correctly. Draw one line under the
direct quotation.
11. “I think,” said Omar, “that you should wear long pants.”
12. “Is the theater cold?” asked Alex.
13. “Who will be taking us?” asked Hector.
14. “My mom will drive,” responded Patty.
15. “I can’t wait!” yelled Angela.
16. Alex commented, “Let’s get pizza after the movie.”
17. “Alex,” responded Omar, “that’s a great idea.”
18. Patty said, “We’ll go to Pizza Palace on Elm Avenue.”
19. “Have you eaten there before?” questioned Angela.
20. “Yes, the pizza is delicious, and there’s a game room in the
back,” replied Patty.
C.
Write each sentence correctly. Add quotation marks, capital
letters, commas, and end punctuation when necessary.
21. I had a great time last Saturday said Alex.
22. that movie was so funny, remarked Omar.
23. The pizza was divine exclaimed Angela.
24. Patty asked should we try to get together every Saturday?”
25. Yes said the others, we’d love to!”
“
“
“
“
Underlined words should
be capitalized.
,
”
!”
,
”
,
“
”
“
210
Extra Practice
Pronoun-Verb Agreement
A.
Write each sentence. Draw a line under the subject pronoun
and the verb.
1. She likes swim races.
2.
She practices at the local pool with friends.
3. They gather at the pool twice a week.
4. We hope to race in a swim meet soon.
5. They are held at an Olympic-sized pool.
6. I think the swim meets will be tiring.
7. You have to dive into the pool first.
8. She wants to learn to swim fast.
9. I want to swim in the ocean.
10. They haven’t tried that yet.
B.
Write each sentence. Choose the verb in parentheses that
agrees with the subject pronoun.
11. They (practice, practices) proper breathing techniques.
12. She (enjoy, enjoys) learning all the techniques.
13. You must (swim, swims) well to win a race.
14. He (was, were) an instructor in my last swim class.
15. It (help, helps) people improve their skills.
16. We (take, takes) tests in order to pass the class.
17. She (has learned, have learned) two new strokes.
18. We (are planning, is planning) a picnic after the first meet.
19. They (have, has) all the details worked out for us.
20. I (are, am) excited about this experience.
C.
Write each sentence. Choose the subject pronoun in the
parentheses that agrees with the verb.
21. (We, I) are in a swim meet this Saturday.
22. (He, They) reminds us of the safety tips.
23. (She, They) stretch and warm up before the meet.
24. (I, He) put on my goggles first.
25. (He, We) swim as fast as we can.
212
Extra Practice
Possessive Pronouns
A.
Write the possessive pronoun in each sentence.
1. Molly borrowed her favorite book from the library.
2.
The book is not hers, so she handled it carefully.
3. The story is about a farmer and his daughter.
4. Their farm is in trouble because of a terrible drought.
5. The farmer decides to sell some of his equipment.
6. A friend agrees to hold an auction on her property.
7. Suddenly a cow begins shaking its tail.
8. The girl says, “My cow is giving us a signal.”
9. “Rain will come to our farm!” exclaimed the father.
10. The farmer and daughter smiled as they canceled their auction.
B.
Write the sentences. Use the correct possessive pronoun
in parentheses.
11. Frederick selected a book about (our, ours) state.
12. He learned that (him, his) ancestors had settled here.
13. Leaving (they, their) homes in Germany, they had sailed across
the ocean.
14. He designed a poster to illustrate (their, they) travels.
15. (Our, Ours) class was interested in his family’s history.
16. “(Your, You) family sounds adventurous,” said Ross.
17. Sally thinks (hers, her) ancestors are from Norway.
18. She hopes to find a book on (they, their) explorations.
19. Rafe wants to read about the beetle and (it, its) habitat.
20. (Our, Ours) school library has a variety of books.
C.
Write each sentence. Add a possessive pronoun to complete it.
21. Mrs. Pitt said, “Those books are
favorites.” my
22. They tell about brave leaders and
courageous acts. their
23. Put that book in
correct place. its
24. I already put
on the bottom shelf. mine
25. We enjoy borrowing books from
library. our
Possible answers are given.
213
Extra Practice
Articles: a, an, the
A.
Write each article and the word that follows it.
1. Suppose you won a trip to either the Arctic or the Antarctic.
2.
Many people think the two places are the same, but they’re not.
3. One is the North Pole, and the other is called the South Pole.
4. To see a penguin, you could go to the Antarctic.
5. Will it be a big surprise to find an Arctic bird in Mexico?
6. You can find a swarm of bees in some parts of the Arctic!
7. You might also see a glacier, a mass of slow-moving ice.
8. An iceberg is an enormous block of ice.
9. Icebergs can rise a hundred feet from the ocean’s surface.
10. During an Arctic night, the sky often flickers with bright colors.
B.
Write each sentence, using the correct article.
11. Only about one-eighth of (a, an) iceberg shows above the water.
12. (A, The) largest part of an iceberg is hidden below water.
13. (A, An) ship’s captain may not know where an iceberg begins
and ends.
14. In 1912, (an, a) “unsinkable” ship sailed from England to
New York.
15. (A, The) famous ship, Titanic, never arrived in New York.
16. Robert Peary and Matthew Henson were (a, the) first explorers
to reach the North Pole.
17. Antarctica is truly (a, the) last frontier.
18. Of all seven continents, Antarctica is (a, the) hardest to reach.
19. No wonder it took (an, a) explorer so long to discover it!
20. Roald Amundsen was (a, the) first explorer to reach Antarctica.
C.
Write the sentences. Fill in the missing articles.
21.
elephant cannot live in Antarctica.
22. Whales swim in
ocean, but they are not fish.
23. Arctic hares have
coat that changes color with
seasons.
24. I sa
w
picture of
Arctic fox an
d
polar bear.
25. Arctic birds migrate halfway around
world.
An
the
the
the
aa
n
a
a
215
Extra Practice
Demonstrative Adjectives
A.
Write the demonstrative adjective in each sentence.
1. That oak tree is at the far edge of our property.
2.
This apple tree is very close to my house.
3. Look at that giant sequoia.
4. We are amazed at the size of those spruce trees.
5. Mr. Fujita raised these bonsai trees.
6. This palm tree has a rough, scratchy trunk.
7. Let’s paint a picture of those pine trees on the mountain.
8. Why is that elm tree losing all its leaves?
9. Mom told us to rake these leaves before we go to the mall.
10. José plans to use this red leaf for his collection.
B.
Write each sentence, using the correct demonstrative adjective.
11. (That, Those) palm tree does not have any branches.
12. (This, Those) trees produce dates and coconuts.
13. Please come and take a look at (that, this) unusual fern.
14. A new tree will grow from (these, this) seed.
15. (That, This) ginkgo looks tiny because it is so far away.
16. (These, This) cedar trees need to be planted over there.
17. Many bushels of apples are produced in (those, that) orchard.
18. Come over and have a peach from (that, this) tree in my yard.
19. (That, Those) medicine comes from a tree that grows in
South America.
20. (These, This) syrup comes from maple trees.
C.
Write each sentence. Fill in the demonstrative adjective.
21. The koala bears here in the zoo eat nothing but the leaves of
eucalyptus trees.
22.
tree frog on the highest branch has suction pads on
its feet.
23. Can you see
caterpillars over there eating the leaves?
24. I found
ladybug in my backyard.
25.
forest fire last year destroyed thousands of acres.
That
these
those
this
That
216
Extra Practice
Comparing with More and Most
A.
Write the comparative or superlative adjectives.
1. The winters are the most unbearable in the polar regions.
2. Th
e most successful travelers take their video cameras on trips.
3. An ocean liner is more seaworthy than a rubber raft.
4. I think Texas would be more fun to visit than another state.
5. A vacation in the city is more interesting than a trip to the beach.
6. The South Pole is the most frigid place on Earth.
7. I think Nova Scotia is more beautiful than Ontario.
8. Florida has the most wonderful theme parks in America!
9. I think the mountains are more magnificent than the seashore.
10. Some think the Grand Canyon is the most exciting place to visit.
B.
Rewrite each sentence. Use the correct word in parentheses.
11. Thunderstorms are (more, most) dangerous than regular storms.
12. Hurricanes are the (most, more) hazardous storms of all.
13. The winds are (more, most) intense during a hurricane than
they are during a regular storm.
14. The rain may be (most, more) powerful during a tornado than
during a thunderstorm.
15. The (most, more) protective place of all during a tornado is
a shelter.
16. Hurricanes are (most, more) destructive than other storms.
17. A tsunami is (most, more) violent than a mild seaquake.
18. Lightning is the (most, most) terrifying part of a storm.
19. The (most, more) peaceful part of a storm is the “eye.”
20. The (more, most) forceful winds of all are outside the eye.
C.
Write the sentences, using the correct comparative or
superlative form of the adjective in parentheses.
21. Science is the
subject. (exciting) most exciting
22. Clouds seem
than people realize. (important) more important
23. Sunny days are
than stormy days. (pleasurable)
24. Rain is
to crops than sunshine is. (vital) more vital
25. Weather is the
factor for a farmer. (changeable)
more pleasurable
most changeable
220
Extra Practice
Comparing with Good and Bad
A.
Write the correct comparative or superlative
form of good or bad in each sentence.
1. Apples are (better, best) for you than candy.
2. So
da is the (worst, worse) food of all.
3. It is (better, best) to eat three meals a day.
4. Some snack foods are (worst, worse) than others.
5. The (better, best) thing about fruit is its taste.
6. To me, fruit tastes (better, best) than salty snack foods.
7. Nick thinks broccoli is (worse, worst) than spinach.
8. He thinks eggplant is the (worse, worst) vegetable!
9. Some people think eggplant is (best, better) than cauliflower.
10. The (worst, worse) diet is one made up mostly of “junk” food.
B.
Rewrite each sentence, using the correct form of good or bad.
11. Sammi likes baseball (more better, better) than volleyball.
12. She thinks soccer is the (most best, best) sport of all.
13. Lou says football is the (worst, worser) sport.
14. He argues that football is (worser, worse) than baseball.
15. I think water polo is the (bestest, best) sport in the world!
16. It’s (more better, better) to try a new sport than to do nothing.
17. The (best, most good) sports have a lot of action.
18. The (baddest, worst) sports are boring.
19. Some players believe that it’s (more bad, worse) to lose by one
point than by many points.
20. The (better, best) way to exercise is to have fun at the same time.
C. Write each sentence, using the correct form of the adjective.
21. It’s (good) to sleep at least eight hours a night than two hours.
22. My mother says the (bad) thing is not getting enough sleep. worst
23. Your health will become much (good) after you start exercising.
24. I think it’s (bad) to skip meals than to eat snack foods. worse
25. One of the (bad) things you can do is not to eat right. worst
better
better
221
Extra Practice
Combining Sentences:
Adjectives
A.
Write the adjectives that can be joined to combine each pair
of sentences.
1. Traveling to famous places is fun. It’s educational.
2.
Great Salt Lake is unique. Great Salt Lake is interesting.
3. The Humber Bridge in England looks long. It looks sturdy.
4. Stonehenge is large. Stonehenge is mysterious.
5. The Eiffel Tower is beautiful. The Eiffel Tower is majestic.
6. The streets in Florence are narrow. The streets are winding.
7. The Tower of Pisa is tall. The Tower of Pisa is lopsided.
8. Fjords in Norway are long. Fjords in Norway are narrow.
9. The Petrified Forest looks painted. It looks unreal.
10. Angel Falls is a tall waterfall. It’s also powerful.
B.
Combine each pair of sentences into one new sentence.
11. The Statue of Liberty looks proud. It looks friendly.
12. Yellowstone was America’s first national park. It is the largest.
13. Sequoias are the world’s oldest trees. They are the largest.
14. The Galápagos Islands have rocky soil. The soil is volcanic, too.
15. Giant tortoises are rare animals. Giant tortoises are massive.
16. Easter Island has mysterious statues. It has ancient statues.
17. Egyptian pyramids are impressive. They are popular.
18. The Sahara is the world’s biggest desert. It is the most famous.
19. There are old cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde. They are white.
20. The anxious tourists eagerly entered the gate. They were excited.
C.
Write each sentence. Use an adjective from one sentence to
combine the two sentences. Underline the adjective you added.
21. The celebrated Taj Mahal was built long ago in India. It is grand.
22. The Taj Mahal has a large white dome. The dome is peaked.
23. For an exciting vacation, visit Australia. Your vacation will be
unusual.
For an exciting and unusual vacation, visit Australia.
24. Ayers Rock is a solitary rock in Australia. It is huge.
25. Ayers Rock is the largest rock in the world. It is the most famous.
The Statue of Liberty looks proud and friendly.
Ayers Rock is the largest, most famous rock in the world.
Yellowstone was America’s first and largest national
park.
Sequoias are the world’s oldest and largest trees.
The Galápagos Islands have rocky, volcanic soil.
Giant tortoises are rare, massive animals.
Easter Island has mysterious, ancient statues.
Egyptian pyramids are impressive and popular.
Ayers Rock is a huge, solitary rock in Australia.
The Taj Mahal has a large, peaked white dome.
The Sahara is the biggest, most famous desert in the
world.
The anxious, excited tourists eagerly entered at the gate.
The celebrated and grand Taj Mahal was built long ago in India.
There are old, white cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde.
222
Extra Practice
Adverbs That Modify Verbs
A.
Write the adverb that describes the underlined verb in
each sentence.
1. Brandon excitedly jumped to his feet.
2. He anxiously watched as his brother ran to first base.
3. His brother, David, swiftly rounded first.
4. The first baseman eagerly caught the ball.
5. Hastily, David charged to second base.
6. Kimmy, playing second base, calmly caught the ball.
7. As the crow
d cheered mightily, Kimmy tagged David.
8. “Nice play,” David sighed politely.
9. “Awesome!” Brandon reassuringly called from the stands.
10. David gratefully waved to his little brother.
B.
Write each sentence. Write ADV above each adverb. Write V
above each verb.
11. Afterward, Brandon and his parents waited for David.
12. The baseball coach was speaking quietly to the team.
13. The boys and girls on the team listened closely.
14. The coach carefully analyzed the game.
15. He cheerfully complimented Bashon, the pitcher.
16. Shyly, Bashon hung his head.
17. Kelsey gently patted Bashon on the back.
18. David laughingly called Bashon “Mr. Modest.”
19. The coach then ended the meeting.
20. Gleefully, Brandon raced to his older brother.
C.
Write each sentence. Add an adverb in each blank.
21. Brandon
threw his arms around David’s legs. happily
22. “Little pal!” David
said as he patted Brandon. warmly
23. “Let’s go out for a snack,” their mom
suggested. then
24. “Race you to the car,” Brandon
challenged. playfully
25. David and Brandon
began their race. immediately
ADV
ADV
ADV
ADV
ADV
ADV
ADV
ADV
ADV
ADV
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
Possible answers are given.
224
Extra Practice
Comparing with Adverbs
A.
Write the correct comparative and superlative form of
each adverb.
B.
Write each sentence. Use the correct form of the adverb.
11. Jason types (more skillfully, most skillfully) than Keith.
12. He updates our homepage the (faster, fastest) of all.
13. Kevin adds information (more quickly, most quickly) than Tory.
14. The teacher held a contest to see who could create the
(more beautifully, most beautifully) decorated Web page.
15. The (more carefully, most carefully) designed Web page of all
was done by Kim.
16. Hers was (more creatively, most creatively) done than Tory’s.
17. The (more humorously, most humorously) drawn cartoon of all
appeared on Diego’s Web page.
18. Carlo painted well, but Adriana painted (better, best).
19. Adriana added details (more frequently, most frequently) than
her classmates.
20. The (most amazingly, more amazingly) animated page
was Tina’s.
C.
Write each sentence by using the correct form of the adverb
in parentheses.
21. Jason works the
of all on the computer. (proficiently)
22. The three friends worked
on Friday than they had
on Tuesday. (cooperatively) more cooperatively
23. They worked
at school than at home. (eagerly)
24. The sixth grade planned its project
than the seventh
grade. (carefully) more carefully
25. Making a Web page is one of the
satisfying experiences.
(completely)
most completely
1. fast
2. soon
3. late
4. happily
5. well
6. smoothly
7. excitedly
8. sweetly
9. brightly
10. badly
more smoothly, most
smoothly
more excitedly, most
excitedly
more sweetly, most sweetly
more brightly, most brightly
worse, worst
faster, fastest
sooner, soonest
later, latest
more happily, most
happily better, best
more eagerly
most proficiently
226
Extra Practice
Negatives
A.
Write the word that correctly completes each sentence.
1. Haven’t you (ever, never) heard of the dog known as
a Lhasa Apso?
2. Haven’t you ever read (any, no) books about dogs?
3. We didn’t have (any, no) trouble finding dog books.
4. I (could, couldn’t) hardly believe how much information I found.
5. We didn’t have (a, no) dog before we got Nikki.
6. We never had a cat, (either, neither).
7. We knew (anyone, no one) who had a Lhasa Apso.
8. My mother didn’t know of (any, no) breeders to contact.
9. We weren’t able to find (anything, nothing) about breeders in
the newspaper.
10. We didn’t learn (anything, nothing) from the Internet except
that Lhasa Apsos were from Tibet.
B.
Write each sentence using the correct word.
11. You (can, can’t) hardly believe how entertaining Lhasas are!
12. I didn’t think (any, no) dog would be as loyal this one.
13. Nikki hasn’t (ever, never) forgotten to greet me.
14. I (can, can’t) hardly wait to get home to see her.
15. My dog isn’t (anything, nothing) like I imagined.
16. She doesn’t (never, ever) bark unless she’s lonely.
17. I try to (ever, never) leave her by herself.
18. We didn’t know (nothing, anything) about dogs.
19. I couldn’t think of (anyone, no one) who had a Lhasa.
20. I (could, couldn’t) hardly have expected such a great pet.
C.
Rewrite each sentence. Correct the double negative.
21. I can’t hardly believe a small dog has such a loud bark! can
22. Nikki doesn’t never bark unless she’s alarmed. ever
23. My dog hardly never leaves her post at the front window. ever
24. She doesn’t bark or whine at no one. anyone
25. Nikki won’t ever bark at nobody. anybody
227
Extra Practice
Colons and Hyphens
A.
Write each sentence or phrase correctly by adding a colon
or hyphen.
1. Dear Ms. Baker:
2. Dear Professor Rosenthal:
3. My sister-in-law, Cathy, is a gymnast.
4. The gymnast performs a state-of-the-art routine.
5. Cathy practiced her routine twenty-five times.
6. Jesse, Eduardo, and I are going to the last gym-
nastics meet.
7. Jesse called me about 800 last night to make plans.
8. Eduardo is a first-rate driver.
9. He drives an older, blue-green car.
10. His father is an attorney-at-law.
B.
Write each sentence. Add a colon or a hyphen.
11. The gymnastics meet will begin at 1200. 12:00
12. Eduardo and I will pick up Jesse at 1115. 11:15
13. Eduardo would like to arrive at the meet by 1145. 11:45
14. We pulled up at Jesse’s two-story house.
15. Jesse’s green-eyed cat watched us from the window.
16. Since Eduardo has a two-door car, I jumped out.
17. Eduardo is twenty-one years old.
18. Jesse brought three things: a wallet, a cap, and a sweater.
19. Eduardo played his brand-new CD for us.
20. We arrived at the meet promptly at 1135. 11:35
C.
Rewrite the letter. Add colons and hyphens where needed.
21–25. Dear Mrs. Ross:
We went to a gymnastics meet at 1200 today. We sat on the
left-hand side of the gym, where my freckle-faced friend, Cathy,
was to perform her world-class floor routine. We saw the fol
low-ing events: parallel bars, pommel horse, rings, and uneven
bars.
Sincerely,
Tony
12:00
8:00
228
Extra Practice
Punctuation in Prepositional
Phrases and Interjections
A.
Write the sentences. Add a comma or an exclamation point
to each sentence.
1. For our last field trip, we visited the Art Institute.
2. Before the trip, our art teacher discussed what we would see.
3. My goodness! We saw some beautiful photographs.
4. With an overhead projector, Ms. Lester shared her slides.
5. To prepare for our visit to the museum, we studied works of art.
6. Boy! I certainly learned a lot before we even went to the museum.
7. Of all the artists, I liked Vincent van Gogh the best.
8. Wow! He created many incredible self-portraits.
9. In some of the portraits, he looks quite sad.
10. In his eyes, you can see a sad expression.
B.
Write each sentence. Add a comma or exclamation mark
to set off a prepositional phrase or an interjection.
11. Gosh! This is my favorite piece by Vincent van Gogh.
12. Wow! The painting First Steps always fascinates me.
13. With its pale colors, this painting has a soothing quality.
14. On the left side, a crouching man seems to be waiting.
15. With outstretched arms, he waits for a child.
16. Look! His spade is on the ground next to him.
17. Behind the child, a woman is holding the toddler by the arms.
18. My goodness! The woman is helping the child take his first steps.
19. With outstretched arms and an upright head, he looks determined.
20. Whoa! I think the baby’s first steps will be a success.
C.
Write the sentences correctly.
21. Hey! Who’s your favorite artist?
22. Other than Vincent van Gogh, whom do you like?
23. From my point of view, van Gogh was the best artist of his time.
24. Wow I just love to study van Gogh’s lovely oil creations.
25. Oh I also like the art of Paul Gauguin. Oh, or Oh!
Wow, or Wow!
231
HijYnH`^aah
Newspaper
article
Book
Magazine
article
• The bibliography is a list of all the sources you have used to
research and write a report. It may include books, articles, or
other media resources.
• The bibliography tells your readers where you found your
information and provides them with a guide to find out more.
• Entries are normally listed alphabetically by author. When no
author is given, list an entry by its title.
• The bibliography gives the names of the authors, the title of the
book or article, the publisher, the place of publication, and the
copyright date of the material.
DEFINITIONS AND FEATURES
Practice Use the sample bibliography to answer the following
questions.
1. Which company published Traditional Indian Games? Blue Hill
Group
2. When was Luisa Barna’s article published? April 15, 1999
3. In which source did the author find information about the
Kiowa tribe? Native American Quarterly
4. Who co-wrote Sports and Cultures Around the World? Amy
Barrow and Lev Wolski
5. Which source is the oldest? When was it published? Native
American Sports, 1987
Bibliography
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barna, Luisa. “Lacrosse Team Discovers Origins.” Jasper Daily
Gazette, April 15, 1999, p. 32.
Barrow, Amy and Lev Wolski. Sports and Cultures Around the World.
Putney, VT: Diverse Traditions, 1996.
Native American Sports. New York: Painted Feather Press, 1987.
Player, Stanley. “Kick and Score: Kiowa Stick Games.” Native
American
Quarterly, Fall 1989, pp. 120–136.
Running Bear, Henry. Traditional Indian Games. Chicago: Blue Hill
Group,
2000.
235
HijYnH`^aah
• When you are conducting research, remember to use two or more
sources to find and verify information.
• Match the resources you use to the purpose of your research.
An encyclopedia, for example, gives a brief overview of a topic,
while a nonfiction book may provide more in-depth information.
• Decide how current your information needs to be. Look at
copyright dates for the most up-to-date information.
• Besides books, use other sources of information, such as
interviews with experts, web sites, and videotapes.
DEFINITIONS AND FEATURES
Practice Read the following topics. Write nonfiction book,
magazine, newspaper, encyclopedia, videotape, interview, or
atlas to name the best source of information about that topic.
1. information about Mount Everest encyclopedia
2. a local zoologist’s tips on feeding birds that visit your yard
3. an article about regional lakes that are good for fishing magazine
4. the topic of the President’s latest speech newspaper
5. large amounts of in-depth information about track-and-field
events nonfiction book
Reference Resources
Use two or more
resources to
support your
research.
A magazine
gives up-to-date
information
about topics.
Use an
encyclopedia
to find general
information
about a subject.
interview, newspaper
237
HijYnH`^aah
• An encyclopedia is either print or electronic, and includes
information about people, places, things, and events.
• Encyclopedia articles are about specific topics. In print versions,
they are in books called volumes. Encyclopedia volumes are
arranged in alphabetical order.
• Encyclopedia articles are arranged in alphabetical order by
keywords. Each keyword is the main topic of an article. Search
for a person by last name, unless they have only one name.
DEFINITIONS AND FEATURES
Encyclopedia
Practice Write the keyword that you would use to find
information about each subject. Then write the number
of the volume in which you would find the entry.
1. the names of Michelangelo’s most famous works of art
2. the history of the South American country Bolivia Bolivia;
2
3. how the human eye works eye; 6
4. the principal exports of Peru Peru; 15
5. Indira Gandhi’s place in world history Gandhi; 8
In this volume,
you will find
topics that
begin with W,
X, Y, and Z.
Vikings
Topics:
Current Events
History
Literature
Science
Find:
SUBMIT
CD ROM ENCYCLOPEDIA
When you click on the
“Submit” button, an article
about Vikings will appear.
Michelangelo; 13
238
HijYnH`^aah
• A periodical is a newspaper, magazine, or journal published
at regular intervals, such as weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
Periodicals provide current information about topics.
• The Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature is a set of books or an
electronic database that alphabetically lists, by topic or author,
articles published in periodicals. It identifies the magazine,
issue, and page where an article can be found.
• You can use a newspaper index to find newspaper articles about
topics or by particular authors.
• Media resources are nonprint resources that you can use to find
information, such as CD-ROMs, videotapes, and audiotapes.
DEFINITIONS AND FEATURES
Sample Readers’ Guide Page
Periodicals
Practice After each number in parentheses is a different part of a
page from the Readers’ Guide. Number your paper from 1 to 10.
Identify the different parts of these Readers’ Guide entries.
Subject entry
Author’s name
Volume number
Article title
Periodical name
“See also” gives
cross-referencing
information
Page number(s)
Year of publication
(1) Tornadoes
(2) “Terrible Twisters.” (3) Monique Cline (4) Time
(5) 77:100-01 Ap ’99
“Tornado Hits Little Rock.”
(6) Dierdre Scotti Newsweek (7) 83: (8) 82–91
(9) Je ’99 (10) See also Storms
Egyptian art
“Treasures from the Age of Pyramids.” Bennett Schiff Smithsonian
30:108–19 S ’99
See also Pyramid art
1. subject entry; 2. article title; 3. author name; 4. periodical name;
5. volume #; 6. author and periodical name; 7. volume #; 8. page #;
9. date of publication; 10. cross-reference information
243
Vocabulary
• Synonyms are words that have the same or almost the same
meanings.
• Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings.
• A word may have more than one synonym or antonym.
Word Synonym
Antonym
towering tall
short
ancient old
modern
empty vacant
full
bright sparkling
dull
magnificent splendid
shabby
roomy spacious
cramped
Synonyms and Antonyms
• A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a base word.
• A suffix is a word part added to the end of a base word.
• Adding a prefix or suffix changes the meaning of the base word
to which it is added.
Prefix Meaning
Suffix
Meaning
re-
again, back
-er, -or
one who, that which
un-, dis-, non-
not, the opposite of
-ful
full of
mis-
wrongly, badly
-able, -ible
capable of, fit for
pre-
before
-ness
state or quality of
bi-
having two of; twice
-less
without, not having
im-, in-
not, without, in, into
-ist
one who works at
post- after
-ment
the
act,
state,
quality, or result of
ex- previous
-ward
moving
or
tending
towards
Prefixes and Suffixes
245
Vocabulary
• Roots are word parts to which suffixes, prefixes, and other word
parts can be added.
• You can figure out the meaning of a word by figuring out the
meanings of the root, prefix, and suffix.
Roots Meaning
Example
aud “to
hear”
auditorium,
audience,
audible
dict
“to tell”
dictionary, dictate, diction, predict
loc
“place”
local, relocate, location
ped
“foot”
pedometer, pedestrian, pedal
port
“carry”
support, report, portable, import, export
pose
“to put”
compose, position, repose
spect
“to look”
inspect, inspector, spectator
scribe, script
“to write”
describe, scribble, manuscript, description
Roots
246
Spelling
▶
Silent e When words end in silent e, drop the e when adding an
ending that begins with a vowel. (pursue + ed = pursued) When
adding an ending that begins with a consonant, keep the silent e
(agile + ly = agilely).
▶
Spelling with y When a base word ends with a consonant
followed by y, change the y to i when adding any ending except
endings that begin with i. (cry + es = cries; cry + ing = crying)
When a base word ends with a vowel followed by y, do not change
the y when adding endings. (monkey + s = monkeys)
▶
Vowel and Final Consonant When a one-syllable word ends
in one vowel followed by one consonant, double the consonant
before adding an ending that begins with a vowel. (run + ing =
running)
▶
The letter q is always followed by u. (quilt, equip)
▶
No English word ends in j, q, or v.
▶
Plural
and
Verb
Tense
Add
-s
to
most
words
to
form
plurals
or
to
change
the
tense
of
verbs.
Add
-es
to
words
ending
in
x
,
z
,
s
,
sh
,
or
ch
.
(cup
+
s
=
cup
s
;
bo
x
+
es
=
bo
xes
;
wa
tch
+
es
=
wa
tches
)
▶
Plural: f and fe To make plurals of words that end with one f
or fe, you often need to change the f or fe to v and add -es.
(life + es = lives)
▶
ie and ei Words When choosing ei or ie, remember that i comes
before e except after c or when it sounds like /¯
a/ as in neighbor
or weigh.
▶
The /s/ Sound When the /s/ sound is spelled c, c is always
followed by e, i, or y. (peace, circular, fancy)
▶
When /j/ is Spelled g g is always followed by e, i, or y.
(generous, engine, energy)
▶
The /ch/ Sound If the /ch/ sound immediately follows a short
vowel in a one-syllable word, it is spelled tch. (latch, clutch) There
are a few exceptions in English: much, such, which, and rich.
▶
The /f/ sound at the end of a word may be spelled f, ph, or gh.
(brief, graph, trough)
RULES
250
Spelling
Use these strategies to help you become a better speller.
▶
Homophones Learn common homophones and make sure you
have used the correct homophone in your writing. (They’re having
fun with their toys. I see them over there.)
▶
Rhyming Words Think of a word you know that has the same
spelling pattern as the word you want to spell, such as a rhyming
word. (jiggle, wiggle, giggle)
▶
Use words that you know how to spell to help you spell new
words. (flower + clock = flock)
▶
Make up clues to help you remember the spelling. (ache = a
cat has ears; u play guitar; a piece of pie; our gourd)
▶
Related Words Think of a related word to help you spell a
word with a silent letter or a hard-to-hear sound. (sign-signal;
relative-related)
▶
Syllables Divide the word into syllables. (in gred i ent)
▶
Prefixes and Suffixes Learn to spell prefixes and suffixes you
often use in writing.
▶
Word Chunks Look for word chunks or smaller words that help
you remember the spelling of the word. (hippopotamus = hippo pot
am us)
▶
Change the way you say the word to yourself to help with
the spelling. (knife = / /; beauty = /b¯
e ¯
u t¯
e/)
▶
Visualizing Think of the times you may have seen the word in
reading, on signs, or in a textbook. Try to remember how it looked.
Write the word in different ways. Which one looks correct? (lern,
larn, learn)
▶
Personal Word List In a notebook, keep an alphabetical
Personal Word List. List words you often have trouble spelling.
▶
Dictionary Become familiar with the dictionary and use it often.
If you are working on a computer, use the spell-check program.
Remember, though, that spell-checkers are not perfect. They
cannot tell whether you have used a word correctly.
RULES
251
Spelling
• Homophones are words that sound the same but have different
spellings and meanings. Whole and hole are homophones.
air capital
holy
peace
shone
heir Capitol
wholly
piece shown
aisle choral horse peer
stake
I’ll coral
hoarse
pier
steak
isle
allowed cite
lie
pole
steal
aloud sight
lye
poll
steel
site
band coarse mail
principal
throne
banned course
male
principle thrown
bass colonel
missed
rain
vain
base kernel mist
reign
vane
rein
vein
beat council
no
rap
wade
beet counsel
know
wrap weighed
birth die
pain
real
wail
berth dye
pane
reel
whale
bite foul
passed
ring
waist
byte fowl
past
wring waste
bolder hoard
patience
shear
boulder horde
patients
sheer
Common Homophones
Word Study Steps
Be a better speller by following these steps.
1. Study each letter in the word.
2. Picture the word in your mind.
3. Write the word carefully.
4. Check the spelling of the word.
253
Practice
Rewrite these run-on sentences correctly.
1. Clara Barton started the Red Cross in 1882 she was its
president for 23 years. ...in 1882. She was...
2. Clara Barton was 78 years old when a hurricane hit Texas, the
Red Cross helped the survivors. ...hit Texas, and the Red
Cross...
3. Clara Barton fought for those in need, she never stopped until
she succeeded. ...in need. She never...
4. Barton was shy as a child she eventually overcame her shyness.
5. I enjoyed learning about Clara Barton, and my teacher gave us
a lot of information, but I still wanted to know more.
Problem 3
Three or more sentences joined with and, but, or or
Run-on Sentence: Clara Barton cooked meals for the soldiers,
and she even removed bullets from those who
were wounded, and she com-
forted those who were dying.
Solution 3
Create more than one sentence by separating ideas
and using correct end punctuation. Join two closely related ideas to
form a compound sentence.
Separate Sentences:
Clara Barton cooked meals for the sol-
diers. She even removed bullets from
those who were wounded, and she com-
forted those who were dying.
Does this
sentence include
three separate
thoughts connected
by and?
Possible answers are given.
...as a child, but she...
...about Clara Barton. My teacher...information,
but I still...
257
Practice
Rewrite each sentence to correct any errors
in agreement.
1. Arctic explorers needs rope, snow goggles, and a winter parka.
2. The blowing snow are sometimes blinding.
3. Ice-climbing boots is especially important.
4. Some people even wears more than one pair of socks.
5. Many explorers has found food by ice fishing.
6. Cod, halibut, and trout is found in the Arctic Ocean.
7. Neither the Arctic nor the deserts gets much rain.
8. During certain times of the year, the sun don’t shine at all in
the Arctic. During certain times of the year, the sun doesn’t...
9. Either sled dogs or a snowmobile are useful when exploring
the Arctic. Either sled dogs or a snowmobile is...
10. Someday my brother and I wants to explore the Arctic.
Problem 3
Using the wrong verb form with a compound subject joined by or,
either...or, or neither...nor
No Agreement: Neither the guide nor the explorers
was well prepared.
Solution 3
Use a verb that matches the subject closest to it.
Subject-Verb Agreement: Neither the guide nor the explorers
were well prepared.
Should the verb
agree with guide
or explorers?
Arctic explorers need...
Some people even
wear...
Many explorers have found...
Cod, halibut, and trout
are...
Neither the Arctic nor the deserts
get...
Someday my brother and I want...
The blowing snow
is...
Ice-climbing boots
are...
261
Practice
Rewrite each sentence correctly.
1. Matthew cant find his bicycle and his helmet. can’t
2. Hes riding his bike to the park this afternoon. He’s
3. Matthews friend Anita will come with him. Matthew’s
4. Shes already wearing her helmet. She’s
5. Matthew doesnt see his helmet in the garage. doesn’t
6. Next he looks for his bike, but its not in the garage. it’s
7. “Your not going to find it there,” his mom says. You’re
8. “Their all in the basement now,” Mom adds. They’re
9. Anita says, “That’s where we keep our’s, too.” ours
10. “Okay, Im ready,” says Matthew. “Let’s go!” I’m
Problem 3
Confusing contractions and possessive pronouns
Incorrect Word: You’re book is on the table.
Solution 3
Do not confuse the contractions it’s, you’re, and
they’re with the possessive pronouns its, your, and their. Use the
possessive pronoun rather than the contraction in this sentence.
Correct Word: Your book is on the table.
Does You’re
show
possession
or stand for
you are?
269
Commas
• Use a comma to separate words that interrupt the flow
of a sentence.
• Use a comma after a long introductory prepositional
phrase.
• Use a comma after a mild interjection.
Problem 1
Using commas incorrectly
Incorrect Form: This summer for instance we are going
to California.
Incorrect Form: After our trip we are going to visit
my grandparents.
Incorrect Form: Oh I can’t wait to see them.
Practice
Rewrite each sentence correctly.
1. Before we planned our trip we read a travel book.
2. California for instance is one of the most popular states to visit.
3. The journey of course will be long and tiring.
4.
Before we arrive I will call my grandparents.
5. Gee California will be a fun place to visit.
Solution 1
Use commas to set apart words that interrupt the
flow of a sentence. Also use a comma after a long introductory
prepositional phrase or a mild interjection.
Correct Form: This summer, for instance, we are
going to California.
Correct Form: After our trip, we are going to visit
my grandparents.
Correct Form: Oh, I can’t wait to see them!
Do words
interrupt the
sentence flow? Is there
a prepositional phrase
or
a mild interjection?
California, for instance,
is...
The journey, of course,
will...
Before we arrive, I...
Gee, California...
Before we planned our trip, we...
272