Week 23

EEL

Today we covered compound-complex sentences again, this time using the S/Vt/IO/DO pattern. We also talked about the last of the verbals--gerunds. Finally, we wrapped up with an overview of verb mood, focusing on the subjunctive mood.

Compound-Complex

The recipe for a compound-complex sentence is
independent + coordinating conjunction + independent + subordinate clause.
Practice, practice, practice!

Gerunds

These verbals are always in the present participle verb form and are always used as a noun.  When thinking about the definition of a noun (person, place, thing, activity or idea) gerunds usually fall into the activity part.

Here are some examples:

Swimming is fun.
I like biking.

Verb Mood, Subjunctive

Verbs are either indicative, imperative, or subjunctive.  Imperative give commands.  Indicative are everything else, except for those that are subjunctive.  So, what are subjunctive?  They are the sentences that express a wish or hope.

I wish I had made my bed like Mom said.
I wish I were taller so I could dunk the ball.
If only a maid were to magically appear and clean my house, I would be able to relax.

One temptation with the subjunctive mood sentence is to use the verb was, but please remember to use were.

Wrong: If I was green, I could pass for a Martian.
Right: If I were green, I could pass for a Martian.

IEW

Our final unit! Unit IX.  This week we are writing a critique.  You can use the source text provided in U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons on page 211, titled "A Successful Expedition" or you can use your own source text like we did in class.

In class we read the children's story, Parts, by Ted Arnold, and filled out the critique outline on page 213 of U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons.  Use this same outline to complete your critique.  Remember, the critique is just a recapping of a story or event like a movie or play and then adding a fairly technical introduction and a final paragraph stating your opinion.  Follow the outline and you're sure to succeed.  I am attaching the checklist in an email.

Looking forward to being with you for our final class next week!  I will read your papers and be ready to return them to you for reading.  Dress up as the character from you paper, or if you did a character of the opposite sex, dress up in that time period and similar style of your character.

Party!

Everyone will bring a snack to share next week.  I will email the list of food items and supplies that each of you signed up for.  If you were not able to sign up, please email me and I'll put you on the list.

Love my Essentials Class! Have a great week!