English IX
English IX
English IX
IX
Student Resource
Contents
Topic-1 ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Civil War Generals ......................................................................................................................... 9
Tips for Comparing and Contrasting Stories and Dramas ............................................................ 11
A Tale of Two Gardens................................................................................................................. 13
Janice’s Garden ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Katie’s Garden ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Civil War Generals ....................................................................................................................... 16
Comparing and Contrasting .......................................................................................................... 18
Tips for Comparing and Contrasting Stories and Dramas ............................................................ 18
A Tale of Two Gardens................................................................................................................. 20
Janice’s Garden ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Katie’s Garden ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Classifying the Sequence of Events in the Story .......................................................................... 24
Middle ..................................................................................................................................................... 24
End .......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Understanding Multiple Main Ideas Worksheets ......................................................................... 27
Answers and Explanations ...................................................................................................................... 35
DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS ................................................................................ 49
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS ................................................................................................. 50
Exercise 1 ................................................................................................................................................ 50
Exercise 2 ................................................................................................................................................ 51
Exercise 3 ................................................................................................................................................ 51
Argumentative Essay............................................................................................................................... 52
Exercises:................................................................................................................................................. 53
Letters to Editor ............................................................................................................................ 54
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 54
Writing a Letter to the Editor .................................................................................................................. 54
Exercise 1 – Formal email or letter asking for information .............................................................. 59
Exercise 2 – Indirect questions........................................................................................................... 60
Exercise 3 – Passive voice................................................................................................................... 60
Exercise 4 – Formal vs informal ......................................................................................................... 61
DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS ................................................................................ 64
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS .................................................................................................................... 66
Day 5 & 6 ................................................................................................................................................. 69
SPEAKING ............................................................................................................................................ 70
How to express your opinion .......................................................................................................... 70
Agreeing or disagreeing .................................................................................................................. 70
Complaining - Talking about Complaints..................................................................................... 72
What are complaints? ...................................................................................................................... 72
Complaining: ..................................................................................................................................... 72
Responding to complaints .............................................................................................................. 73
Things to remember about complaints: ........................................................................................ 73
Talking about ability.......................................................................................................................... 74
How to express ability ...................................................................................................................... 74
Expressing ability .............................................................................................................................. 74
Things to remember: ........................................................................................................................ 75
Asking for and giving permission: .................................................................................................. 76
Dialogue: ............................................................................................................................................ 76
Making and responding to suggestions............................................................................................ 77
Suggestions ....................................................................................................................................... 77
Things to remember about suggestions: ...................................................................................... 78
Dialogue: ............................................................................................................................................ 78
Making and responding to a request ............................................................................................... 79
Things to remember about making a request: ................................................................................ 80
DIGITAL RESOURCES FORSTUDENTS ....................................................................................................... 81
3. Listening comprehension ............................................................................................................... 81
https://bogglesworldesl.com/Listening_Intermediate ........................................................................ 81
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS ............................................................................................................... 82
Elimination of Verbosity............................................................................................................... 91
Exercise 1 ................................................................................................................................................ 91
Exercise 2 ................................................................................................................................................ 92
Exercise 3 ................................................................................................................................................ 93
Exercise 4 ................................................................................................................................................ 94
Transition Words: Complete the Sentence ........................................................................................... 98
Passive Voice ...................................................................................................................................... 103
The passive vs. the active voice: ................................................................................................. 103
Use of the passive voice: .............................................................................................................. 103
Form of the passive voice: ........................................................................................................... 103
Examples of the passive voice: ................................................................................................... 104
Passive voice sentences with two Objects: ..................................................................................... 105
Impersonal Passive:...................................................................................................................... 105
Topic-1
Overview of textual organization:
DIRECTIONS: Match each term with its definition. Then identify the text structure in each
passage.
7. __________________________ Jenny‘s room is very large, and overlooks the back yard.
She has her own closet and her own bathroom. Her brother‘s room, on the other hand, is fairly
small. Though her brother is older, and was given first choice of rooms, he chose the smaller
room because he said it felt cozier. His room has a smaller closet, no private bathroom, and
overlooks the front yard.
8. ___________________________ The walls in Jenny‘s room are bright pink. She has posters
on the walls, and ruffled pink curtains. Her bedspread is pink and orange.
10. _________________________ Jenny‘s dad got offered a new job in a new city. It was a
very good job, with a very good salary, so her family moved over the summer.
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade5/readinginfo/5/3jennynew.pdf
Overview of textual organization:
DIRECTIONS: Match each term with its definition. Then identify the text structure in each
passage.
7. __________________________ Jenny‘s room is very large, and overlooks the back yard.
She has her own closet and her own bathroom. Her brother‘s room, on the other hand, is fairly
small. Though her brother is older, and was given first choice of rooms, he chose the smaller
room because he said it felt cozier. His room has a smaller closet, no private bathroom, and
overlooks the front yard.
8. ___________________________ The walls in Jenny‘s room are bright pink. She has posters
on the walls, and ruffled pink curtains. Her bedspread is pink and orange.
10. _________________________ Jenny‘s dad got offered a new job in a new city. It was a
very good job, with a very good salary, so her family moved over the summer.
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade5/readinginfo/5/3jennynew.pdf
Holy Tomato!
DIRECTIONS: Read each passage and identify how the information is being organized.
1. _______It is easy to start your own tomato plants at home. First get together a few simple supplies
like a seed mat and an old fish tank light, potting soil and tomato seeds. You will also need something
to use as small pots for your seedlings. Used plastic tubs from sour cream or yogurt work really well.
Fill each container about ¾ of the way full. Place two or three seeds into the soil in each cup. Poke
them down a little and cover them with soil. Give each pot a little water, and place them on the seedling
mat. Plug the seedling mat into the wall. Within a week or two, you should see your seeds beginning to
sprout. When you do, move them underneath the fish tank light. Be sure to check on your baby plants
every few days and remember to water them. Your plants will be ready to set outside in about six
weeks.
2. ________I have two favorite varieties of tomatoes. One is called Yellow Taxi. Yellow Taxi
tomatoes are yellow, of course. They are fairly small plants, and also very early, meaning they produce
tomatoes weeks before most other tomato plants. The tomatoes are not at all acidic, and make a
beautiful, colorful addition to a summer salad. My other favorite variety is Purple Cherokee. Like
Yellow Taxi it is an heirloom, but other than that they are nothing alike. Purple Cherokee tomatoes are,
of course, purple. They take about a month longer to mature than Yellow Taxi, and the plants can get to
be seven feet tall!
3. ________This past summer was great for tomatoes. At the beginning of March we started six
varieties under a fish tank light in the basement. They were ready to go outside by the beginning of
May, and by the end of June we were already eating yellow tomatoes! The red ones came in after that,
and we had more than we could eat by July. That‘s when we started to make sauce! We canned tomato
sauce all of July, August and September. We got an early frost in October, when we picked the last of
the still‐green tomatoes and ate them fried one night for dinner. Even when the fresh tomatoes were
gone, we enjoyed that sauce all through the winter.
4. ________ Have you noticed tiny white bugs on the leaves of your tomato plants? Those are called
aphids, and they are bad news. The good news, though is that there is an easy and natural way to get rid
of aphids: ladybugs! Ladybugs love aphids and will eat more than 50 of them a day. You can order a
container of live ladybugs for your garden from a many garden companies. Simply release them into
your garden when they arrive, and let them take care of the aphids for you!
Text Structure
DIRECTIONS: Read each passage and identify how the information is being
organized. Answers will be used more than once.
1. Ideas and events are presented in the order in which they happen. ________
2. Clue words include because, since, therefore, so and for this reason.________
3. The author makes a general statement and then supports it with specific examples.
________
4. Clue words include for example, for instance, specifically, etc. ________
5. The author uses language designed to help the reader visualize something.
________
6.Two or more subjects are discussed at the same time, with the author pointing out what is the
same about them, and what is different.__________
7. Clue words include on the other hand, but, like, similarly, on the contrary, etc.
___________
8. The author organizes information by asking a question and then answering it.__________
10. Information is organized in a simple list. Clues: words like first, second, third, and so on.
_____________
11. Clue words include who, what, where, when, why and how _____________
12.The author explains how two things are related to each other or gives reasons why
something has happened or why something is a certain way. ________
13. Clue words include a lot of adjectives, adverbs and vivid verbs. ________
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade5/readinginfo/5/5text.pdf
Text Organization
DIRECTIONS: Read each definition. Find the matching organizational structure and write it on the line.
1. Ideas and events are presented in the order in which they happen.
Clues: words like first, second, next, last and finally.
3. Two or more subjects are discussed at the same time, with the author pointing out what is the
same about them, and what is different.
Clues: words like on the other hand, but, like, similarly, on the contrary, etc.
4. The author organizes information by asking a question and then answering it.
Clues: who, what, where, when, why and how.
5. The author explains how two things are related to each other or gives reasons why something has
happened or why something is a certain way.
Clues: words like because, since, therefore, so and for this reason.
6. The author makes a general statement and then supports it with specific examples.
Clues: words like for example, for instance, specifically, etc.
7. The author uses language designed to help the reader visualize something.
Clues: use of a lot of adjectives, adverbs and vivid verbs
1. ______________________ 2. ______________________
3. ______________________ 4. ______________________
5. ______________________ 6. ______________________
7. _______________________
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade5/readinginfo/5/2textorg.pdf
Name Text Structure
1. Robert E. Lee was from an aristocratic Virginia family that included many famous politicians and military figures.
He saw himself as the next generation of his family’s greatness, and at the age of 18 he went eagerly to West Point
Military Academy, where he finished without any demerits. He earned perfect scores in artillery, infantry and
cavalry. Ulysses S. Grant, however, was born to a family of modest means. His father was a tanner, a profession
that young Grant wanted nothing to do with. He, too, went to West Point, a situation arranged by his father.
Unlike Lee, though, Grant didn't do well at West Point. His grades were average, and he received several demerits
for slovenly dress and tardiness
2. Before taking command of the Confederate troops during the Civil War, again and again Lee distinguished
himself on the battlefield. When the U.S. went to war with Mexico in 1846, Lee was cited for bravery in battle and
his brilliant tactics. When the war was over, Lee was considered a hero. Lee’s next military action was to suppress
the slave insurrection led by John Brown at Harper’s Ferry.
Paragraph # 1
Paragraph # 2
Tips for Comparing and Contrasting Stories and Dramas
In every student's academic career, there comes a time when he or she is made to compare and contrast different
literary texts. This task bores many people and many seem to hate it because they find it really difficult to compare
and contrast unrelated stories and dramas. However, this compare and contrast task can be made really easy and
interesting if the students are taught some basic tips and tricks to compare and contrast various texts.
Here are a few tips that can make your next compare and contrast assignment easier and interesting for you:
It is a task to just go through a summary or skim through the text to be worked on in an aim to find their obvious
similarities and differences. We suggest you to read the text completely and with great care before you begin to
mark the similarities or differences in it. Once you have read both the texts, you will automatically be able to
compare and contrast them easily.
It is essential to fully understand the difference between comparing two things and contrasting them. While
comparing the texts, you try to look for similarities in them. On the contrary, contrasting requires you to work out
the differences between the texts. It is advisable to first focus on finding either the individual similarities or
differences. This will make the task easier and clearer for you with less ambiguities in your answer.
Never compare and contrast the texts all at once because it only causes confusion. It is better to look for the
differences and similarities in one aspect of both the texts at one time and then move on to the next. You can first
compare and then contrast the texts for characters, settings, narrative, plot's building, themes, etc. one by one.
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade5/readingliterature/3/1charlotte.pdf
Name Compare & Contrast
Janice had a flock of chickens that she kept for eggs. Every morning she would let the chickens out
of their coop to walk around the vegetable garden and eat insects. The chickens were very helpful.
They ate the potato beetles off of the potato and eggplant plants, and they ate the fat green worms
off of the broccoli. Every once in a while when the chickens were out during the day, a hawk would
fly overhead, and Janice noticed that whenever that happened, the chickens always ran for cover.
This gave Janice an idea. She would plant things in her garden that would shelter the chickens while
they were working! Janice planted sunflowers and corn around her garden, and both grew up
straight and tall. When the sunflowers and corn were about a foot high, Janice planted beans and
cucumbers at their feet. All four varieties of plants continued to grow together. The beans and
cucumbers wound their way up and around the sunflower stalks and the corn stalks. Now when the
chickens walked through the garden pecking at bugs, the sunflowers and the corn provided
camouflage for the chickens so the hawks could not see them from the air.
Katie’s Garden
Katie had always wanted a garden. When her parents bought their first house, Katie couldn‘t wait to
plant. She and her mother dug up a four foot by eight foot rectangle in the back yard. They planted
tomatoes, carrots, radishes, cucumbers, spring onions, arugula and mixed lettuces. Katie called it her
salad garden. Her mother told her that she should encourage ―good‖ insects to come to the garden to
help pollinate her tomatoes, so Katie also planted marigolds and calendulas. They added a lovely
splash of color to the garden. Katie checked the garden every day and kept the weeds pulled. Before
she knew it, it was time to harvest! She made her family a salad to go with dinner that night and
they all agreed it was the best salad they had ever had! Name
Questions
1. Fill out the diagram below to compare and contrast Janice and Katie‘s gardens?
Text Structure
DIRECTIONS: Read each passage and identify how the information is being
organized. Answers will be used more than once.
1. Ideas and events are presented in the order in which they happen. ________
2. Clue words include because, since, therefore, so and for this reason.________
3. The author makes a general statement and then supports it with specific examples.
________
4. Clue words include for example, for instance, specifically, etc. ________
5. The author uses language designed to help the reader visualize something.
___________
6.Two or more subjects are discussed at the same time, with the author pointing out what is the
same about them, and what is different_______________
7. Clue words include on the other hand, but, like, similarly, on the contrary, etc.
_________________
8. The author organizes information by asking a question and then answering it.
10. Information is organized in a simple list. Clues: words like first, second, third, and so on.
______________
11. Clue words include who, what, where, when, why and how. ________
12.The author explains how two things are related to each other or gives reasons why
something has happened or why something is a certain way. ________
13. Clue words include a lot of adjectives, adverbs and vivid verbs. ________
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade5/readinginfo/5/5text.pdf
Text Organization
DIRECTIONS: Read each definition. Find the matching organizational structure and write it on the line.
1. Ideas and events are presented in the order in which they happen.
Clues: words like first, second, next, last and finally.
2. Information is organized in a simple list.
Clues: words like first, second, third, and so on.
3. Two or more subjects are discussed at the same time, with the author pointing out what is the
same about them, and what is different.
Clues: words like on the other hand, but, like, similarly, on the contrary, etc.
4. The author organizes information by asking a question and then answering it.
Clues: who, what, where, when, why and how.
5. The author explains how two things are related to each other or gives reasons why something has
happened or why something is a certain way.
Clues: words like because, since, therefore, so and for this reason.
6. The author makes a general statement and then supports it with specific examples.
Clues: words like for example, for instance, specifically, etc.
7. The author uses language designed to help the reader visualize something.
Clues: use of a lot of adjectives, adverbs and vivid verbs
1. ______________________ 2. ______________________
3. ______________________ 4. ______________________
5. ______________________ 6. ______________________
7. _______________________
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade5/readinginfo/5/2textorg.pdf
1. Robert E. Lee was from an aristocratic Virginia family that included many famous politicians and
military figures. He saw himself as the next generation of his family’s greatness, and at the age of 18 he
went eagerly to West Point Military Academy, where he finished without any demerits. He earned
perfect scores in artillery, infantry and cavalry. Ulysses S. Grant, however, was born to a family of
modest means. His father was a tanner, a profession that young Grant wanted nothing to do with. He,
too, went to West Point, a situation arranged by his father. Unlike Lee, though, Grant didn't do well at
West Point. His grades were average, and he received several demerits for slovenly dress and tardiness
2. Before taking command of the Confederate troops during the Civil War, again and again Lee
distinguished himself on the battlefield. When the U.S. went to war with Mexico in 1846, Lee was cited
for bravery in battle and his brilliant tactics. When the war was over, Lee was considered a hero. Lee’s
next military action was to suppress the slave insurrection led by John Brown at Harper’s Ferry.
Paragraph # 1
Paragraph # 2
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade5/readinginfo/5/4generals.pdf
Comparing and Contrasting
In every student's academic career, there comes a time when he or she is made to compare and
contrast different literary texts. This task bores many people and many seem to hate it because they
find it really difficult to compare and contrast unrelated stories and dramas. However, this compare and
contrast task can be made really easy and interesting if the students are taught some basic tips and
tricks to compare and contrast various texts.
Here are a few tips that can make your next compare and contrast assignment easier and interesting for
you:
It is a task to just go through a summary or skim through the text to be worked on in an aim to find their
obvious similarities and differences. We suggest you to read the text completely and with great care
before you begin to mark the similarities or differences in it. Once you have read both the texts, you will
automatically be able to compare and contrast them easily.
It is essential to fully understand the difference between comparing two things and contrasting them.
While comparing the texts, you try to look for similarities in them. On the contrary, contrasting requires
you to work out the differences between the texts. It is advisable to first focus on finding either the
individual similarities or differences. This will make the task easier and clearer for you with less
ambiguities in your answer.
Never compare and contrast the texts all at once because it only causes confusion. It is better to look for
the differences and similarities in one aspect of both the texts at one time and then move on to the
next. You can first compare and then contrast the texts for characters, settings, narrative, plot's building,
themes, etc. one by one.
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade5/readingliterature/3/1charlotte.pdf
Name Compare & Contrast
Janice had a flock of chickens that she kept for eggs. Every morning she would let the chickens out
of their coop to walk around the vegetable garden and eat insects. The chickens were very helpful.
They ate the potato beetles off of the potato and eggplant plants, and they ate the fat green worms
off of the broccoli. Every once in a while when the chickens were out during the day, a hawk would
fly overhead, and Janice noticed that whenever that happened, the chickens always ran for cover.
This gave Janice an idea. She would plant things in her garden that would shelter the chickens while
they were working! Janice planted sunflowers and corn around her garden, and both grew up
straight and tall. When the sunflowers and corn were about a foot high, Janice planted beans and
cucumbers at their feet. All four varieties of plants continued to grow together. The beans and
cucumbers wound their way up and around the sunflower stalks and the corn stalks. Now when the
chickens walked through the garden pecking at bugs, the sunflowers and the corn provided
camouflage for the chickens so the hawks could not see them from the air.
Katie’s Garden
Katie had always wanted a garden. When her parents bought their first house, Katie couldn‘t wait to
plant. She and her mother dug up a four foot by eight foot rectangle in the back yard. They planted
tomatoes, carrots, radishes, cucumbers, spring onions, arugula and mixed lettuces. Katie called it her
salad garden. Her mother told her that she should encourage ―good‖ insects to come to the garden to
help pollinate her tomatoes, so Katie also planted marigolds and calendulas. They added a lovely
splash of color to the garden. Katie checked the garden every day and kept the weeds pulled. Before
she knew it, it was time to harvest! She made her family a salad to go with dinner that night and
they all agreed it was the best salad they had ever had! Name
Questions
1. Fill out the diagram below to compare and contrast Janice and Katie‘s gardens?
What is growing in both gardens?
Name Compare & Contrast
PARTY!
Jessica was very excited. She had two birthday parties to attend in one day. Harriet was having
a tea party for her 11th birthday, and James was having is 11th birthday at Shadowland, a laser
tag place on the other side of town. ―I will have to take a change of clothes,‖ Jessica told her
mother. ―I can‘t possibly wear the same thing to both a tea party and a laser tag battle.‖
Jessica wore her pink dress to the tea party, which was held at Harriet‘s house. There were half
a dozen girls there. All of them wore pretty dresses except for Tanya, who wore shirts and a
t‐shirt. ―I didn‘t know what to wear,‖ she said. ―I have to play laser tag after this.‖ It was bright,
and clean and very fancy. The dining room was decorated with balloons and streamers were
draped from the candelabra over the table out to the corners of the room. There was tea, and a
pile of tiny sandwiches cut into squares, diamonds and circles. There were sugar cookies dusted
with sparkling pink sugar, and cupcakes with pink icing. This is all so pretty, Jessica thought.
The girls ate lunch, and played some games, and then Harriet opened her presents. She said ooh,
and ah at every one, and held each gift up for the other girls to see. ―Thank you,‖ she said.
―These are all so lovely.‖
When Jessica‘s mom picked her up after Harriet‘s party, she had already changed into her
shorts. Harriet still had on her tea party dress. ―Can we give Harriet and Tanya both a ride?‖
Jessica asked her mother. Her mother agreed. The girls laughed and sang songs all the way to
Shadowland.
Inside Shadowland it was dim and the music was playing loudly. The girls quickly found the
rest of their friends with James, playing video games. Lights flashed and the games all made
different sounds, chiming and clanging and dinging which, over top of the music, created a real
cacophony. Soon their team was called to the arena to play. They were given the rules. Then
Jessica put on her vest and tested her gun, and the game began! In the arena there was exciting
music playing. It was dark, and Jessica could see the red beams of light in the air and on the
walls as she and her friends ―shot‖ at each other. She hid behind the barriers, darted from room
to room, and up down ramps. All too soon their game was over.
Everyone was famished. They piled back into the party room for pizza and soda. There brightly
colored tablecloths on tables. James‘ cake was shaped like a football. They each got a huge
piece with a scoop of ice cream. James didn‘t open his presents. His mother put them in a large
bag and took them out to the car to open later. For the rest of the party Jessica, Tanya and
Harriet played skee ball.
―Well you had a big day!‖ Jessica‘s mother said after they had dropped off the other girls and
were on their way home. ―Which party did you like the best?‖ ―I don‘ t know,‖ Jessica said.
―They‘re impossible to compare!‖
3. CHARACTERS: Harriet
and James
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade5/readingliterature/3/3party.pdf
Beginning
Every story contains a beginning that includes a series of events. The initial events that occur in a story can be
written under the heading of beginning. These are the events that include the introduction of the characters,
the relationship of the characters, characteristics of the characters, the background and the setting of the
story. This part of the story presents the whole picture that needs to unfold.
Middle
The events in the middle part of the story discover the tension between the characters. It explores the actual
intentions and aims of the characters in the story. The characters decide to do something to complete their
aim and plan their further actions. This part includes events that exist before the climax. This sequence of
events is responsible for establishing the plot and leading the audience towards the end.
End
The sequence of events included in the ending part of the story deals with the climax. In this part, the
characters perform the planned actions and execute their plan. This part not only deals with the final actions
of the character but it also shows the consequences of their actions. It also shows whether their actions will
become the cause of their suffering or release. The audience gets to know the result of a character’s action.
The end sometimes answers all the questions of the audience and sometimes leaves them in confusion.
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/sequenceofevents.html
Ellie was an outstanding gymnast. She could do backflips and handstands; she could swing herself
over and over the uneven parallel bars, and she landed on her feet every time. The trouble was that she
knew it. When she tried out for the gymnastics team, she put on a perfect performance. Everyone else
trying out was impressed – and intimidated. ―See if you can do that!‖ Ellie said, as she came off the
mat. The other girls told her she was amazing. The coach just pressed his lips together, and thought
hard.
The next week, when the list was posted announcing who had made the team, Ellie‘s name wasn‘t on
it. She turns to the girls standing around her, who were also looking at the list. ―I‘m better than all of
you!‖ she exclaimed. ―This doesn‘t make any sense!‖
She went to see the coach. He asked her to sit down, and then explained, ―You are extremely talented,
but your attitude is terrible.‖
―What do you mean?‖ Ellie demanded. ―I have the attitude of a winner. I know I am the best, and I
prove it, every time.‖
―Making the gymnastics team isn‘t just about gymnastics,‖ the coach explained. ―It‘s also about being
on a team. You can‘t be part of a team if you don‘t recognize how much everyone has to contribute,
and encourage them to do it.‖
That night Ellie complained to her parents. Her mother was outraged that her daughter had not made
the team. But her father suggested that maybe the coach had a point. Ellie went upstairs in a huff and
slammed the door to her room. That night, her parents had a big argument. Ellie couldn‘t sleep. She
laid upstairs, listening to them. She purposely did not think about what the coach had said. She would
show him. The school team would probably lose that year, and it would be the coach‘s fault, for not
picking Ellie.
But as much as she tried, Ellie couldn‘t bear to stay away from the gym. She practiced every day,
careful to stay out of the team‘s way. At first she felt very satisfied to see the girls on the team
struggling. But then it started to bother her for a different reason. One day, after watching Kim fall off
the uneven parallel bars again and again, Ellie approached her, and explained what Kim should do
differently in order to solve her problem. Kim did as Ellie suggested, and experienced immediate
improvement. Ellie felt good inside as she went back to her own solitary – and lonely – practicing. She
didn‘t notice the coach looking on from across the room, or how the coach watched Ellie afterwards,
as Ellie struggled to push herself to do something new.
Over the next few weeks, if Ellie had an opportunity to help one of the other girls, she did. She no
longer thought about joining the team. She just worked hard, day after day, for hours, pushing herself
harder and harder. The gymnastics team competed again and again, and each time the girls did a little
bit better. Once they actually won the meet! ―We couldn‘t have done this without Ellie‘s help,‖ the
girls said to one another in the locker room.
The following year, Ellie tried out for the gymnastics team again. This time, when the girls told her
she did a good job, she just thanked them, and went to sit back down. When the coach posted the list
of who had made the team, Ellie approached it with apprehension. She was sure that the coach much
hate her, and that she had blown any chance of making the team the year before. But there was her
name, on the list. Her hard work had paid off – but not the hard work she had put in learning
complicated gymnastic moves. When she showed up for practice the next day, and the coach smiled at
her, she knew that it was the hard work of becoming a better team player that was responsible for her
success.
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/topics/1/sequenceofevents/5ellie.pdf
Understanding Multiple Main Ideas Worksheets
The main idea of any paragraph is the central point or concept that is being examined.
There are many circumstances where a paragraph has multiple themes or concepts that
need to be understood. When this happens it is difficult to gauge the motivation of the
writer. You can break these apart into smaller roles. The overall goal of the reader is to
understand which of these concepts is the more prevalent theme. These worksheets will
help students pick apart paragraphs that contain multiple main ideas.
Cause and effect Worksheets
Name_______________________________________________________________________
Date__________________________
The Rio Grande is either the fourth or fifth longest river system in North America. It all depends
on how it is measured. Because the river twists so much, it occasionally changes course. And
these course shifts can cause it to be longer or shorter. At its last official measure, the Rio
Grande clocked in at 1,896 miles. The river starts in Colorado and extends downward to the Gulf
of Mexico.
Downward is the best way of describing it too. Not only does the river extend south, but it also
starts in the mountains and gets lower and lower in elevation as it extends to the Gulf.
Its name is Spanish for the ―Big River,‖ but the Rio Grande is actually known as Rio Bravo in
Mexico. ―Bravo‖ translates as ―furious,‖ so the name makes sense. Because of its twists and
turns, it certainly does seem to be angrier than most rivers!
The Rio Grande today is mostly used as a source of drinking water. Sadly, much of the water has
been drained from the river. Parts of the river are almost dry! This is because people use more
water from the river than the river can get back from rain and other sources. Experts are working
to correct this, though, with hopes of restoring the river to its past strength.
Today, the river is important as a source of water for Texans and Mexicans. More important, it
is a symbol of cooperation between two nations. Though borders like the Rio Grande separate
nations, they are also shared spaces. The Rio Grande is therefore a symbol of friendship and
peace between two peoples.
2) In paragraph 3, the author most likely writes that ―downward is the best way of describing it
too‖ to
A. prove that the Rio Grande‘s water levels have gone down recently
B. argue that the Rio Grande has changed shape over the years
C. highlight the fact that the Rio Grande flows south and from high elevations
D. explain why the Rio Grande is known as the Rio Bravo down in Mexico
3) Based on its use in paragraph 4, the word furious most nearly means
A. angry
B. large
C. twisted
D. dry
5) At the beginning of the passage, we learn that the Rio Grande is "one of the most important"
rivers in America. Can you think of another important landform that exists where you live? What
makes it so important?
6) In paragraph 5, the author explains that the Rio Grande is slowly going dry. What do you
think would happen if the river ever went completely dry? Why? Explain your predictions
below.
7) Based on the information in the passage, explain in your own words why the Rio Grande is
―either the fourth or fifth longest river system in North America.‖ Why can‘t we say with
certainty that it is only the fourth longest and not the fifth longest, for example?
8) In the final paragraph of the passage, the author says that the Rio Grande is ―a symbol of
cooperation‖ between Mexico and the United States, but also recognizes that the river divides the
two countries. Based on the passage and your outside knowledge, do you think the river is more
uniting or dividing? How do you think the river symbolizes cooperation? How do you think it
symbolizes division? Explain.
Answers and Explanations
In the first paragraph, the author writes that ―what makes the Rio Grande so important is
its location.‖ He or she adds that it is ―the official border of Texas and Mexico.‖ This
implies that its location as the border of Mexico and Texas is what makes the Rio Grande
so important. Because of this, choice (B) is correct. The passage does suggest that the Rio
Grande is the source of drinking water for people in Mexico and Texas, but the passage
does not suggest it is a source of drinking water for most Americans. Therefore choice
(A) is incorrect, because it is too extreme. The second paragraph states that ―the Rio
Grande is either the fourth or fifth longest river system in North America.‖ Because of
this, choice (C) is not correct. The passage does say that the Rio Grande is known by two
different names in Mexico and the United States. It does not suggest that the river is
important because of its two names though. This means choice (D) is not correct.
In the third paragraph, the author states that ―downward is the best way of describing‖ the
flow of the Rio Grande. He or she then explains what he or she means by that, stating that
the river extends south and also ―starts in the mountains and gets lower and lower in
elevation.‖ This means that the river moves downward on a map (from north to south)
and also in elevation. Because of this, choice (C) is not correct. The passage describes the
amount of water in the Rio Grande going down in paragraph 5, not paragraph 3. This
means that the sentence in question does not describe the water levels, so choice (A) is
not correct. The passage states that the Rio Grande has changed shape, but it does so in
paragraph 2, not paragraph 3. This means that the sentence in question does not describe
the shape of the river, so choice (B) is not correct. The passage explains that the Rio
Grande is known as the Rio Bravo in Mexico in paragraph 4, not paragraph 3. Also, the
passage only states that it does have two names. It does not state why it has two names.
Because of these points, choice (D) is not correct.
furious (adjective): very angry or mad. In paragraph 4, the author states that ―bravo‖
translates as ―furious‖ in English and adds that the name ―Rio Bravo‖ ―makes sense.‖ We
can use context clues—hints from known words or phrases around the unknown word or
phrase—to figure out what the word furious most nearly means. He or she explains that it
makes sense as a name because the river ―does seem to be angrier.‖ This suggests that
furious is closest in meaning to angry, so choice (A) is correct. The passage gives no
indication that furious and large are similar in meaning. It describes the Rio Grande as
―the fourth or fifth longest river system in North America,‖ not the longest. Additionally,
it suggests that ―bravo‖ translates as ―furious‖ and that this makes sense because the river
―seems angrier,‖ not because it seems larger. Because of this, choice (B) is not correct.
The passage does suggest that the Rio Grande is ―twisted‖ and that its twists make it
seem ―angrier than most rivers.‖ The twists are the reason the river appears angry, and
the anger is what makes it appropriate to call the river furious. This means that furious
and angry are similar in meaning, not furious and twisted. Because of this, choice (C) is
not correct. The passage does say that the Rio Grande is going dry, but it does not suggest
that the name Rio Bravo, or ―the furious river,‖ is appropriate because the river is going
dry. Rather, it suggests that it is appropriate to call the river furious because it appears
―angrier.‖ The passage mentions the dryness of the river in paragraph 5, not paragraph 4.
Because of this, choice (D) is not correct.
To answer this detail question, we need to find the part of the passage that describes the
location of the Rio Grande. This occurs in the middle section, the one labeled ―Rio
Grande Geography.‖ There, in paragraph 3, the author states that ―the river starts in
Colorado and extends downward to the Gulf of Mexico.‖ This means the river‘s
endpoints are Colorado and the Gulf of Mexico. It also means choice (D) is correct. The
passage states that the Rio Grande separates Texas and Mexico. It does not state that the
river starts in Texas though. Because of this, choice (A) is not correct. The passage never
mentions New Mexico. Even though the Rio Grande starts in Colorado, it does not end in
New Mexico. Because of this, choice (B) is not correct. The passage states that the Rio
Grande separates Texas and Mexico. It does not state that the river starts in Texas though.
Because of this, choice (C) is not correct.
https://englishforeveryone.org/viewpdf.html?pdf=/PDFs/6_The_Rio_Grande_Free_Sample.pdf&
title=Grade%206
englishforeveryone.org
Name____________________________________________Date________________
_ InttermediiatteCriittiicallReadiing - Cllocks
Clocks are used to measure time. Clocks are used to show the time. Clocks are used so
that people can agree on the time.
People use clocks to measure units of time that are shorter than natural units. Natural
units are the day, the month, and the year. The sun rises at the beginning of each day. The moon is new at
the beginning of each month. The sun appears at the same place 5 in the sky at the beginning of each year.
The clock is a very old invention. Sundials were used in ancient times. Sundials work by
measuring shadows that are cast by the sun. Candle clocks were used a very long time ago.
Candle clocks work by measuring the time it takes for the wax to melt. Hourglasses are similar to candle
clocks because they also measure the time it takes for something to happen. Hourglasses work by
measuring the time it takes for sand to pour through a small opening into a glass. Mechanical clocks
appeared in the 13th century in Europe. They work with a system of moving gears. The gears always move
at the same speed. Pendulum clocks work with a swinging weight. The swinging weight is called a
pendulum. The pendulum makes the clock parts move.
Now people typically use mechanical clocks or digital clocks. Digital clocks show
numbers on a screen. The numbers represent the time. Some people use auditory clocks.
Auditory clocks use language to tell the time aloud. Computers also use clocks. Computers use
internal clocks in order to work properly.
In today‘s world, clocks are everywhere –– in homes, schools, offices, and public places. Many people
live their lives according to the clock. People go to work and return home
according to the clock. School days start and end according to the clock. Airplanes take off and
land according to the clock. It is fun to imagine a world without clocks!
Questions
1..According to the passage, which of the following statements is/are true?
I) The clock is people‘s oldest invention.
II) Sundials were the first kind of clock that people invented.
III) Mechanical clocks contain gears.
A) I only
B) II only
C) III only
D) I and II only
E) II and III only
2..What is the main idea of the third paragraph?
A) Why clocks are used
B) How sundials work
C) How hourglasses are similar to candle clocks
D) What types of clocks have been invented
E) How mechanical clocks are different from digital clocks
I) Incorrect. While line 7 states that ―The clock is a very old invention,‖ it does not
state that the clock is people‘s oldest invention.
II) Incorrect. While line 7 states that ―Sundials were used in ancient times,‖ there is no
mention of whether it was the oldest type of clock.
III) Correct. Lines 11-12 state that ―Mechanical clocks appeared in the 13th century in
Europe. They work with a system of moving gears.‖
A) I only
B) II only
C) III only
D) I and II only
E) II and III only
2..The correct answer is D.
A) Incorrect. Line 3 in paragraph 2 explains why clocks are used with the statement
―People use clocks to measure units of time that are shorter than natural units.‖
B) Incorrect. While lines 7-8 explain how sundials work with the statement ―Sundials work
by measuring shadows that are cast by the sun,‖ this is only one explanation of how a
type of clock works in a series of types of clocks and their workings. This is not the main
idea of the paragraph.
C) Incorrect. While lines 9-10 explain how hourglasses are similar to candle clocks, this is
only one explanation of how these clocks work in a series of types of clocks and how
they work. This is not the main idea of the paragraph.
D) Correct. The paragraph is a listing of various types of clocks and how they work.
E) Incorrect. While lines 12-13 explain what mechanical clocks are and how they work by
stating ―Mechanical clocks appeared in the 13th century in Europe. They work with a
system of moving gears. The gears always move at the same speed,‖ there is no mention
ofdigital clocks in paragraph 3. More information is given about mechanical clocks and
digital clocks in paragraph 4: ―Now people usually use mechanical clocks or digital
clocks. Digital clocks show numbers on a screen. The numbers represent the time.‖
A) Incorrect. Lines 15-17 tell about three kinds of clocks – mechanical, digital, and
auditory. Since these words are related to three different types of clocks, auditory
cannotmean mechanical.
B) Incorrect. Lines 15-17 tell about three kinds of clocks – mechanical, digital, and
auditory. Lines 15–16 state that ―Digital clocks show numbers on a screen.‖ Since
numbers on a screen are related to digital clocks, it is unlikely that the word auditory is
related to numbers.
C) Correct. Since line 17 states that ―Auditory clocks use language to tell the time aloud,‖
and hearing the sense which would be associated with time told aloud, it is very likely
that the word auditory is related to hearing.
D) Incorrect. Lines 15-17 tell about three types of clocks – mechanical, digital, and
auditory. Since lines 12-13 state that ―Mechanical clocks appeared in the 13th century in
Europe.‖ and ―They work with a system of moving gears,‖ it seems that mechanical
clocks are related to moving parts, not primarily auditory clocks. So the word auditory is
most likely not related to moving parts.
E) Incorrect. Lines 15-17 tell about three types of clocks – mechanical, digital, and auditory.
The sun is mentioned in lines 6-8 with the sentences ―Sundials were used in ancient
times. Sundials work by measuring shadows that are cast by the sun.‖ Sundials were
invented long before other clocks mentioned in this passage. It is unlikely that the word
auditory is related to the sun.
https://englishforeveryone.org/viewpdf.html?pdf=/PDFs/Intermediate%20Critical%20Reading%20-
%20Clocks.pdf&title=%22Clocks%22
englishforeveryone.org
Name___________________________________________Date________________
A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle which uses two or more kinds of propulsion. Most hybrid
vehicles use a conventional gasoline engine as well as an electric motor to provide power to the vehicle.
These are usually called hybrid-electric-vehicles, or HEVs. Hybrids use two types of propulsion in order
to use gasoline more efficiently than conventional vehicles do. Most hybrid vehicles use the gasoline
engine as a generator which sends power to the electric 5 motor. The electric motor then powers the car.
In conventional vehicles, the gasoline engine powers the vehicle directly.
Since the main purpose of using a hybrid system is to efficiently use resources, most hybrid vehicles also
use other efficient systems. Most hybrid vehicles have regenerative braking systems. In conventional
vehicles, the gasoline engine powers the brakes, and the energy used in braking is lost. In regenerative
braking systems, the energy lost in braking is sent back into the electrical battery for use in powering the
vehicle. Some hybrid vehicles use periodic engine shutoff as a gas–saving feature. When the vehicle is in
idle, the engine temporarily turns off. When the vehicle is put back in gear, the engine comes back on.
Some hybrids use tires made of a stiff material which rolls easily and prevents drag on the vehicle.
Hybrid vehicles save up to 30% of the fuel used in conventional vehicles. Since hybrid
vehicles use less gasoline, the cost of operating them is less than the cost of operating
conventional vehicles. Therefore, hybrid vehicles are gaining in popularity. According to a recent study,
over the five years it typically takes for a person to pay for a car, a typical hybrid car driver would save
over $6,000 in gasoline costs. Almost all the world‘s major automakers are planning and producing safe
and comfortable hybrid vehicles to meet the demand for these increasingly popular vehicles.
Since hybrid vehicles use less gasoline than conventional vehicles, they put fewer
30 emissions into the atmosphere than conventional vehicles do. As hybrids become more popular,
conventional vehicles are being used less, and the level of emissions being put into the air is decreasing.
Hybrid vehicles are an example of an energy-efficient technology that is good for both consumers and the
environment.
Questions
A) go faster.
B) use gasoline efficiently.
C) provide a comfortable ride.
D) provide a safe driving experience.
E) put fewer emissions into the atmosphere.
A) electric
B) gasoline
C) powerful
D) restorative
E) second–generation
4..In the context of the passage, which of the following best articulates how the author regards the topic?
A) Conventional vehicles may be more powerful than hybrid vehicles, but hybrid vehicles are the
more socially responsible vehicles to operate.
B) Since hybrid vehicles use less gasoline and put fewer emissions into the atmosphere than
conventional vehicles, they are better for drivers and for the environment.
C) Conventional vehicles are faster than hybrid vehicles, but hybrid vehicles are better for the
environment than conventional vehicles.
D) Since hybrid vehicles are much less expensive to purchase and operate than conventional
vehicles, they are a smarter buy than conventional vehicles.
E) Two sources of propulsion provide more power to a hybrid vehicle, making it more powerful
and faster than a conventional vehicle, so it is more socially responsible to buy a conventional
vehicle.
Answers and Explanations
1..The correct answer is C.
I) Incorrect. According to line 1, ―A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle which uses two or more kinds of
propulsion,‖ not braking systems. While line 9 states that ―Most hybrid vehicles have regenerative
braking systems,‖ there is no mention that they use any additional type of braking system.
II) Incorrect. While line 16 states that ―Hybrid vehicles save up to 30% of the fuel used in conventional
vehicles,‖ there is no mention of the percentage of hybrid vehicles on the road.
III) Correct. Some HEVs have engines which turn off when the vehicle is not moving. According to line
13, ―When the vehicle is in idle, the engine temporarily turns off.‖
A) I only
B) II only
C) III only
D) I and II only
E) II and III only
Tools of Persuasion
Persuasion is the art of convincing someone to agree with your point of view. According to the
ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, there are three basic tools of persuasion: ethos, pathos, and
logos.
Ethos is a speaker‘s way of convincing the audience that she is a credible source. An audience
will consider a speaker credible if she seems trustworthy, reliable, and sincere. This can be done
in many ways. For example, a speaker can develop ethos by explaining how much experience or
education she has in the field. After all, you would be more likely to listen to advice about how
to take care of your teeth from a dentist than a firefighter. A speaker can also create ethos by
convincing the audience that she is a good person who has their best interests at heart. If an
audience cannot trust you, you will not be able to persuade them.
Pathos is a speaker‘s way of connecting with an audience‘s emotions. For example, a speaker
who is trying to convince an audience to vote for him might say that he alone can save the
country from a terrible war. These words are intended to fill the audience with fear, thus making
them want to vote for him. Similarly, a charity organization that helps animals might show an
audience pictures of injured dogs and cats. These images are intended to fill the viewers with
pity. If the audience feels bad for the animals, they will be more likely to donate money.
Logos is the use of facts, information, statistics, or other evidence to make your argument more
convincing. An audience will be more likely to believe you if you have data to back up your
claims. For example, a commercial for soap might tell you that laboratory tests have shown that
their soap kills all 7,000,000 of the bacteria living on your hands right now. This piece of
information might make you more likely to buy their brand of soap. Presenting this evidence is
much more convincing than simply saying ―our soap is the best!‖ Use of logos can also increase
a speaker‘s ethos; the more facts a speaker includes in his argument, the more likely you are to
think that he is educated and trustworthy.
Although ethos, pathos, and logos all have their strengths, they are often most effective when
they are used together. Indeed, most speakers use a combination of ethos, pathos, and logos to
persuade their audiences. The next time you listen to a speech, watch a commercial, or listen to a
friend try to convince you to lend him some money, be on the lookout for these ancient Greek
tools of persuasion.
1) As used in paragraph 2, what is the best antonym for credible?
A. unintelligent
B. boring
C. dishonest
D. amazing
2) Amy is trying to convince her mother to buy her a pair of $200 shoes. She says: ―Mom, the
shoes I have are really old and ugly. If I don‘t get these new shoes, everyone at school is going to
laugh at me. I will be so embarrassed that I will want to die.‖ What form of persuasion is Amy
using here?
A. pathos
B. ethos
C. logos
D. a combination of ethos, pathos, and logos
A. an audience is more easily convinced by facts and information than simple appeals to
emotions like pity or fear
B. an audience is more likely to trust a speaker who uses evidence to support his argument
C. a speaker who overuses pathos might make an audience too emotional; audiences who
are too frightened or too sad are unlikely to be persuaded
D. a speaker can use misleading or false information to make his argument seem more
convincing
4) Gareth is running for mayor. He tells his audience: ―Under our current mayor, there have been
15,000 new cases of unemployment. If he stays in office, who knows how many more people
will lose their jobs? The number could go up even higher. When I was the CEO of Magnatech, I
helped to create over 1,000 new jobs. I can do the same thing for this city if you vote for me.‖
Which form of persuasion is Gareth using here?
I. pathos
II. logos
III. ethos
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III
7) Some persuasive programming involves only ethos, some involves only pathos, and some
involves only logos. Which of these single-tactic persuasion types do you find most effective?
Which one are least effective? Why?
8) Sometimes ethos, pathos, and logos can be used to make people believe things that are not
entirely true. Can you think of an example? How can people avoid being tricked by faulty
persuasion tactics?
In paragraph 3, the author explains that pathos: ―is a speaker‘s way of connecting with
an audience‘s emotions.‖ The author then gives two examples: a candidate who uses fear
to gain votes and a charity that makes you feel pity to get money. The second example is
similar to the situation in the question. Amy wants new shoes. She tries to convince her
mother by saying that if she does not get them, everyone will laugh at her. She claims
that she will be ―so embarrassed‖ that she will ―want to die.‖ Here, Amy is attempting to
make her mother feel pity for her. If her mother feels bad enough for her, she will buy her
the new shoes. Amy is thus using pathos to try to convince her mother to buy the shoes.
Therefore (A) is correct. As the author explains in paragraph 2, ethos is ―a speaker‘s way
of convincing the audience that she is a credible source.‖ Amy is not attempting to
convince her mother that she is honest or trustworthy in this example. Therefore (B) is
incorrect. As the author explains in paragraph 4, logos is ―the use of facts, information,
statistics, or other evidence to make your argument more convincing.‖ Amy is not using
any facts, information, or statistics in this example. Therefore (C) is incorrect. Based on
the above information, we can see that Amy is not using ethos or pathos in this example.
Therefore (D) is incorrect.
In paragraph 4, the author writes: ―use of logos can also increase a speaker‘s ethos; the
more facts a speaker includes in his argument, the more likely you are to think that he is
educated and trustworthy.‖ In other words, an audience will be more likely to trust a
speaker that uses facts, information, or other evidence in his argument. Therefore (B) is
correct. The passage does not provide information to support choices (A), (C), or (D).
Therefore they are incorrect.
In paragraph 3, the author explains that pathos: ―is a speaker‘s way of connecting with an
audience‘s emotions.‖ One of the examples the author gives in this paragraph is of a
candidate who says that ―he alone can save the country from a terrible war. These words
are intended to fill the audience with fear, thus making them want to vote for him.‖ In
this example, the speaker uses fear to gain an audience‘s votes. In the question‘s
example, Gareth is also using fear to gain votes. He warns that if the current mayor stays
in office, ―who knows how many more people will lose their jobs? The number could go
up even higher.‖ Gareth is trying to make the audience afraid that the unemployment rate
will go up if they do not vote the mayor out of office. Because Gareth is using fear to
persuade the audience, this example contains pathos. This supports option (I). As the
author explains in paragraph 4, logos is ―the use of facts, information, statistics, or other
evidence to make your argument more convincing.‖ In his speech, Gareth tells the
audience that ―under our current mayor, there have been 15,000 new cases of
unemployment.‖ This statistic is a fact that will help Gareth‘s argument. By using this
information, Gareth is trying to convince the audience that the mayor should be voted out
of office. Because Gareth is using facts to persuade the audience, this example contains
logos. This supports option (II). As the author states in paragraph 2, ethos is ―a speaker‘s
way of convincing the audience that she is a credible source.‖ The author further
explains: ―a speaker can develop ethos by explaining how much experience or education
she has in the field.‖ In his speech, Gareth says to the audience: ―when I was the CEO of
Magnatech, I helped to create over 1,000 new jobs. I can do the same thing for this city.‖
Here, Gareth tells the audience that he has a lot of experience creating jobs. By
highlighting his experience, Gareth uses ethos to make his speech more persuasive. This
supports option (III). Therefore (D) is correct.
5) C Question Type:
Detail In the final paragraph, the author writes: ―Although ethos, pathos, and logos all
have their strengths, they are often most effective when they are used together. Indeed,
most speakers use a combination of ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade their audiences.‖
Here, the author tells us that ethos, pathos, and logos each have their own advantages.
None of them is more useful than the other. The author then claims that they are ―most
effective when they are used together.‖ In other words, a combination of ethos, pathos,
and logos is the most effective tool of persuasion. Therefore (C) is correct. Although
paragraph 2 does state that ―if an audience cannot trust you, you will not be able to
persuade them,‖ the author never states that ethos is the most effective tool of persuasion.
Therefore (A) is incorrect. Although paragraph 4 does state that ―use of logos can also
increase a speaker‘s ethos,‖ the author never states that logos is the most effective tool of
persuasion. Therefore (B) is incorrect. The passage never says that human beings are
most easily persuaded by emotion or that pathos is the most effective tool of persuasion.
Therefore (D) is incorrect.
https://www.readtheoryworkbooks.com/content/PDF/8_Tools_of_Persuasion_Free_Sample.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXdoPAakKqQ
2. Text Structure:
Part I: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmmOOxA-ig8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSZ22G7_9D8
3. For better understanding of a paragraph:
https://www.grammarbank.com/paragraphs-health.html
https://www.grammarbank.com/reading-completion-exercise.html
https://www.grammarbank.com/food-hygiene-paragraphs.html
4. Reading Comprehension:
https://www.englishforeveryone.org/PDFs/11_Chronic_Traumatic_Encephalopathy_Free_Sample.pdf
Exercise 1
Practice
Directions: Argue for or against the statement below using a formal argument.
Example Answer: I agree with the statement above. Research has shown that practice is more
important that talent in gaining expertise. People with just a little natural talent can gain
mastery with daily practice and the desire to improve their performance. For example, by
practicing writing every day, there is a good chance that your writing will drastically improve.
However, all the practice in the world cannot instill passion for an activity a person doesn‘t
like. So, while practice can improve performance, it cannot replace the desire to do well.
https://www.englishforeveryone.org/viewpdf.html?pdf=/PDFs/Intermediate%20Making%20a%20Formal%20Arg
ument%20-%20Practice.pdf&title=Intermediate%20Argumentative%20-
%20Does%20Practice%20Make%20Perfect?
Exercise 2
Question: If you could be a cat, star, or book, which would you be?
Example Answer: If I could be a cat, star, or book, I would be a cat. Cats are beautiful and
agile. They can climb trees, run fast, and jump very high. They also have very good vision.
Some cats are able to see very small object miles away.
1) Rough Draft:
2) Final Draft:
https://www.englishforeveryone.org/viewpdf.html?pdf=/PDFs/Intermediate%20Making%20a%20Form
al%20Argument%20Cat%20Star%20or%20Book.pdf&title=Intermediate%20Argumentative%20-
%20Cat,%20Star,%20or%20Book?
Exercise 3
Example Answer:
Soccer is a better sport than basketball. This is because soccer is more popular than basketball.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. It is popular in Europe, Africa, the Middle East,
Asia, and the Americas. Basketball is only popular in the United States.
Rough Draft:
Final Draft:
file:///D:/Syllabus%20Design%20Ziauddin/ZU%20Resourse/a1/Intermediate%20Making%20a%
20Formal%20Argument%20Soccer%20or%20Basketball.pdf
Argumentative Essay
Many teens work while they are studying. Some of them really need the money they
earn to compensate for their school expenses whereas others use the money they earn
as pocket money. Working is a great experience for teens; having a job is an
important opportunity to learn about responsibility, cooperation, and the value of
money.
To start with, working gives teenagers lots of situations in which they must act
responsibly in order to keep their jobs. For example, one has to wake up early if work
starts at 8:00 AM, no matter how late he/she stayed up the night before. Otherwise the
worker will be warned or may eventually be fired. The realpossibility of being fired
may force students to behave responsibly.
A second reason why having jobs has positive effects on teenagers is that it teaches
them how to cooperate and the importance of cooperation. In a work setting
employees often have to depend on each other. When a single employee loafs, others
will have to compensate for his/her workload in addition to their own tasks. Students
will learn from their working experience the importance of cooperation and why
every individual should effectively carry out his/her own work.
Another point is that these working possibilities enable the students to understand the
value of money and that "Money does not grow on trees". After the student sees how
hard he/she has to work to earn money, he/she will also be more reasonable while
spending it. Thus, working helps lead to responsible spending.
In conclusion, when one has a job as a student, he/she will benefit significantly from
the experience. This way, students will be more responsible when they graduate.
Furthermore, they will be more cooperative and better able to work as part of a team.
Finally, since they'll be cautious about spending their money, they will be less likely
to get into trouble due to excessive spending. All in all, having jobs as students is a
terrific idea and I think every student should have a working experience before
graduating and starting their professional careers.
Do you agree with the author's view and her reasons? Discuss the good points and bad points of
teens working part time jobs with your group. Take notes on the discussion.
Writing: In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is
a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
Choose your own argument and supporting reasons (you may use your notes from the
discussion) and develop a thesis.
Homework: develop three paragraphs that support the view in your thesis. Remember that you
should use arguments that support the assertion made in the thesis and that the reason given in
each paragraph must be reflected in the thesis. Try to make your argument persuasive. Your job
is to convince people reading your essay to agree with your point of view.
Exercises:
1. Select a topic or a publication. If you are writing because you've been instructed to do so in a class
assignment, you should start by reading a publication that is likely to contain articles that interest
you. It is a good idea to read your local newspaper to look for local and current events that matter to
you. You may also choose to look at magazines that contain articles that interest you. Fashion
magazines, science magazines, and entertainment publications all contain letters from readers.*1
2. Read the instructions provided. Most publications provide guidelines for letters to the editor. Look
over the first few pages of your publication for a set of suggestions and guidelines and follow them
carefully.
3. Include your name, address, email address, and phone number at the top of your letter. Editors often
require this information because they will need to verify your identity. You can state that this
information is not to be published. If you are responding to an article or letter, say so right away.
Name the article in the first sentence of the body of your letter.
4. Be concise and focused. Write your letter in pithy, clever statements, but remember that this is not
easy to do! You will probably need to write several drafts of your letter to condense your message.*2
5. Limit your writing to two or three paragraphs. Try sticking to the following format:
● In your first paragraph, introduce your problem and sum up your objection.
6. Proofread. Editors will ignore letters that contain bad grammar and poorly-written rants. *3
7. Submit your letter by email if the publication allows it. This format enables the editor to cut and
paste.
https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-write-a-letter-to-the-editor-1857300
3. Fill in the table below to outline the main points in the article. Use the back if you need
additional space.
4. What is your final impression of the main points included in the article? How do they
combine to support the main idea?
5. What ideas do you have for the letter that you will write in response to this article? What
position will you take and why?
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson929/summary.pdf
Goal or Thesis
A goal or thesis is a statement that describes one side of an arguable viewpoint.
Main Reasons
You will need some good reasons to support your goal or thesis.
Briefly state three main reasons that would convince someone that your thesis is valid.
• Reason 1
• Reason 2
• Reason 3
Facts or Examples
What are some facts or examples you could state to support this reason and validate this
argument?
• Fact or Example 1
• Fact or Example 2
• Fact or Example 3
Conclusion
A piece of persuasive writing usually ends by summarizing the most important details of the
argument and stating once again what the reader is to believe or do.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson875/PersuasionMapPlannin
g.pdf
Checking My Work:
Writing Checklist
________Did I remember to indent?
________Did I remember to spell basic words correctly?
________ Is there a punctuation mark at the end of each sentence?
________Did I re-read everything to be sure it makes sense?
________Is my handwriting neat?
________Do I have a good opening (topic) sentence?
________Do I have a good ending (closing) sentence that wraps up my writing?
________Did I do my best? Am I proud to hand my work in?
________How many sentences did I write?
1. Does the letter begin with a salutation and end with a signature block?
2. What article is the letter writer discussing? Is the article named in the first sentence or
paragraph?
3. In the first paragraph, what main reason does the letter writer give for responding to the
article? What position is the letter writer taking on the issue?
4. What specific points does the letter writer use to support the position taken in the letter?
5. How does the letter conclude? Is the conclusion appropriate for the letter?
7. What did you like the most about this letter? Why?
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson929/peer-review.pdf
Exercises:
Write a letter to the editor complaining about the absence of street light in your area.
Write a letter to the editor discussing the problems caused by presence too many dogs.
Help with formal and business letter writing. A summary of writing rules including outlines for
cover letters and letters of enquiry, and abbreviations used in letters.
The example letter below shows you a general format for a formal or business letter. Pass your
mouse over the different areas of it to find out more information.
In English there are a number of conventions that should be used when formatting a formal or
business letter. Furthermore, you try to write as simply and as clearly as possible, and not to make
the letter longer than necessary. Remember not to use informal language like contractions.
Addresses:
1) Your Address
The return address should be written in the top right-hand corner of the letter.
Date:
Different people put the date on different sides of the page. You can write this on the right or the left
on the line after the address you are writing to. Write the month as a word.
Salutation or greeting:
If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this. It is always advisable to try
to find out a name.
2) Dear Mr Jenkins,
If you know the name, use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) and the surname only. If you are
writing to a woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss, you can use Ms, which is for married
and single women.
Ending a letter:
1) Yours faithfully
If you do not know the name of the person, end the letter this way.
2) Yours sincerely
If you know the name of the person, end the letter this way.
3) Your signature
Sign your name, then print it underneath the signature. If you think the person you are writing to
might not know whether you are male of female, put you title in brackets after your name.
First paragraph
The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of the letter- to make an enquiry, complain,
request something, etc.
The paragraph or paragraphs in the middle of the letter should contain the relevant information
behind the writing of the letter. Most letters in English are not very long, so keep the information to
the essentials and concentrate on organising it in a clear and logical manner rather than expanding
too much.
Last Paragraph
The last paragraph of a formal letter should state what action you expect the recipient to take- to
refund, send you information, etc.
https://www.usingenglish.com/resources/letter-writing.php
Exercise 1 – Formal email or letter asking for information
Check the ‗Explanation‘ tab above before doing these exercises. Fill in the gaps with the words in the
box.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in 1. ……………….to the home exchange service that you offer on your website.
We are a family of four who have been considering the possibility of exchanging our main home
for some time and we would be 2. ……………….if you could answer a few questions.
I would 6. ……………….like to know if pets can be included in the exchange. We have a cat
and we do not have anybody to look after him while we are away. Could you tell me if
exchanging pets or leaving a pet in the care of the people who are coming to your home is a
common practice?
We would appreciate it if you could answer these questions. I look 10. ……………….to hearing
from you.
Yours faithfully ,
Stephanie Clark.
Exercise 2 – Indirect questions
In a formal email asking for information you should use indirect questions instead of direct questions.
Complete the following indirect questions.
1Can volunteers stay for a period of six months? ⇒ I would appreciate it if you could tell me
whether ……………….for a period of six months.
2Can third-year students apply for this programme? ⇒ I would like to know if ……………….
for this programme.
3How much does accommodation cost? ⇒ Could you please tell me……………….?
4Is it possible to stay with a local family? ⇒ I would like to know if………………. with a local
family.
5When should I apply for the programme? ⇒ Would you mind telling me……………….?
In formal letters, passive voice is very common because it is more impersonal. Fill in the gaps to
transform the following sentences from the composition in ‗Explanation‘ into the passive voice
2You do not mention the maximum duration of your program. ⇒ The maximum duration of your
programme ………………..
3You can accept only students in their 4th year of medical school. ⇒ Only students in their 4th
year of medical school ………………..
4You can consider me a 4th year student. ⇒………………. a 4th year student.
5You offer volunteers a room in a shared house. ⇒………………. a room in a shared house.
6You provide electricity, WIFI and running water. ⇒ Electricity, WIFI and running
water………………..
Exercise 4 – Formal vs informal
Which of the following language features are more common in formal language?
https://www.test-english.com/writing/b1-b2/formal-email-letter-asking-information/4/
4. Writing a Cause and Effect Paragraph
What makes something happen is called a cause. An effect is what happens as a result of the cause.
Here are a few basics on writing a coherent cause and effect paragraph.
Pre-writing
Decide whether to write about a cause or an effect or both. You can choose to discuss only the
causes or only the effects of an event. Alternatively, you can discuss the causes AND effects of a
certain event.
Make a list of causes or effects. Then narrow down that list to include only the most important
causes or effects.
Writing
Write a draft explaining each cause or effect in the paragraph in as much detail as possible. Don't
forget to use transitional words in your paragraph, such as: also, as a result, because, first and
finally.
It is very important to include a clear topic sentence in your paragraph. This sentence should state
the main idea of your paragraph.
Post writing
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/writing-cause-effect-paragraph.php
Exercises:
What are the causes/ or effects of Pollution?
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/slipping-sliding-tumbling-reinforcing-
965.html?tab=4#tabs
Cause why something happened; the event that made another event occur
Effect the event that happened because of the cause; the result
Introductory/Intermediate Examples
• Jason missed the swing because he didn‘t keep his eye on the ball.
• The girl had to miss recess because she didn‘t do her homework.
• Janice got an A on her science test because she studied very hard.
• Susan didn‘t read the recipe carefully, and her cookies did not turn out as she had expected.
Challenging Examples
• Many scientists believe that the extinction of the dinosaurs was caused by a large meteorite
hitting the Earth millions of years ago.
• Tsunamis are created when tectonic plates under the ocean shift, causing an underwater
earthquake.
• The Stamp Act enraged the colonists and was one of the leading causes of the Revolutionary
War.
• John attached a copper wire to each terminal of a battery and then to a light bulb. Due to the
fact that copper is a conductor, the light bulb went on.
• The wasteful energy use of many Americans has contributed to global warming.
• When water molecules come into contact with a heat source, they begin to move very quickly,
causing the water to boil.
• The Exxon Valdez oil spill had devastating long-term effects on the seal population in Alaska.
Copyright 2006 IRA/NCTE. All rights reserved. ReadWriteThink materials may be reproduced
for educational purposes.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson965/tiered.pdf
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/direct-action/letters-to-editor/main
2. Compare and contrast Essay
https://lessonworksheets.com/concept/compare-and-contrast-writing-ideas-for-elementary-
children
3. Compare and contrast Essay
(video)https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=cause+and+effect+essay+topics&&view=detail&
mid=DA949410841204D52E77DA949410841204D52E77&rvsmid=E53F26D3D1ABBF7A7F81E53F
26D3D1ABBF7A7F81&FORM=VDQVAP
4. Punctuation
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/writing-punctuation-tips.php
5. Expository Essays
Video: https://youtu.be/5CfbCjpTfh0
6. https://essaypro.com/blog/expository-essay/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwEl-MiZH0E
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl_exercises/esl_exercises/paraphrase_and_summary_exercises/basi
c_level_paraphrase_and_summary_writing_answers.html
9. Formal Email and Letter Writing
https://www.test-english.com/writing/b1-b2/formal-email-letter-asking-information/4/
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
Exercise 1Daily Schedule
Pre-Listening Exercise
What is your daily schedule? What time do you wake up and go to work or school? What do
you do when you get home? What time do you go to bed?
Listening Exercise
a. at 5:00 a.m.
b. at 7:00 a.m.
c. at 6:00 a.m.
a. at 9:00 a.m.
b. at 8:00 a.m.
c. at 7:00 a.m.
What do the man and his wife do after the kids go to bed?
What is one thing the man does NOT say about his wife?
Online Investigation
Search online for at least two mobile apps or daily planners that you can use of a mobile
phone. How much are they? What are their features?
Listening Transcript
Listen to the recording and read along with the conversation. Review the key
vocabulary and the sample sentences.
Woman: So, what's your usual day like? You always seem so busy.
Man: Well, I usually get up around 5:00 a.m. and work on the computer until 6:00 a.m.
Man: Well, I have to leave home at twenty to seven (6:40 a.m.) so I can catch a bus at
7:00 o'clock . It takes me about twenty minutes to walk to the bus stop from my house.
Man: Uh, my bus takes about an hour to get there, but it stops right in front of my office.
Woman: That's nice. And what time do you get off work?
Man: Uh, around 5:00 o'clock. Then, we eat dinner around 6:30, and my wife and I
read and play with the kids until 8:00 or so.
Woman: So, when do you work on your website? You said one time that you create it
at home?
Man: Well, my wife and I often watch TV or talk until 10:00 o'clock. She then often
reads while I work on my site, and I sometimes stay up until the early hours of the
morning, but I try to finish everything by one or two.
Man: Well, yeah, but it's important to live a balanced life. I enjoy what I do, but you
have to set aside time for the family and yourself.
Woman: I agree.
Man: But I think my wife has the toughest job. She spends her whole day taking care
of our family . . . taking the kids to school, working in the garden, buying groceries,
taking the kids to piano lessons . . . [Wow!] It's a full-time job, but she enjoys what she
does.
https://www.esl-lab.com/easy/daily-schedule/
Warm up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vS6sjc1lQ0&feature=PlayList&p=A047831975662928&index=0
Public speaking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1H5m0S-sdQ
Students’Presentation
Students will be asked tochoose a topic of their interest and prepare a presentation on it.
They will be given a weak to plan for the presentations.
Day 5 & 6
Students’Presentation
SPEAKING
How to express your opinion
Expressing opinion
I think...
As far as I'm concerned,..
To my mind,...
According to me,...
As I see it, ...
It seems to me that...
In my point of view / my opinion,....
From my point of view...
I am of the opinion that...
I take the view that. ..
My personal view is that...
In my experience...
As far as I understand / can see/see it,...
Agreeing or disagreeing
Agreeing with an opinion:
Partial agreement:
Activity: Discussion
What is your opinion about each controversial topic? And write 3 supporting points for your
opinion. Discuss your opinion in your group.
DNA testing
Pro / Con
Why?
1. can help catch criminals
2. can help predict illness
3. can help understand personality traits
Gun ownership
Pro / Con
Why?
1. ________________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________________
Government surveillance
Pro / Con
Why?
1. ________________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________________
Globalization
Pro / Con
Why?
1. ________________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________________
https://eslflow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Controversial_topics_worksheet_red.pdf
Complaining:
1. I'm afraid I've got a complaint about your child.He's too noisy .
2. I'm afraid there is a slight problem with the service in this hotel.
3.Excuse me but you are standing on my foot.
4. I want to complain about the noise you are making.
5. I'm angry about the way you treat me.
Responding to complaints
Work with a partner decide on the situation and practice making the complaints
Talking about ability
Examples:
Expressing ability
In the present:
In the past
Things to remember:
Can is always followed by an infinitive
without "to."
Examples:
I can ride my bike and I can drive a car, but
I can't drive a lorry.
When you ask for permission to use something that belongs to someone
else you have to do your best to be polite. It is desirable to use the word
"please."
Giving Permission:
Dialogue:
Liza, eight years old, is asking her mother for permission to use the
computer...
Liza: Please mum, can I use the computer?
Making suggestions:
Accepting suggestions:
Refusing suggestions:
2."That" is optional:
Dialogue:
Two friends talking about where to go this evening:
Alice: You know Alan, why don't we go to the cinema to watch Titanic? Alan: No, let's
not. We've seen the film many times before. What about going to the library? We have to finish
our school project! Alice: That sounds like a good idea. But when we finish let's go to the
cafè. Alan: Yes, I'd love to.
Making and responding to a request
It's important to be polite when you ask for something.
Making Request:
Responding to request:
is either
A towel
https://content.wisestep.com/improve-oral-communication-skills-english/
2. Listening Lab
https://www.esl-lab.com/
3. Listening comprehension
https://bogglesworldesl.com/Listening_Intermediate
4. Listening
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
1. Root words, prefixes and suffixes
Prefixes are words that you add to beginning of root words. When prefixes are added they modify the
meaning of the root words. Example: the root word "ject" means to throw. You will commonly come
across the prefixes in- and re- being add to "ject". They create the words "inject" (to put into) and
"reject" (to throw out). In this case the prefix gave the root words direction.
Suffixes are similar to Prefixes in that they modify the meaning of words, but they are added to the
end of the root words. Example: the root "bio-" means life. The words "biography" (story of life) and
https://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/language_arts/prefix/
Exercise 1
Root Prefix
active dis
agree ex
behave il
air im
legal in
pert mis
portant pre
view un
1._____________________________________ 2._____________________________________
3._____________________________________ 4._____________________________________
5._____________________________________ 6._____________________________________
7._____________________________________ 8._____________________________________
Key
1. Inactive
2. disagree
3. misbehave
4. unfair
5. illegal
6. expert
7. important
8. preview
Copyright © 2013 K12reader.com. All Rights Reserved. Free for educational use at home or
in classrooms. www.k12reader.com
Exercise 2
Root Suffix
happy able
diction ness
help y
comfort ful
life ment
victor ary
expense ive
base like
1._____________________________________ 2._____________________________________
3._____________________________________ 4._____________________________________
5._____________________________________ 6._____________________________________
7._____________________________________ 8._____________________________________
Key
Correct answers may be in any order.
happiness
dictionary
helpful
comfortable
lifelike
victory
expensive
basement
Copyright © 2013 K12reader.com. All Rights Reserved. Free for educational use at home or in
classrooms. www.k12reader.com
Exercise 3
Per- collate
Bio- graphy
counter intelligence
bi- Cycle
Contra- positive
Tele- phone
Dis- advantage
extra- curricular
hemi- sphere
auto- mobile
hyper- active
trans- atlantic
Prefix Meaning
1. a- moving towards
2. a- in the process of
3. a- of
4. a- all or complete
ad-, a-, ac-, af-, ag- al-, an-, ap-, at- as-, at increasing or moving to
ante- before
1. be- all of
2. be- full of
3. be- possessing
4. be- to affect
contra- opposite of
counter- opposition
2. de- full of
3. de- to remove
extra- outside of
hemi- half of
hypo- beneath
infra- below
inter- between
intra- within
1. out- go above
2. over- above
post- after
pre- before
1. pro- supporting
4. pro- before
re- again
semi- part of
3. sub-, suc-, suf-, sug-, sup-, sur-, sus close to, near
1. trans- across
2. un- reversal
1. under- below
Exercise 4
Explaining Prefixes
Match the prefixes and examples in the left column to their correct meaning on the right. Write
the correct meaning of each prefix in the centre column. The first example has been done for
you.
re recover Again
bi bicycle again
re return between
un undecided across
Answers: Prefixes 5
de decline down
inter international between
trans transplant across
non non-factual not
bi bicycle two
re return again
tri triplets three
un undecided not
sub subterranean under, below
anti anti-smoking against
Exercise 5
Suffix Change Up
Meaning
Suffix
-ing, -ed -ing: happening now (singing) -ed: in the past (walked)
-s, -es plural word: more than one (dogs, boxes)
-er, -est -er: more (older, higher) -est: most (oldest, highest)
-ful, -less -ful: a lot (careful, hopeful) -less: none (careless, hopeless)
You can change the meaning or the usage of a word by adding a suffix at the end.
1. Jake slowly walk___ (ed, ing) down the street, hope___ (ed, ful) of finding the keys he so
care___ ly (ful, less) lost.
2. Although Jill was the fast___ (est, er) runner in the class, she was far young___ (er, est) than
the others.
3. Kim‘s room is the untidi___ (est, er) I have ever seen but she is always very care___ (less, ful)
with her appearance.
4. Mom always recycl___ (ed, ing) the wrappings after she pack___(ing, ed) away the
groceri___ (s, es).
5. The shop___ (s, es) in this street were the old___ (er, est) in town. They all need___ (ing, ed)
care___ (less, ful) cleaning and painting.
B. Make four words from each root word below using the suffixes in the box.
1. fish________________________________________________________________________
2. hope _______________________________________________________________________
3. care _______________________________________________________________________
4. paint _______________________________________________________________________
5. light_______________________________________________________________________
Answers: Suffixes 1
A. Write the correct suffix in the gap.
1. Jake slowly walked down the street, hopeful of finding the keys he so carelessly lost.
2. Although Jill was the fastest runner in the class, she was far younger than the others.
3. Kim‘s room is the untidiest I have ever seen but she is always very careful with her
appearance.
4. Mom always recycled the wrappings after she packed away the groceries.
5. The shops in this street were the oldest in town. They all needed careful cleaning and painting.
B.
1. fish fishes, fishing, fished, fisher
2. hope hopes, hoping, hoped, hopeful, hopeless
3. care cares, caring, cared, carer, careful, careless
4. paint paints, painting, painted, painter
5. light lights, lighting, lighter, lightest
Elimination of Verbosity
Learners must be exposed to text with verbose sentences and students should work in
pairs to improve them.
For example:
The election of the president will be held at the next meeting. (Verbose)
We will elect a president at the next meeting. (to the point and direct)
Exercise 1
1. I think it may be true that you can make water turn into steam if you make the water hot enough.
________________________________________________________________________
2. You and I will be able to see the first stars appear in the night sky at exactly eight thirty at night.
________________________________________________________________________
3. Thousands of types of animals that live on the land were destroyed in the great amazing flood of
1675.
________________________________________________________________________
4. I think that my new car is an extremely high quality piece of machinery.
________________________________________________________________________
5. Tom is a careless person.
________________________________________________________________________
6. One universal language for everybody in the world to communicate with each other with would be
much easier.
________________________________________________________________________
Exercise 2
Example:
Vague Sentence I think that there should be law against using too much water.
Precise Sentence It should be illegal to waste water.
Answers:
1. I will go at 10:30 a.m.
2. We are the best checker players. / We are the best at checkers.
3. Karen is wearing very nice boots.
4. I can‘t believe how fast time goes by when you‘re doing something entertaining.
5. Tom is generous.
6. The twins are identical.
7. The show is about to start.
Exercise 3
Edit the sentences below to eliminate all verbosity. Rewrite sentences if necessary.
1. If and when you would like more facts and figures on our products, simply contact us
by telephone and we will send you a brochure that spells out a great deal about the uses
of our products.
To know more facts and figures about our products contact us by telephone to get a
brochure that spells out a great deal about a
2. After finishing the 26.2-mile marathon in record heat, the runners were pretty thirsty.
3. The educators mutually cooperated on planning ahead to prevent fatal killings in the
school district.
4. Just before 12 midnight on Thursday night, the thieves penetrated into the bank vault.
5. The group planned to repeat again their cautions about leaving deadly poisons in the
vicinity of young children.
6. In the early hours of Labor Day that year — Monday, Sept. 5, 1994 — a blazing
inferno broke out in the warehouse district.
7. If the past history of voters is any indication, his future plans should include writing a
resignation speech.
8. They drank up to the bride and groom, drinking until they had emptied out all the
champagne bottles.
9. The condo association filed a lawsuit against the builders for failure to perform the task
of keeping the building secure.
10. If the State Secretary finds that an individual has received a payment to which the
individual is not entitled, whether or not the payment was due to the individual‘s fault
or misrepresentation, the individual shall be liable to repay to State the total sum of the
payment to which the individual was not entitled.
Edit the sentences below to eliminate all verbosity
Exercise 4
When you write, think tight. The goal is not to reduce every sentence to its most concise
form but to avoid distractingly extraneous wording and phrasing. Here are five sentences
improved by a reduction in length.
1. ―The teacher is speaking on a phone in his classroom between classes, and he breaks away
for a moment to answer a student‘s question.‖
To condense a sentence with two independent clauses separated by a conjunction, open a
parenthetical where the sentence‘s first verb appears, and close it where the second clause
begins, deleting the verb and the conjunction respectively: ―The teacher, speaking on a phone
in his classroom between classes, breaks away for a moment to answer a student‘s question.‖
2. ―The theme of this year‘s summit is ‗From Essential Elements to Effective Practice,‘ and the
conference will include a variety of interactive sessions.‖
Here‘s a revision of a sentence constructed like the one in the previous example, which is
improved by the same technique — deletion of the initial verb and parenthesis of what
followed that verb: ―This year‘s summit, ‗From Essential Elements to Effective Practice,‘ will
include a variety of interactive sessions.‖
3. ―John Smith runs the DJ Project, an after-school program in San Francisco for students
struggling in school. He uses hip-hop to connect with the students.‖
To combine two sentences into one, convert key information from either sentence into a
parenthetical and tack the other statement onto the end: ―John Smith, who runs the DJ Project,
an after-school program in San Francisco for students struggling in school, uses hip-hop to
connect with the students.‖
4. ―It‘s rather annoying that you can‘t turn off the various sounds that play when you use the
zoom and other functions.‖
Strive to pare explanations and descriptions down to the fewest possible words. For example,
there‘s a standing phrase for the concept of ―the various sounds that play‖: ―It‘s annoying that
you can‘t turn off the sound effects for zoom and other functions.‖
https://www.dailywritingtips.com/5-verbose-sentences-made-shorter/
2. Transitional words: lists and activities can be downloaded and practiced from the following
website:https://www.k12reader.com/subject/composition/transition-words/
Transition words are used in a sentence to connect two ideas. They join clauses or sentences
In Example 1, the word so connects two clauses to show a result. It was because we were late that we
didn’t understand the ending.
The meaning of the two clauses is clearer than if each stood alone:
In Example 2, the two ideas are separate. There is no connection with arriving late and not understanding
the movie. Instead, it appears that not understanding the ending has nothing to do with arriving late.
2. No one expected so many people at the party; consequently, we ran out of food.
3. The weather was very bad; even so, the farmer had to milk the cow.
4. The class finished the test early; therefore, they were allowed to read quietly before the bell.
5. The roof is leaking in the old house; furthermore, the brick is crumbling.
6. The teacher will accept late homework; however, she will take points off of the grade.
7. Although Tara was the last to leave class, she was the first on the bus.
8. Ed learned from his mistake. Likewise, others can learn from theirs.
9. Even though there was no one home, Walter didn’t feel lonely.
10. It takes a lot of concentration to play the violin. In the same way, the piano demands the full
attention of the pianist.
2. No one expected so many people at the party; consequently, we ran out of food.
3. The weather was very bad; even so, the farmer had to milk the cow.
4. The class finished the test early; therefore, they were allowed to read quietly before the bell.
5. The roof is leaking in the old house; furthermore, the brick is crumbling.
6. The teacher will accept late homework; however, she will take points off of the grade.
7. Although Tara was the last to leave class, she was the first on the bus.
8. Ed learned from his mistake. Likewise, others can learn from theirs.
9. Even though there was no one home, Wlter didn’t feel lonely.
10. It takes a lot of concentration to play the violin. In the sameway, the piano demands the full
https://www.k12reader.com/worksheet/identify-the-transition-words/view/
b) Correct the Transition Words Mistakes
Copyright © 2015 K12reader.com. All Rights Reserved. Free for educational use at home or in
classrooms.
Name: _____________________________
Transition words are used in a sentence to connect two ideas. They join clauses or sentences together to
show a difference or a connection.
Example 1:
We arrived late at the movie; indeed, we missed the first thirty minutes.
We arrived late at the movie; however we missed the first thirty minutes.
However is the transition word in the second example, but doesn’t make sense as it is used in the
sentence.
However is a transition word that shows contrast, yet there is no contrast to be made. Both clauses are
about being late to the movie. A better sentence with however would be:
Example 3:
We left early to go to the movie; however, we still missed the first thirty minutes.
In Example 3, however shows the contrast between leaving early and still missing the beginning of the
movie.
Below are sentences with misused transition words. Cross out the incorrect transition words and write a
better one in the space below the sentence.
3. Gordon finished his chores early; meanwhile, he had time to play football.
5. The sailors prepared the ship to sail; otherwise, the dock workers loaded the cargo.
6. Her sister had a cold; however, Julie’s family canceled the trip.
7. Oranges are good for you; nevertheless, they are full of vitamin C.
8. Two seats were left on the bus; similarly, most of the group had to wait for the next one.
likewise
although
as a result
likewise
meanwhile
consequently
for example
therefore
Transition Words: Complete the Sentence
Transition Words: Complete the Sentence
4. I have $25
1. The dog barked all night ; consequently, the neighbors had no sleep.
2. Jane bought a new dress ; furthermore, she also bought shoes and a purse.
3.The police had no clues for the case ; however, tips were still coming in.
8. They had salad before dinner ; even so, they were still hungry when the main course arrived
Transition Words: Connecting Ideas
Copyright © 2015 K12reader.com. All Rights Reserved. Free for educational use at home or in classrooms .
Name: _____________________________
Transition words are used in a sentence to connect two ideas. They join clauses together to show a
difference or a connection.
Example 1:
In Example 1, the word so connects two clauses to show a result. It was because we were late that we
didn’t understand the ending. The meaning of the two clauses is clearer than if each stood alone.
Example 2:
In Example 2, the two ideas are separate. There is no connection with arriving late and not
understanding
the movie. Instead, it appears that not understanding the ending has nothing to do with arriving late.
Here is a word bank with transition words. Use the words in the bank to connect the clauses below. You
1. The girls wanted an ice cream cone, ________________________ they left the
park early.
Word Bank
2. Mother didn’t have time to go to the store; _____________________,there was no
in addition
milk in the refrigerator.
otherwise
3. There is no homework tonight; _______________,there has been no homework
although this week.
therefore 4. James and his team didn’t finish the project; ________________, they did work
hard.
in fact
5. You can come with us if you are ready; __________________, you will have to ride
furthermore the bus.
similarly 6. It is important to complete your homework; _______________,it should be turned
consequently in on time.
7. Mrs. Simpson can be grumpy some times; ______________,we should help her
actually whenever we can.
moreover
particularly
Example 1:
In Example 1, the word so connects two clauses to show a result. It was because we were late that we
didn’t understand the ending. The meaning of the two clauses is clearer than if each stood alone.
Example 2:
In Example 2, the two ideas are separate. There is no connection with arriving late and not
understanding the movie. Instead, it appears that not understanding the ending has nothing to do with
arriving late.
Here is a word bank with transition words. Use the words in the bank to connect the clauses below. You
should only use a transition word or phrase once.
1. The girls wanted an ice cream cone, ______________so______ they left the park
early.
Word Bank
2. Mother didn’t have time to go to the store; ___consequently______ ,there was no
in addition
milk in the refrigerator.
otherwise
3. There is no homework tonight; ____in fact________, there has been no
although homework this week.
therefore 4. James and his team didn’t finish the project; ___however______, they did work
hard.
in fact
5. You can come with us if you are ready; _____otherwise____, you will have to ride
furthermore the bus.
similarly 6. It is important to complete your homework; _furthermore__, it should be turned
consequently in on time.
actually 7. Mrs. Simpson can be grumpy some times; _nevertheless_, we should help her
whenever we can.
so
8. Students should be quiet during the play; _____although___ applause at the end
however is allowed.
nevertheless 9. The Johnson children get an allowance every week; _in addition__, they earn
yet money for completing chores.
instead 10. The rhino in Africa is threatened with extinction; ____similarly___, many species
of gorilla are also endangered.
moreover
particularly
Copyright © 2015 K12reader.com. All Rights Reserved. Free for educational use at home or in
classrooms.
Name: _____________________________
1. although
__________________________________________________________________
2. however
__________________________________________________________________
3. in addition
__________________________________________________________________
4. furthermore
__________________________________________________________________
5. consequently
__________________________________________________________________
6. as a result
__________________________________________________________________
7. actually
__________________________________________________________________
8. for example
__________________________________________________________________
Key
Passive Voice
Most countries in Latin America speak Spanish. Spanish is spoken in most countries in latin America.
NOTE: The appropriate form of to be = To be is put in the the tense of the active
voice main verb.
The object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
The form of the verb is the appropriate form of to be (the tense of the active voice main
verb) + the past participle.
The subject of the active sentence becomes the object of the passive sentence (or is
dropped.)
Example:
Nancy makes tea
Active
subject verb object
Impersonal Passive:
Study these examples:
This type of passive is called impersonal because we use the impersonal form "it
is..." This is only possible with verbs of perception (e. g. say, think, know ...)
Examples:
It is said that...
It is thought that...
It is believed that...
It is known that...
It is also common that we start the passive form of these sentences with the
subject of the that-clause:
Examples:
They say that the planet is in danger.= The planet is said to be in danger.
They think that women live longer than men. = Women are thought to live longer.
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-passive-voice.php
CCSS.L.8.3.A |© http://www.englishworksheetsland.com
Identifying Passive
Q: What is passive voice?
A: When the subject of a sentence receives the action instead of doing the action.
In other words, the subject doesn‘t act!
Example: The goal was scored by the opposing team.
The talent show was won by the piano player.
Thanksgiving is celebrated by the family.
Part 1: Practicing and Identifying
Highlight examples of passive voice in the sentences below.
1. The birthday party was thrown by Kyle‘s mom.
2. Fun was had by all.
3. The socks are purchased by Chris.
4. The new red dress was bought by Jill.
5. Mistakes were made by the musician.
6. Apologies were given by the White House.
7. The nap is taken by the baby.
8. Mom‘s kitchen is cleaned up by me.
Part 2: Breaking it Down
1. What word is repeated in each of the examples above?
2. What verb repeats in the example above?
https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/topics/activepassivevoice-writing/Active1.pdf
CCSS.L.8.3.A |© http://www.englishworksheetsland.com
FIXING IT UP
If you want to fix your writing to make it better, one of the first things you should do is figure
out if you‘re writing with passive or active voice. It‘s always better to write in an active voice,
but if you have bits of passive voice in your writing, don‘t worry—it‘s quite easy to fix it
up! All you need are the right tools.
Tools need: subjects, predicates
Part 1: Locating the subjects and predicates.
Underline the subject of the sentences below and highlight the predicates.
1. The goal was scored by the opposing team.
2. The talent show was won by the piano player.
3. Thanksgiving is celebrated by the family.
To make those sentences written in active voice, follow these steps to fix it up:
1. Cross out the ―is‖ and the ―by‖
2. SUBJECT PLUS NEW PREDICATE
So your new Example 1 sentence would read: The opposing team scored the goal. Fix up
Examples 2 and 3 and write the new, fixed‐up sentences here: Part 2: Fix‐It‐Up Practice
Fix up and re‐write the sentences below so that they contain active voice instead of passive
voice.
1. The birthday party was thrown by Kyle‘s mom.
2. Fun was had by all.
3. The socks are purchased by Chris.
4. The new red dress was bought by Jill.
5. Mistakes were made by the musicians.
6. Apologies were given by the White House.
7. The nap is taken by the baby. 8. Mom‘s kitchen is cleaned up by me.
Exercise 1
Indirect speech is when a speaker’s words are reported by someone else, and the words are not
quoted.
Indirect speech sometimes uses words like advised, requested, suggested, etc. in order to convey
the mood of the spoken words.
DIRECTIONS: Determine whether each sentence below contains direct or indirect speech. Write
direct or indirect on the line.
8. The boys cried out that they wanted more ice cream.
Exercise 2
Direct and Indirect SpeechCCSS.L.6-7.1 | © www.EnglishWorksheetsLand.com
DIRECTIONS: Rewrite each sentence using indirect speech.
1. ―Throw me that rope,‖ Hank cried.
2. ―I would like an apple,‖ Penny said.
3. ―I missed the bus,‖ Mark complained.
4. ―Everyone get in line,‖ Mrs. Donaldson told us.
5. ―Can‘t we share the toy?‖ George asked.
6. ―The team is well prepared,‖ Coach John told the press.
7. ―That building is huge,‖ Martha exclaimed.
8. ―I‘m sorry for what I did,‖ Fiona said.
1. Rewrite these statements into reported speech. Use the verbs in brackets:
Tony …………………………………………………………
Mandy ………………………………………………………
My friends …………………………………………………
Mum ………………………………………………………………
Alice ………………………………………………………………
My mum ………………………………………………………
I…………………………………………………………………….
10. It’s the best cheese cake I’ve ever eaten (comment)
Pam ………………………………………………………………
Mel …………………………………………………………………
I …………………………………………………………………
Mary ………………………………………………………….
I ……………………………………………………………………
5. Did you see Peter yesterday, Tom?
Martha ……………………………………………………………
Dad ………………………………………………………………
My sister …………………………………………………………
I ……………………………………………………………………
Carl ………………………………………………………………
Mum ……………………………………………………………
Sally ………………………………………………………………
12. How much money can you lend to buy your birthday present, dad?
I ……………………………………………………………………
Sam ……………………………………………………
Mum …………………………………………………
Andy …………………………………………………
We …………………………………………………
5. I won’t forget to send you a postcard, don’t worry, Carol (promise)
Alan …………………………………………………………
Susan…………………………………………………
Father…………………………………………………
8. I’m sorry, Meg! I forgot to invite you to the concert last Saturday (apologize)
Dan …………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………
8. Carol said that she must make the bed every day.
………………………………………………………………………
9. Sue refused that to help me with the washing.
……………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………