Real Life Writing

REAL-LIFE
WRITING
by
Eleanor Angeles
1
Real-Life Writing © Scholastic Teaching Resources
Photography: PhotoDisk/Getty Images
Illustration: Solás
Cover design: Solás
Interior design: Solás
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No other part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval
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For information regarding permission, write to
Permission Dept., Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
ISBN: 0-439-23778-5
Copyright © 2002

REAL-LIFE
WRITING
CONTENTS
To the Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6. Using Adverbs in Comparisons . . . . . . . 52
Section 1: Spelling 7. Playing With Adjectives, Adverbs, and
1. Spelling Words That Sound the Same . . . .6 Nouns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
2. More Words That Sound the Same. . . . . . 8 Section 3 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3. Spelling Contractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4. More Contractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Section 4: Building Sentences
5. Spelling Words to Tell About the Past. . . 14 1. Subjects and Predicates. . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
6. More Words About the Past . . . . . . . . . . 16 2. Different Kinds of Sentences . . . . . . . . . 60
7. Using Alphabetical Order . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 3. Combining Sentences With And. . . . . . . 62
8. Using Capital Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 4. Combining Sentences With But and
Section 1 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Because . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
5. Using Phrases to Build Sentences . . . . . 66
Section 2: Nouns and Verbs 6. Using Clauses to Build Sentences . . . . . 68
1. Identifying Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 7. Finding the Right Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
2. Pronouns: Words That Stand for Nouns . 26 Section 4 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
3. Compound Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4. Identifying Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Section 5: Handbook
5. Using Regular Verbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 1. Rules for Capitalization and Punctuation. 74
6. Using Irregular Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 2. Synonyms and Antonyms . . . . . . . . . . . 76
7. Words That Can Be Nouns or Verbs . . . . 36 3. Abbreviations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
8. Turning Verbs Into Nouns and 4. Words Often Confused. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Vice-Versa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 5. Idiomatic Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Section 2 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 6. Irregular Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
7. Taking Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Section 3: Adjectives and Adverbs 8. Writing Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
1. Recognizing and Using Adjectives . . . . . 42
2. Comparing Two Things . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
3. Comparing More Than Two Things . . . . .46
4. Recognizing and Using Adverbs . . . . . . 48
5. More Ways to Use Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . 50
3
To the Teacher
Real-Life Writing is designed to help young adults apply the most basic spelling skills
and English grammar conventions to their own writing. The lessons will be of particular value
to ESL students, as well as to native English speakers who need intensive review of the
elementary skills and conventions.
Here are the main features of the program:
1. Each lesson leads up to a brief independent writing assignment. In this way, students
see immediately how a mastery of the skills and conventions improves their own writing.
2. A “useful redundancy” or “built-in review” helps students revisit rules and broaden
concepts. For example, in lessons 5 and 6 of Section 1, students are introduced to present
and past tenses of verbs, and then review these forms in lessons 5 and 6 of Section 2 as
they learn how to write past participles.
3. The lesson format helps students learn in three ways: with you to instruct; with a part-
ner to practice, review, and extend the skills; and with a writing assignment that asks them
to independently use what they’ve learned.
Suggested Procedure
1. Teacher works with the class
■ to read and discuss the opening page for each section, and
■ to read and carry out the activities in the discuss section of each lesson.
2. In each lesson, students practice the skill individually through Writing Practice.
3. In Partner Work, students work with a classmate
■ to review and correct their Writing Practice work, and
■ to apply the concept or skill to an extension of it.
Note: During Partner Work, you may wish to act as sort of “wandering mentor” to help
partners describe and resolve any problems they have.
4. In Writing on Your Own—as the title implies—each student independently applies
what she or he has learned through prior practice and partner work.
Notes: (1) As mentor, consider always being available to help students correct and amend
their independent writing. (2) Encourage students to share their corrected Writing on Your
Own products. The following are a few suggestions for sharing:
a. Students read their work aloud to the class or to a small group.
b. You or a student reads the final version of the work aloud to the class.
c. Students post their final versions on a bulletin board, or distribute copies to
classmates.
d. Encourage students to build a portfolio incorporating all the Writing on Your Own
work they do for this book. In individual conferences, discuss with the student what
she or he likes best about each product.
In conclusion, remember that we all learn about “good writing” through being exposed to it.
A good way to begin each writing/grammar lesson is to read to your class a wonderful literary
passage that has moved you through its command of English and through its precise choice
of words. Your enthusiasm for the brilliance of language will encourage your students to
4
aspire to it in their own writing.

Spelling
When you write, you are sharing your ideas with

other people. You want your readers to focus on those
ideas and move ahead with them. You don’t want your
readers to get confused by spelling errors so that they
have to stop, go back, and figure out what you mean.
For example, write means to form letters with a tool

such as a pencil, pen, or word processor. Right has
many meanings. Among them are correct or true, and the
section
1
side opposite the left. So, what’s confusing about the
sentences below?
Did you right a story about your family?
Go write when you get to Elm Street.
She can’t do anything write.
I want to right a letter to my aunt.
In this section, you’ll get some tips about how to use the
right spelling in the things you write.
Contents
1. Spelling Words That Sound the Same . . 6
2. More Words That Sound the Same . . . . 8
3. Spelling Contractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
4. More Contractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
5. Spelling Words to Tell About the Past. . 14
6. More Words About the Past. . . . . . . . . 16
7. Using Alphabetical Order.. . . . . . . . . . . 18
8. Using Capital Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Section 1 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5
1. Spelling Words That Sound the Same
Discuss
Many words sound the same when you say them, but they have different meanings
and different spellings. These words are called homophones. Here are some
examples of homophones. Say aloud the words in dark letters. Notice the different
meanings when the words are written.
ant—an insect hear—listen

aunt—a relative here—this place
be—is; exist hole—opening

bee—a kind of insect whole—complete
cent—penny meat—beef
scent—odor meet—greet
sent—did send
rap—hit
chews—bites wrap—cover
choose—select
Writing Practice
Complete the sentences by writing the correct words on the lines.
1. My _______________ is coming to visit us. She _______________ us a letter.

ant aunt cent sent scent
2. This will _______________ a great day. I can’t wait to _______________ her!
bee be meet meat
3. She will be _______________ for a _______________ week.
here hear whole hole
6
Use what you’ve learned.
2. In the sentences below, the underlined

Partner Work
words are not correct for the meaning of the
1. With a partner, discuss the words you chose
sentence. Read the sentences aloud with
in Writing Practice. Why did you choose
your partner. Then write each sentence to
them? Make any corrections that you think
make it correct.
are needed.
a. Please chews a gift and rap it.
____________________________________________
b. I can here the be buzz.
____________________________________________
c. An aunt came out of the whole.
____________________________________________
d. The cent of meet made me hungry.
____________________________________________
Writing on Your Own

1. Choose five words from the box on page 6. Write the words and their meanings.
a. Word: __________________________________________ Meaning: ______________________________________
b. Word: __________________________________________ Meaning: ______________________________________
c. Word: __________________________________________ Meaning: ______________________________________
d. Word: __________________________________________ Meaning: ______________________________________
e. Word: __________________________________________ Meaning: ______________________________________
2. Now, write your own sentences using these words.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7
2. More Words That Sound the Same
Discuss
In the box below, there are more homophones. Remember: Homophones are words
that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Say the words.
Discuss the meanings.
for—in favor of wood—tree product

four—a number would—willing to
fair—honest too—also
fare—cost of two—a number
transportation
weak—not strong
hour—sixty minutes week—seven days
our—belonging to us
Writing Practice
Complete the sentences by writing the correct words on the lines.
1. I am voting _______________ Louisa as Most Helpful Teacher.

four for
2. She _______________ do anything for her students.
wood would
3. She is _______________ in the grades she gives us.
fare fair
4. I learn something in every _______________ I spend with her.
our hour
5. I was _______________ in English before I met Louisa.
week weak
6. Now I can speak English better, and write it better, _______________.
too two
8
Partner Work
Choose a word from the box on page 8 or the box on page 6. Say the word aloud in a sentence of
your own. Then say the word again. Ask your partner to spell the word.
Example:
Say: I sat there for an hour. HOUR.
Partner: h-o-u-r
Discuss the spelling. Is it right or wrong? Tell why.
Take turns doing this until you have discussed ten words altogether.
Writing on Your Own

1. Write the meanings of the following words.
a. hole ________________________________________________________________________________________
b. wood ______________________________________________________________________________________
c. fare ________________________________________________________________________________________
d. our ________________________________________________________________________________________
e. two ________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Now, write your own sentences using the words above.
a. ____________________________________________ d. ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________ e. ____________________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
9
3. Spelling Contractions
Discuss
A contraction is a shortened form of two words. Say the examples below.
What letter is left out in the contraction? What mark takes the place of the letter
that is left out?
Two Words Contraction Two Words Contraction

I am I’m it is it’s
he is he’s that is that’s
she is she’s is not isn’t
we are we’re are not aren’t
you are you’re does not doesn’t
they are they’re do not don’t
Writing Practice
Complete the sentences by writing the contraction for the words under the line. Refer to the
chart above. Be sure to put the apostrophe (’) in the right place.
1. _______________ going to the movies with Laura.

I am
2. I _______________ really like the stars, but _______________ Laura’s favorites.

do not they are
3. Next week,_______________ going to see Slime From Outer Space.

we are
4. _______________ a movie I really want to see!

That is
5. The alien is ugly, but _______________ also very friendly.

he is
10
Partner Work
1. With your partner, go over the contractions a. Shes She’s a basketball star.
you wrote in Writing Practice. Where did b. I think its __________ too late to go to the
you put the apostrophes? What letters did movies.
you correctly leave out? Make any correc- c. A poem doesnt __________ have to rhyme.
tions that are needed. Then read your sen- d. That book isnt __________ in our library.
tences aloud to one another. e. My dogs arent __________ allowed to go
out without leashes.
3. With your partner, write the two words that

2. In the following sentences, the underlined each correct contraction above stands for.
words are not spelled correctly. With your The first one is done for you.
partner, decide how they should be spelled.
Cross out the incorrect spelling. Write the She is
a.____________________ d. ________________
b.______________________ e.__________________
correct spelling on the line after the word.
c.______________________
The first one is done for you.
Writing on Your Own

Rewrite the following paragraph. Use contractions for the underlined words.
We are taking a test tomorrow. I am not looking forward to it. It is a science test and science is not my
best subject. Jan will help me study because she is a science whiz. I do not know what I would do without
her help.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11
4. More Contractions
Discuss
You’ve learned that a contraction is a short form of two words. You know that
an apostrophe stands for the letter that is left out.
Say the following sentences. Talk about what letter is left out in the contraction.
Sentence Contraction
John is asleep. John’s asleep.
Marisa is giving a report. Marisa’s giving a report.

Jamie is a good student. Jamie’s a good student.
In some contractions, more than one letter is omitted. Say the following words and
contractions. Talk about what letters are omitted in each contraction. What stands for
the missing letters?
I will I’ll he will he’ll
she will she’ll it will it’ll
we will we’ll they will they’ll
you will you’ll
Writing Practice
Complete the sentences. Use a contraction for the words under each line.
1. _________________________ singing.
Tammy is
2. _________________________ playing the guitar.
Steve is
3. _________________________ perform together.
They will
4. _________________________ listen and applaud.
We will
5. _________________________ like this concert.
You will
12
Writing on Your Own

1. Rewrite the following paragraph. Use contractions
for the underlined words.
Partner Work
You will like the play we are going to present. We will
1. With your partner, go over the contractions
do a modern version of Romeo and Juliet. Adell is
you wrote in Writing Practice. Where did
great in the part of Juliet. John plays Romeo, and
you put the apostrophes? What letters do he will surprise you with his talent. I hope I will see
they replace? Make any corrections that are you at the theater on opening night.
needed. ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
2. In each of the sentences below, an ____________________________________________________

apostrophe is missing in the underlined ______________________________________________________
word. With your partner, decide where
______________________________________________________
the apostrophe belongs. Then write the
sentence correctly. ______________________________________________________
a. Ill help you do your homework. 2. Now, rewrite the following sentences, changing the
__________________________________________ underlined contractions to make them two words.
b. Sarah said shell help you, too. Example: The play’s the thing that will get your attention.
The play is the thing that will get your attention.
__________________________________________
a. They’ll be the ushers at the theater.
c. Alex says hell win the race.
____________________________________________________
__________________________________________
b. Lana’s taking the tickets.
d. Do you think itll be fun?
____________________________________________________
__________________________________________
c. It’ll be a wonderful night.
e. I think well be the winners.
__________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
d. I hope we’ll see you there.

____________________________________________________
e. The usher says he’ll look for you.

____________________________________________________
13
5. Spelling Words to Tell About the Past
Discuss
Read the sentence pairs aloud. Which sentence in the pair tells about the past?
They answer the questions. They answered the questions.

They jump over the stream. They jumped over the stream.
They like the movie. They liked the movie.
They walk in the woods. They walked in the woods.
Notice that to form the past, or past tense, of the words above, you add -ed
or -d. Many words are like that. Read these pairs aloud. Say each word in a sentence.
Present Tense Past Tense
talk talked
look looked
show showed
love loved
Writing Practice
Complete the sentences. Use the past tense of the word below each line.
1. We _______________ that movie!

love
2. We _______________ all the actors.
like
3. We _______________ about the movie for a long time.
talk
4. It _______________ how different people act in emergencies.
show
5. The movie _______________ a lot of questions about being a hero.
answer
14
Partner Work
1. Spell aloud the words you wrote in Writing Practice. Make
any corrections that are needed.
2. With your partner, rewrite the following sentences to make

the underlined words tell about the present.
a. We walked in the woods.
__________________________________________________________
b. We jumped over fallen trees.
__________________________________________________________
c. We talked about what we see.
__________________________________________________________
d. I showed my friend a bird’s nest.
__________________________________________________________
e. We looked at it carefully.
__________________________________________________________
Writing on Your Own

Write a story about something that happened to you in the past. It could be an event at school, at home,
or with a friend.
Here are some story ideas:
■ A movie you just saw, why you like it, and why you would recommend it to friends.
■ A goal you reached and felt happy about.
■ A frightening thing that happened to you.
■ A big problem that happened in your neighborhood.
In your story, you must use all four past-tense words from the list under Discuss on page 14.
Write your story on the lines below. Underline the past-tense words.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15
6. More Words About the Past
Discuss
With many words, spelling the past tense is not as easy as adding -ed or -d. Often,
the word changes a lot in the spelling. Read aloud the sentence pairs below.
Present Tense Past Tense
I think about the story. I thought about the story.
I choose a book. I chose a book.
I see the title. I saw the title.
I say the title. I said the title.
I find the book. I found the book.
Below, match each past-tense word in the box to the correct present-tense word. Say
each past tense aloud.
catch do bring draw keep hold
drew held caught did brought kept
Writing Practice
Complete the sentences. Write the past tense of the word shown below each line.
1. We _______________ a map.
draw
2. I _______________ a fish.
catch
3. I _______________ that movie.
see
4. She _______________ a partner.
choose
5. They _______________ the answer.
find
6. They _______________ about the test.
16 think
Partner Work Writing on Your Own

Write at least one paragraph on one of the subjects
1. With your partner, discuss the past-tense
below. Circle the subject you choose.
words you wrote for Writing Practice. Is your
■ friendship ■ jobs ■ food
spelling correct? Say your sentences. Rewrite
■ shopping ■ pets ■ television
any words that you didn’t spell correctly.
In your paragraph, you must use at least five past-

2. With your partner, rewrite each sentence tense words from the boxes on page 16. Write your
below by changing the underlined word to paragraph on the lines below. Underline your past-
the present tense. Say your sentences. tense words.
Example: I saw a job in the newspaper. I drew a
We kept the secret. circle around it.
____________________________________________
I held his hand. __________________________________________________
____________________________________________ __________________________________________________
They brought their kids to school.
____________________________________________ __________________________________________________
Did you like the movie?
__________________________________________________
____________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
17
7. Using Alphabetical Order
Discuss
If you want to find the correct spelling of a word, the best place to look is the
dictionary. Words in a dictionary are listed in alphabetical order.
Capital letters: A B C D E F G H I J K L MN O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Lower-case letters: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
What letter or letters are missing in each group below? Write the missing letters,
then read aloud the whole group.
A B ___ D d ___ ___ g p q ___ s ___ ___ Q ___
e f ___ h K ___ ___ N ___ g h ___ O ___ ___ R
I J ___ L T ___ ___ W ___ h ___ j M ___ ___ P
Writing Practice
Rewrite each group below so that the words are in alphabetical order.
1. hand enter ill grow fall

________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ever dandy candy gun fun

________________________________________________________________________________________
3. many kick open never low

__________________________________________________________________________________________
4. time see very run under

________________________________________________________________________________________
5. next play jam box van

________________________________________________________________________________________
18
Writing on Your Own Partner Work

Find the following words in a dictionary. Each word
1. With your partner, go over your Writing
has more than one meaning. Write one of the
meanings for the word. Then use the word in a Practice work. Make any corrections that are
sentence of your own. needed.
1. stop
2. If words begin with the same letter or letters,
Meaning:________________________________________
you must look at the next letters to put the
My sentence: ____________________________________
words in alphabetical order.
__________________________________________________
Examples: cake cheese (a comes before h)
coffee cola (f comes before l)
2. stoop
cream crew (a comes before w)
Meaning:________________________________________
My sentence: ____________________________________ With your partner, put each list below in
________________________________________________ alphabetical order.

pear potato pound pint
3. cape __________________________________________________
Meaning:________________________________________ strange stretch stuff straight
My sentence: ____________________________________ ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________ meat market melt meant
______________________________________________
4. cap fright frost from fight
Meaning: ________________________________________ ______________________________________________
My sentence: ____________________________________ tax tale tall tape
__________________________________________________
______________________________________________
5. fine 7. band
Meaning:________________________________________ Meaning: __________________________________________
My sentence: ____________________________________ My sentence:______________________________________
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
6. find 8. ban
Meaning:________________________________________ Meaning: __________________________________________
My sentence: ____________________________________ My sentence: ____________________________________
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
19
8. Using Capital Letters
Discuss
The capital letters in the
RULE BOX
CAPITALIZE:
sentences below are in bold. a. the first word in a sentence
Look in the Rule Box. b. the word I
c. the names of particular people and
their titles
Which rules found in the Rule Box d. the names of days and months
e. the names of particular places, such
are followed in the sentences below? as streets, cities, states, countries,
and buildings
1. We waited at the corner.
2. I liked the book, but I didn’t like the movie.
3. He went to New York with his friend Lucia Gomez.
4. The party will be on Monday, March 21, at Sunset Lodge.
5. She drove Mrs. Smith to Dr. Lane’s office on Fern Street.
On page 74, you’ll find more rules for using capital letters.
Writing Practice
Rewrite each sentence to make it correct.
1. is this the right answer?
__________________________________________________________________________________
2. This is the book i told you about.
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. I think mr. ansel lives on second avenue.
__________________________________________________________________________________
4. he went to work on tuesday, april 25.
__________________________________________________________________________________
5. They live at fern gardens in new jersey.
__________________________________________________________________________________
20

Read the paragraph in the box. In each sentence,
1. With your partner, go over your Writing
three words need to be capitalized. Rewrite the
Practice work. Make any corrections that
paragraph correctly on the lines below the box.
are needed.
2. The first word and all the important words
tina and Andre are driving through the state of in the titles of books, movies, TV shows, plays
new mexico. It’s early in the month of april, and and musicals must also be capitalized.
Andre is looking at his guide book, The american
southwest. “We have to go to the city of santa Examples: Jake and I are reading Baseball
fe!” says andre. “It was featured in the TV and Its Heroes.
program land of enchantment, and i want to My favorite TV show is Clenda, the
check it out.” Tina says, “Maybe we can stay Elderly Witch.
there overnight on monday with mrs. perez!” With your partner, rewrite the following
sentences to make them correct.
a. Maria is reading a book called the mystery
of wilderness castle.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________
__________________________________________________ b. I read work in the 21st century to get some

tips about good jobs.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________
c. The TV show here’s george! is based on
__________________________________________________
the movie where’s george?
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________
d. I have two tickets for the musical the
__________________________________________________ phantom cats.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
21
Section 1 Review
A. Write the correct word in each sentence. D. On the line below the box, write the words in
alphabetical order.
1. We ____________ her a birthday card.
cent sent quiz quick quit question quiet
2. He has ___________ sisters and
two too ________________________________________________
___________ brothers.
for four
3. I can’t ____________ the music E. Find the two words in each sentence that need
here hear
to be capitalized. Write the sentences correctly.
from ____________.
1. We drove to the city of helena, montana.
here hear
________________________________________________
2. On tuesday, Laurie and i missed the bus.
B. Write the contraction for the words under
each line. ________________________________________________
3. who likes the TV program so You Think You’re
1. I think ____________ pass this test.
I will So Smart?
2. Leo ____________ going to the party, but ________________________________________________

is not
____________ going to be there.
Jake is
3. It ____________ look like ____________ win.

does not she will
C. Write the past-tense form of the word

under each line.
With a partner or your instructor, go over the
1. They ____________ the puppies in a warm
questions and your answers. Make a check mark
keep
(✓) beside each of your correct answers. Discuss
place. any answers that are not correct. Make any
changes that are needed.
2. We ____________ some fish and
catch Check the box that shows how you rate
yourself:
____________ them home.
bring ■ Superior: All my answers are correct.
■ Good: No more than four of my answers
3. She ____________ me the picture she were incorrect.
show
■ I Need to Review This Section: Five or more
____________. of my answers had to be corrected.
draw
22
Nouns and Verbs
Nouns and verbs are nothing new to you

because you use them constantly when you speak. In
this section, you’ll become skillful in identifying nouns
read and in using nouns
and verbs in the material you
and verbs correctly when you write.
In fact, if you can identify the nouns and verbs in the

following sentences, you’re already on your way to
success.
section
2
1. The audience applauded loudly. (1 noun, 1 verb)
2. The car stopped at the light. (2 nouns, 1 verb)
3. Tomas cooked and served the meal. (2 nouns,

2 verbs)
Contents
1. Identifying Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2. Pronouns: Words That Stand for
Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3. Compound Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4. Identifying Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5. Using Regular Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
6. Using Irregular Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
7. Words That Can Be Nouns or Verbs. . . 36
8. Turning Verbs Into Nouns and
Vice-Versa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Section 2 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
23
1. Identifying Nouns
Discuss
A noun is a word that names a person, place, animal, or thing. Read aloud the
following examples.
person: woman Gloria umpire student George teacher Mr. Perry

place: Ohio Mexico airport Empire State Building house school mall
animal: dog horse butterfly robin snake fish
thing: desk shoe ear window book basketball river flower planes
Keep in mind: A thing may also be something you cannot touch or see. Read aloud
the following nouns.
music English sadness friendship Spanish humor problem idea
Writing Practice
Complete each sentence with a noun from the boxes above. For some questions,
different answers are possible.
1. The ______________________ didn’t fit.
*2. ______________________ is an important language.
*3. ______________________ was his favorite sport.
*4. ______________________ owns a grocery store.
5. The ______________________ scared us.
*6. ______________________ make good pets.
7. The ______________________ was crowded.
*8. ______________________ flew over our house.
*Check your sentences. Each one with an asterisk should begin with a capital letter!
24
Partner Work
1. With your partner, read aloud your Writing 3. With your partner, write a noun to complete
Practice sentences. Identify the noun you each sentence below.
wrote. Tell whether it names a person, place,
animal, or thing. a. ___________________ won the prize.
2. With your partner, identify and underline

b. _________________ like to eat bananas.
the noun in each sentence below.
a. The house was empty.
b. Jacob went in. c. _____________ can’t come to the party.
c. Music was playing.
d. The sound was mysterious.
d. _____________ are amazing animals.
e. A bird sang.
f. The flowers wilted and drooped.
g. Two people were dancing. e. The _____________ seemed confusing.
h. My friend sang along happily.
Writing on Your Own

Choose and circle a topic from the box below. Look at the nouns listed after the topic. Write about your
topic using each of the nouns at least once. Underline those nouns.
Topics Nouns to Use

An Awful Situation situation fright adventure family predicament
Good Friends friends helpfulness school people neighborhood
Feeling Sad sadness anger luck lesson person
Feeling Happy happiness pleasure fun places excitement
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
25
2. Pronouns: Words That Stand for Nouns
Discuss
Read aloud the sentence pairs below. Identify which noun or nouns in sentence 1
have been replaced by the underlined word in sentence 2.
Example: 1. Jon hit the ball. 2. He watched it fly out of the park. He stands for Jon.
1. My sister goes to college 2. She studies every night.
1. The building is empty. 2. It is falling apart.
1. The dogs are lonely. 2. They miss their owner.
1. Kim and I like to write. 2. We write stories about our childhood.
1. The books were helpful. 2. They provided the information I needed.
The underlined words above are pronouns. A pronoun is a word used in place of a
noun. By using pronouns correctly, you can make your writing smooth and professional.
Decide which pronouns to use in place of the underlined nouns below. Then read
aloud the new second sentence in each pair.
■ Laura is a nurse. Laura works at Mercy Hospital.
■ Tim and Robert repaired the car. Tim and Robert replaced the gears and wheels.
■ The music was soothing. The music helped me calm down.
■ David owns a truck. David drives hundreds of miles each day.
■ Stella and I were late for work. Stella and I ran to the bus stop.
Writing Practice
Read the sentence pairs. Rewrite the second sentence in the pair by replacing the underlined
noun or nouns with the correct pronoun.
1. Jane read the book. Jane recommended it to us.

________________________________________________________________________________________
2. The book is exciting. The book is definitely worth reading.
________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Laurie and Ben liked the book. Laurie and Ben admired the main character.
________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Mr. King talked about the book. Mr. King had read it several times.
________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Fernando and I saw the movie. Fernando and I thought it was better than the book.
26
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Writing on Your Own

Rewrite the following paragraph by using the
correct pronouns in place of the underlined words.
After my sister graduates from high school,

my sister will go to the community college.
The college is near our home, and the college
Partner Work offers a variety of classes. Business Skills and
Computer Literacy are the two most popular
1. With your partner, read aloud your Writing
classes. Business Skills and Computer Literacy
Practice sentences. Discuss and make any
are offered five days a week and on four
corrections that are needed. evenings. Mr. Lennon teaches the evening
classes. Mr. Lennon is a great teacher. Rocky
and I studied with him last year, so Rocky and I
2. With your partner, rewrite the second
advised my sister to register for the evening
sentence in each pair below. Use the
classes.
noun or nouns that each underlined
pronoun stands for.
a. Arnold gave a report. He did a good job. ____________________________________________________
______________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
b. I saw the plane take off. It left on time. ____________________________________________________

______________________________________________
____________________________________________________
c. Renee avoids the mall on weekends. She
____________________________________________________
shops on Monday or Tuesday.
______________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
d. The lot was full of used cars. They were ____________________________________________________

in bad shape.
____________________________________________________
______________________________________________
____________________________________________________
e. Lenny and I visited our parents. We try to
see them at least once a month. ____________________________________________________
______________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
______________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
27
3. Compound Nouns
Discuss
A compound noun is two nouns used to name one thing.
■ Some compound nouns are written as one word; headache is an example.
■ Some compound nouns are written as two words; tape recorder is an example.
Usually, the first word of a compound noun is stressed when you say the noun.
That is, emphasis is placed on the first noun. Read aloud the compound nouns in the
box below.
HEADache
TAPE recorder
AIRplane
HOMEwork
BALLgame
Writing Practice
Write the compound noun found in each sentence. Then underline the part of the noun to
stress when you say the noun aloud.
Example: This is a tape recorder. tape recorder
1. Where’s the restroom?
2. Can you read my handwriting?
3. What’s your phone number?
4. She’s my science teacher.
5. I’ll buy a notebook.

28
Writing on Your Own

1. First, choose and circle five of the compound
nouns from the following list.
chalkboard guesswork traffic light

Partner Work
firefighter candlelight Thanksgiving Day
1. With your partner, identify the compound
handshake flying saucer United States
nouns you wrote for Writing Practice. Read
library book Pacific Ocean driveway
aloud the compound nouns to make sure
ceiling fan underwater Main Street
you stress the correct part of the noun.
grammar lesson cottage cheese mailbox
2. With your partner, write sentences using the

2. Now, use the five compound nouns you’ve
following compound nouns.
circled in a paragraph of your own. Check
a. textbook
your spelling.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
b. tennis player
____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
c. water ski ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
d. math test ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
e. classroom
__________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
29
4. Identifying Verbs
Discuss
A verb is a word that names an action or a state of being. The verbs in the
sentences below are underlined. Read aloud the sentences, then say the verbs.
■ Glen stacks the firewood. ■ The boy helps his neighbor.

■ The logs are heavy. ■ Then the job becomes easier.
■ The men rest on the porch.
A verb can tell about something that happens now (the present), or about
past. The underlined verbs above are in the
something that happened in the
present tense. In the box below, you’ll find the past tense of the verbs.
Say the sentences above again, this time using the past tense.
Example: Glen stacked the firewood. rested helped stacked became were
Writing Practice
1. Complete each sentence with a verb from the box below. Different choices
are possible.
liked hated saw left passed attended were are
a. The dog the cat.
b. We that movie.
c. A lot of people the fair.
d. Everyone in our class the test.
e. Some of the lessons in the book hard.
2. On the line after each sentence, write the verb in that sentence.
a. My sister works at ValueMart.
b. She trains new employees.
c. Last week she got a raise.
d. The boss praised her.
30 e. She needs the extra money for her kids.

Partner Work
1. With your partner, read aloud the sentences Example: We followed the recipe and baked
you completed for part 1 in Writing Practice. the cake.
Ask your partner to identify the verb in each a. I read the schedule and chose a program.
sentence. b. She sang the song and danced with her
partner.
2. With your partner, check the verbs you wrote c. John likes soccer but hates basketball.
for part 2 in Writing Practice. Make any d. Tanya was sad, but now she is happy.
corrections that are needed. e. He feels proud when he reads his story
aloud to the class.
3. Each sentence at right has two verbs. With
your partner, identify the two verbs and
underline them.
Writing on Your Own Noun Phrases Verb Phrases

1. most students left for the holiday
Each noun phrase at right can become part of a
sentence if you add a verb phrase. Write the whole
sentences. Underline the verbs. Remember to capi- ____________________________________________________
talize the first word in your sentences and to end
2. angry passengers wandered around
the sentence with a period (.). the airport
____________________________________________________
Examples:
were late
Noun Phrases Verb Phrases 3. all the flights
the party was a lot of fun

____________________________________________________
the car in the dump has no wheels
4. bad weather on the delayed the flights
East Coast
Sentences: The party was a lot of fun.
____________________________________________________
The car in the dump has no wheels.
5. a great many people spent Christmas at
the airport
____________________________________________________
31
5. Using Regular Verbs
Discuss
Verbs can indicate the time at which something happened. A regular verb is
one that shows its past tense, or past time, by adding -ed. Read aloud the following
examples.
Present Past Past Participle
help(s) helped (have, has, had) helped
move(s) moved (have, has, had) moved
look(s) looked (have, has, had) looked
open(s) opened (have, has, had) opened
The verbs in the box at right are also regular. Say the past and past participle
forms of each.
save(s)
Example:
wonder(s)
jump(s) jumped have jumped, has jumped, had jumped
work(s)
Look at the chart at right. Can you figure out I help we help
when you add -s to the present form you help they help
of a verb? he, she, it helps
Writing Practice
Complete the sentences. Write each verb in the form named below the line.
1. They have organize 4. He at the garage.

past participle of help present of work
the fair.
5. They into a larger apartment.
2. He the door. past of move
past of open
6. The children had across
3. She all her records. past participle of jump
present of save the stream.
32

1. The present tenses of four regular verbs are
1. With your partner, read the sentences you
given below. Write the past and past participle of
completed for Writing Practice. Make any
each verb.
corrections that are needed in the forms and
spellings of verbs.
hope(s) ____________ (have, has, had) ________
2. With your partner, discuss the spelling
need(s) ____________ (have, has, had) ________
changes that you need to make when writing
the verbs below. rest(s) ____________ (have, has, had) ________
yell(s) ____________ (have, has, had) ________

cry, cries cried (have, has, had) cried
try, tries tried (have, has, had) tried
pass, passes passed (have, has, had) passed
2. Write
a. a sentence using the past participle of rest.
Which spelling of the present tense of cry do
you use after I? After she? ____________________________________________________
b. a sentence using the past of yell.

Which spelling of the present tense of pass do
you use after it? ____________________________________________________
c. a sentence using the past participle of need.
____________________________________________________
d. a sentence using the past of hope.
____________________________________________________
33
6. Using Irregular Verbs
Discuss
Many verbs are irregular. That is, the past and past participle forms don’t use -ed.
They are spelled in different ways. Read aloud the sentences in the box below.

I write a story. I wrote a story. I have written a story.
I forget the ending. I forgot the ending. I have forgotten the ending.
They build a house. They built a house. They had built a house.
She sees the movie. She saw the movie. She has seen the movie.
Writing Practice
It takes practice to learn the forms of irregular verbs. In the box below, find the correct form to write in
each sentence.
Example: Our teacher has shown us how to observe birds.

past participle of show
1. The geese over the pond.

past of fly Present Past Past Participle
(have, has, had)
fly, flies flew flown
2. They have this way every year.
past participle of fly do, does did done
eat, eats ate eaten
3. I them calling to one another. see, sees saw seen
past of hear hear, hears heard heard
show, shows showed shown
4. They have some fish.
past participle of eat
5. I have them come down on ponds to find food.

past participle of see
6. the birds know we were watching them?

past of do
34

Choose a verb from the box below. Underline the
present tense of the verb you choose.
Practice sentences. Check one another’s use
Then write a paragraph in which you use the
present, past, and past participle of your verb. of the past, present, and past participle forms
Example: wear of verbs. Make any corrections that are
Every year she wears an army hat in the July 4th needed.
parade. She wore the hat last year, too. Her dad 2. With your partner, write a sentence using
had worn the hat when he was a Marine. each verb below.
Present
Present Past Past Participle take, takes
wear, wears wore (have, has, had) worn ________________________________________________
pay, pays paid (have, has, had) paid ________________________________________________
go, goes went (have, has, had) gone
Past
make, makes made (have, has, had) made
took
know, knows knew (have, has, had) known
________________________________________________
ring, rings rang (have, has, had) rung
grow, grows grew (have, has, had) grown ________________________________________________
hurt, hurts hurt (have, has, had) hurt Past Participle

(have, has, had) taken
__________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
35
7. Words That Can Be Nouns or Verbs
Discuss
Some words can be used as both nouns and verbs. For example, in the first
dance is a verb because it names an action. In the second
sentence below,
sentence, dance is a noun because it names a thing (the dance).
■ Raisa and Martin dance every Saturday night.

■ Everybody went to the dance.
Read aloud the sentences below. Decide whether the underlined words are used
as verbs or nouns. Explain your choices.
1. The paint was dry. 5. Our family will drive to Oregon.
2. She paints pictures of her family. 6. It’s a long drive.
3. They enjoy their work. 7. The answer is easy.
4. They work six days a week. 8. We answer the question.
Writing Practice
Complete each sentence with the word below the line. Read the sentence to yourself.
Then write noun or verb on the line after the sentence to show how the word is used in that
sentence.
Example:
We look forward to the race . noun
race
1. The lasted for two hours.

show
2. Jon and Tina a lot of interest in science.

show
3. The baby a lot.

cries
4. We heard the of the wolves.

cries
5. The of that story was sad.

end
6. We thought the show would never .

36 end

Write a sentence using each of the words below. On
the line after each of your sentences, tell whether
Practice sentences. Explain why each word you used the word as a noun or as a verb.
you wrote is a noun or a verb. Examples: like(s)
Verb
Jon and Naomi like dogs. ___________
2. With your partner, use each word below as or
instructed. Write your sentences together. noun
She listed her likes and dislikes. ___________
Example: Use cook or cooks as a noun. 1. face(s)
He is a cook in a restaurant. ______________________________________________________
a. Use cook or cooks as a verb.
______________________________________________________
________________________________________________
____________________________
b. Use sounds as a verb.
2. help(s)
________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
c. Use sound or sounds as a noun.
______________________________________________________
________________________________________________
____________________________
d. Use love or loves as a verb.
3. hit(s)
________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
3. Read your sentences aloud to another
____________________________
group of students. Note and discuss any
disagreements. Make any corrections that 4. fight(s)
are needed. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
____________________________
5. talk(s)
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
____________________________
37
8. Turning Verbs Into Nouns and Vice-Versa
Discuss
Language is an exciting thing because you can work with it in different ways.
For example, there are many English verbs that you can change into nouns
just by adding -er or -or. Read aloud and discuss the following examples together.
How do you change the verbs into nouns?
a. He teaches our science class. (Teaches is a verb.)

He is a teacher. (Teacher is a noun.)
b. They collect stamps. (Collect is a verb.)

They are collectors. (Collectors is a noun.)
c. Arno writes stories. (Writes is a verb.)

Arno is a writer. (Writer is a noun.)
d. Naomi conducts an orchestra. (Conducts is a verb.)

Naomi is a conductor. (Conductor is a noun.)
Now try it the other way. Change the underlined noun into a verb, and say the
new sentence. Example: She is a hiker.
She hikes in the hills.
a. Pam is a good speller.

She everything right.
b. He’s a great driver. c. They are mowers of lawns.

He a truck. They lawns.
Writing Practice
Complete each sentence with the word below the line. Read the sentences to yourself.
Then write noun or verb to identify the word you added.
Example: Mark and his band rap music. verb

play
38
1. All the went to school together.

players
2. They a lot of contests.

win
3. Mark and the band are .

winners
4. Mark the band.

manages

1. With your partner, read aloud your Writing Use the words below in sentences of your own.
Practice sentences and tell whether the word Verbs Nouns
you added is a noun or a verb. Make any 1. swim swimmer(s)
corrections that are needed. 2. listen listener(s)
3. run runner(s)
2. With your partner, change each verb below 4. speak speaker(s)
into a noun by adding -er. Then write a 5. help helper(s)
sentence using your noun.
Example: Verb: talk 1. ________________________________________________
Noun: talker
__________________________________________________
Sentence: He was a fast talker.
a. Verb: lead 2. ________________________________________________
Noun: ____________________________________
__________________________________________________
Sentence:________________________________
____________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________
b. Verb: read
__________________________________________________
Noun: ____________________________________
Sentence:________________________________ 4. ________________________________________________
____________________________________________
__________________________________________________
c. Verb: work
Noun: ____________________________________ 5. ________________________________________________
Sentence: ______________________________ __________________________________________________
____________________________________________
39
Section 2 Review
A. On the line after each sentence, write the two C. Write the two verbs in each sentence.
nouns in that sentence. Hint: Several of the 1. He wrapped and sent the present.
nouns are compound nouns.
__________________________________________________
1. The classroom was filled with laughter.
2. She made a turn at Elm Street and then turned
__________________________________________________
left on Park.
2. She picked up the package at the post office. __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
3. The driver swerved and drove off the road.
3. The soccer game will be held in Central Park. __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
4. They answer the questions and then check their
4. The deer ran through the tall grass. answers.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
5. Jeff signed up for the computer class.

__________________________________________________ D. Complete each sentence with the verb form
under the line. You may refer to pages 34–35
if you wish.
B. Write the pronoun that can stand for the
1. I have Jeanne for ten years.
underlined word or words.
past participle of know
1. Mary sat down. Mary said she was tired.
2. We that movie last night.
__________________________________________________ past of see
2. The storm was destructive. The storm blew 3. The kids on a hike.
down huge trees. past of go
__________________________________________________ 4. I the bell and waited for an answer.
past of ring
3. The tenants wrote to the landlord. The tenants
5. He has all the assignments.
complained about the noise.
past participle of do
__________________________________________________
4. Lenny and I studied the map. Lenny and I With a partner or your instructor, go over the
planned our trip. questions and your answers. Make a check mark
__________________________________________________ (✓) beside each of your correct answers. Discuss
any answers that are not correct. Make any
5. Tom joined the gym. Tom planned to go there changes that are needed.
every day.
Check the box that shows how you rate
__________________________________________________ yourself:
■ Superior: All my answers are correct.
were incorrect.
of my answers had to be corrected.
40
Adjectives and Adverbs
Adjectives and adverbs are descriptive words. You

use adjectives and adverbs all the time when you speak.
Here are two examples:
A tremendous crowd gathered in the park. (Tremendous

is an adjective describing the noun crowd.)
Everyone cheered loudly for the home team.
(The verb in this sentence is cheered. Loudly is an
section
3
adverb describing how everyone cheered.)
Can you identify the adjectives and adverbs in the
following sentences? If so, you’re already on your way
to success with adjectives and adverbs.
1. A few fans brought cameras.

2. The angry umpire stopped the game.
3. The game stopped suddenly.
4. The umpire walked slowly onto the field.
In this section, you’ll learn how to use adjectives and

adverbs to add sparkle to your writing.
Contents
1. Recognizing and Using Adjectives . . . . 42
2. Comparing Two Things . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
3. Comparing More Than Two Things. . . . 46
4. Recognizing and Using Adverbs . . . . . 48
5. More Ways to Use Adverbs . . . . . . . . . 50
6. Using Adverbs in Comparisons . . . . . . 52
7. Playing With Adjectives, Adverbs,
and Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Section 3 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
41
1. Recognizing and Using Adjectives
Discuss
An adjective is a word that describes or adds to the meaning of a noun or
pronoun. For example, in the sentence below, strange is an adjective that adds to
the meaning of the noun noise.
The strange noise keeps us awake.
Often an adjective can appear after the noun it describes:
The noise is strange.
In the sentence below, strange modifies the pronoun it:
It is strange.
Read aloud the sentences below. Identify the adjective. Tell what noun or
pronoun it describes.
1. Most students passed the test. 5. A kind family adopted the cat.
2. The test was difficult. 6. She is happy.
3. The homeless cat wandered along the street. 7. The house seems small.
4. It was hungry. 8. The cat sleeps on a tiny cushion.
Writing Practice
Choose an adjective from the box to complete each sentence below. Write your choices on
the lines. Different answers are possible.
green several scary beautiful silly first

difficult big delicious little new special
1. He made mistakes on the test.

2. She prepared a dessert.
3. It was .
4. The kids didn’t like the movie.
5. They made a poster for the fair.
6. The trees are and full of blossoms.
7. Nobody liked that TV program.
42 8. The contestants won a prize.

Partner Work
Writing on Your Own
Use each of the words in the box below as an
1. With your partner, read aloud the sentences
adjective in a sentence of your own. Underline
you completed for Writing Practice. Name the adjective. Circle the word it describes.
the adjective or adjectives you used in each Example: large
sentence. Then tell which word in the The mail carrier delivered a large box.
sentence your adjective describes.
large easy purple good different
Example: He made several mistakes on the
mysterious sad enormous quiet
test. The adjective several describes the noun
mistakes. 1.________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
2. With your partner, write sentences using
each word below as an adjective. 2.________________________________________________
a. gloomy ____________________________________ __________________________________________________
______________________________________________ 3.________________________________________________
b. confusing ____________________________________ __________________________________________________
______________________________________________ 4.________________________________________________
c. horrible ______________________________________ __________________________________________________
______________________________________________ 5.________________________________________________
d. brave ______________________________________ __________________________________________________
______________________________________________ 6.________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
7.________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
8.________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
9.________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
43
2. Comparing Two Things
Discuss
You can use adjectives to compare two things, or to tell how the two things are
alike or different. Read these examples together. What do you add to show the
comparison?
1. The movie was strange.
It was stranger than the movie I saw last week.
2. The music was loud.
It was louder than the music on the tape.
3. Jake is happy about the test results.
He is happier than his brother is.
Some adjectives are longer than the ones above. They have more than two syllables.
Say these examples: peculiar interesting amazing fascinating
With long adjectives like these, you don’t add -er to compare two things. Instead, you
add more before the word. Read aloud these examples.
This mystery story was more peculiar than the last one we read.
The plot was more interesting than the one in the other book.
The outcome of the story was more amazing than the one in the first book.
The characters are more fascinating than the ones in the last book.
Writing Practice
1. On the line in each sentence, choose and write the correct comparative form of the
adjective. It will help if you say the adjective aloud to yourself first to figure out how many
syllables it has.
a. big Their house is than ours.

bigger, more big
b. long Her story is than mine.

more long, longer
c. terrifying His ghost story was than the one I wrote.

terrifyinger, more terrifying
44
d. deep Sutter Lake is than Long Lake.

deeper, more deep
e. unusual The end of her story is than yours.

more unusual, unusualer
2. Now, draw an arrow from the adjectives you wrote in part 1 to the nouns they describe.
Example: The end of her story is more unusual than yours.
Writing on Your Own

Use each adjective below in a sentence of your
Partner Work own that compares two things.
easier sweeter more exciting less interesting
1. With your partner, read aloud the sentences funnier more helpful sadder less helpful
you completed for part 1 in Writing Practice.
Make any corrections that are needed. 1.________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
2.________________________________________________
2. With your partner, write the comparative __________________________________________________
form of each adjective below.
3.________________________________________________
a. cute ______________________________________
__________________________________________________
4.________________________________________________
b. nice ______________________________________
__________________________________________________
c. intelligent ________________________________ 5.________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
d. tough ____________________________________
6.________________________________________________
e. inquisitive ________________________________ __________________________________________________
7.________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
8.________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
45
3. Comparing More Than Two Things
Discuss
Read aloud the sentences in the box below. How does the adjective change?
Base Form Comparative Form Superlative Form
(Describes one thing.) (Compares two things.) (Compares more than two things.)
1. This band is loud. 2. It is louder than the band 3. In fact, it is the loudest band
we heard yesterday. I’ve ever heard!
1. The movie was funny. 2. It was funnier than the 3. The funniest part was when the
movie we saw last week. whale ate the car.
1. The riddle was silly. 2. It was sillier than the one 3. It’s the silliest riddle I’ve ever heard.
you told last week.
In the second sentences above, two things are being compared. What ending is
added to the adjective?
In the third sentences above, more than two things are being compared. What ending
is added to make the superlative form?
With adjectives that have one syllable, like loud, you usually add -est to form the
superlative. Note: Many two-syllable adjectives that end in -y, like funny and silly,
change -y to -i before adding -er or -est.
Now, say the base forms and sentences below. How many syllables are in the base
form of each adjective? What is the superlative form of each adjective?
(Base forms)
1. (expensive) This car is the most expensive one on the lot.
2. (beautiful) It is the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen.
3. (comfortable) Of all the cars, however, it is the least comfortable.
4. (reasonable) I’ll buy the car that is most reasonable.
To form the superlative of longer adjectives, use most or least before the base form.
46
Writing Practice e. They have the garden on our

beautiful
1. Complete the sentences below. Write the
block.
superlative form of the adjective under the line.
f. We took the route to the park.
a. That’s the dog I’ve ever seen! short
small
b. It was the test we’d had all year.

2. For each sentence in part 1 above, draw an
difficult
arrow from the adjective you wrote to the noun
c. What’s the book you’ve ever it describes.
long
Example:
read?
She won the prize for the most unusual costume.
d. The mayor holds the job unusual
responsible
in our town.

Read the following paragraph and decide which
With your partner, read aloud the sentences
adjectives are correct. Circle the correct adjectives.
Then write the paragraph correctly. you completed in Writing Practice. Identify
the superlative form of the adjective and the
The (most new, newest) store at the mall is noun it describes. If you disagree, explain
SellMore. They claim to have the (lowest, most your choices, then make any corrections
low) prices and the (helpfulest, most helpful) staff
that are needed.
of any store around here. However, the signs in
the store are the (confusingest, most confusing)
I’ve ever seen. The (most peculiar, peculiarest)
sign said Not in This Section.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
47
4. Recognizing and Using Adverbs
Discuss
Adverbs are descriptive words that usually modify, or add to the meaning of,
verbs. The adverbs tell how, when, or where an action takes place. For example, in
the following sentences, walks is the verb. The adverbs add to the meaning of walks.
■ Andre walks slowly. (Slowly is an adverb telling how Andre walks.)
■ Andre always walks. (Always is an adverb telling when Andre walks.)
■ Andre walks everywhere. (Everywhere is an adverb telling where Andre walks.)
As a writer, you can use adverbs to make your writing more interesting and exact.
For example, Andre walks slowly gives a more precise description of Andre than
simply Andre walks.
Read aloud each sentence in the box below. Identify the adverb and the verb.
Tell whether the adverb tells how, when,
1. She carefully opened the package.
or where.
2. They often watch TV game shows.
3. The children played outdoors.
Writing Practice 4. He quickly completed the assignment.
Choose a different adverb from the box
5. She visited us yesterday.
below to complete each sentence. Then,
6. They ran inside.
underline the verb that your adverb modifies.
Different answers are possible.
Example: Selma answered the phone cautiously .
cautiously down somewhere bravely tomorrow suddenly today nervously eagerly
1. The reports are due __________________________________________.
2. The class listened ____________________________________________.
3. He mislaid his homework ____________________________________.
4. We ___________________________________ followed the directions.
5. They ___________________________________ climbed the steep cliff.
48 6. She threw the book __________________________________________.

Writing on Your Own

Partner Work
1. Read the following paragraph and decide which
1. With your partner, read aloud the sentences word in parentheses is correct. Circle the correct
you completed for Writing Practice. Check word. Underline the verb it modifies The first
to make sure you correctly underlined the sentence is done for you as an example.
verb your adverb modifies.

Jen stepped (confident, confidently ) up to the
2. With your partner, discuss what each adverb starting line. She (usually, usual) felt nervous, but
you chose tells about the verb: Is it how, today she knew she would (surely, sure) win the
when, or where? race. The starting whistle blew (loudly, loud). Jen
ran (swift, swiftly), but saw that Peter was (quickly,
quick) catching up with her. Jen breathed (deeply,
deep) and plunged toward the finish line.
2. Check the words you chose in 1 above with your

instructor or with a classmate. Then write the
entire paragraph correctly on the lines below.
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
49
5. More Ways to Use Adverbs
Discuss
You’ve just learned how to use adverbs to add to the meaning of verbs in your
writing. For example, in the following sentence the adverb quickly adds to the
meaning of the verb opened. Quickly tells how she opened the package.
She opened the package quickly.
You can also use adverbs to add to the meaning of adjectives and other adverbs.
For example, in the sentence below, very is an adverb that adds to the meaning of
the adverb quickly.
She opened the package very quickly.
In the sentence below, very is an adverb that adds to the meaning of the adjective
good.
She writes very good stories.
Read aloud the sentences below. Tell what word each underlined adverb modifies.
1. He was really hungry. 4. I almost always finish my homework on time.
2. He really likes science class. 5. She truly enjoys babysitting.
3. I almost lost my way. 6. He wrote a truly wonderful sci-fi story.
Writing Practice
Use a word from the box below to complete each sentence. Draw an arrow to the word it
modifies. Different choices are possible.
Example: They nearly won the contest.

definitely
1. He is likely to succeed. quietly
2. The mail arrived early today. least
helplessly
3. They watched as the boat drifted away.
nearly
4. Our electric bill was lower this month.
fairly
5. She tossed the ball over the fence. angrily
50

Write about a big event in your life. Some possible
you completed for Writing Practice. Identify
subjects are in the box below.
the word you wrote and the word it modifies.
Make any corrections that are needed.
moving to a new home
responding to an emergency
2. With your partner, write sentences using the a big achievement
an argument with a friend
following phrases.
finding a good job
a. quite silly b. awfully sad c. fairly recently
conquering fear
d. very best e. quite badly
a. __________________________________________
When writing about the big event, use at least five
__________________________________________ adverbs. You can use adverbs listed in this lesson
or in Lesson 4. Underline each of your adverbs. Be
b. __________________________________________ ready to tell which word each adverb modifies.
__________________________________________
____________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________
____________________________________________________
__________________________________________
____________________________________________________
d. __________________________________________
____________________________________________________
__________________________________________
____________________________________________________
e. __________________________________________
____________________________________________________
__________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
51
6. Using Adverbs in Comparisons
Discuss
You may remember that you can use adjectives to make comparisons. You can use
adverbs to make comparisons, too. Read aloud the examples below. Notice that
-er is added to form the comparative, and -est is added to form the superlative.

He arrived late. He arrived later than the teacher. Of all the students, he arrived
latest.
She arrived early. She arrived earlier than he did. Of all the students, she arrived
earliest.
I can run fast. I can run faster than you can. Of all our team members,
I run fastest.
Here’s an important rule to keep in mind: For most adverbs that end in -ly, add more
to form the comparative and add most to form the superlative. (You’ll notice that
early, above, is an exception to this rule.) Read aloud these examples:

quickly more quickly most quickly
easily more easily most easily
clearly more clearly most clearly
Writing Practice
Refer to the boxes above to complete the sentences. Use the directions under the lines to
write the correct form of each adverb.
1. The test results arrived than we had expected.

comparative form of quickly
2. She sings when she is part of a choir.
superlative form of clearly
3. He does his chores than his sister does.
comparative form of easily
4. They eat supper than we do.
comparative form of early
5. That train arrives on Monday.
superlative form of late
6. Which of the ten contestants ran in the race?
superlative form of fast
52
Partner Work
1. With your partner, read aloud the sentences 3. With your partner, rewrite each sentence
you completed for Writing Practice. Make below to make it correct.
any corrections that are needed. a. His desk looks more neater than mine.
__________________________________________________
2. Discuss the following rules with your partner:
b. This story is the most longest I’ve ever written.
a. Don’t add both more and -er to comparative
__________________________________________________
forms.
Wrong: He arrived more later than I did. c. She seems more happier today than she did
Right: He arrived later than I did. yesterday.

__________________________________________________
b. Don’t add both most and -est to superlative

d. That movie is the most scariest one I’ve seen
forms.
in a long time.
Wrong: Roz was the most cutest dog in the
__________________________________________________
dog show.
Right: Roz was the cutest dog in the dog e. This dress is more prettier than that one.
show. __________________________________________________
Writing on Your Own

Use each adverb below in a sentence of your own.
1. sooner __________________________________________________________________ 5. again __________________________________________

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
2. finally ____________________________________________ 6. more confidently ________________________________
____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
3. really __________________________________________ 7. hastily __________________________________________
____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
4. wearily __________________________________________ 8. most often ____________________________________
____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
53
7. Playing With Adjectives, Adverbs, and Nouns
Discuss
Many words can appear as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
It all depends upon the form of the word and how it’s used in the sentence. Once
you’ve learned the difference between nouns, adjectives, and adverbs, you can play
with many words in many ways in your writing. Discuss the following examples:
1. They run fast. (In this sentence, run is a verb.)

He hit a home run. (In this sentence, run is a part of the compound noun home run.)
2. They danced slowly. (Slowly is an adverb modifying the verb danced.)

The turtle was the slowest contestant in the race. (Slowest is an adjective telling
more about the noun contestant.)
3. He can’t face big problems. (Face is a verb in this sentence.)

His face is on all the posters. (Face is a noun in this sentence.)
4. She promptly rang the bell. (Promptly is an adverb modifying the verb rang.)
The teacher provided prompts to help us on the test. (Prompts is a noun in this
sentence.)
Writing Practice
Complete each sentence with the word below the line. The read the sentence to yourself.
Write noun, adjective, or adverb to tell how the word is used.
Example: The cost of gas went up. noun
cost
1. Gas more lately.

costs
2. He to Oregon.
moved
3. The packed the furniture.

movers
4. He drove across the country.

slowly
54
5. It was the trip he had ever made.

slowest
6. The seemed endless.

drive
Partner Work
7. He is an excellent .
1. With your partner, discuss your
driver
Writing Practice answers. Explain
8. He reads road maps . why you classified the word you wrote
carefully
as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Make
2. With your partner, use each word

below in a sentence. Write noun,
adjective, or adverb after your sen-
tence to tell how you used the word.
Writing on Your Own
a. best __________________________________
Use each word below in a sentence of your own.
The word in parentheses tells you how to use ________________________________________
the word. b. winning ______________________________
Example: comedy (noun) ________________________________________
The play was a comedy about stupid television
shows. c. slower ________________________________
1. suddenly (adverb) ________________________________________
____________________________________________________ d. carefully ______________________________
2. successfully (adverb) ________________________________________
____________________________________________________
3. dangerous (adjective) 6. idea (noun)

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
4. lovingly (adverb) 7. trip (noun)

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
5. writer (noun) 8. slow (adjective)

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
55
Section 3 Review
A. Circle the two adjectives in each sentence D. Complete each sentence. Write the correct
below. Underline the word or words they form of the adverb below the line.
modify. 1. She writes than I do.
1. Some students read exciting mysteries. clearly
2. The first book was short.
2. He stayed up than his brother did.
3. The longest chapter described an amazing late
discovery.
3. She can see with her new glasses.
easily
4. Of all the cars, this one starts .

fast
B. Complete each sentence. Write the correct

form of the adjective below the line.
1. That piano is than this one.

old
2. The music was the I had ever heard.

weird
3. Jason was in the composer than I was.

interested
4. The Brightcliff Band was the band in our town.

popular
5. He had a voice than his sister did.

soft
With a partner or your instructor, go over the
questions and your answers. Make a check mark
(✓) beside each of your correct answers. Discuss
any answers that are not correct. Make any
changes that are needed.
C. Circle the adverb in each sentence. Underline
the word it modifies. Check the box that shows how you rate
yourself:
1. They almost lost their way.
■ Superior: All my answers are correct.
2. She is a truly great friend.
3. He put the book down. were incorrect.
4. We never leave the kids. ■ I Need to Review This Section: Five or more
56
Building Sentences
section
nouns, pronouns,
As you learn to identify and use
verbs, adjectives, and adverbs correctly, the
sentences you write become more interesting. For example,
complete each of the following sentences with the kinds of
words named in parentheses. See how many different
sentences you can come up with.
1. The (adjective) truck moved (adverb) along the

(adjective) highway.
4
2. A (adjective) (noun) ran across the (adjective)(noun).
3. (pronoun) stopped (adverb) at the edge of the (noun).
In this section, you’ll become even more experienced in

writing interesting sentences.
Contents
1. Subjects and Predicates. . . . . . . . . . . . 58
2. Different Kinds of Sentences . . . . . . . . .60
3. Combining Sentences With And . . . . . .62
4. Combining Sentences With . . . . . . . . . .
But and Because . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
5. Using Phrases to Build Sentences . . . . 66
6. Using Clauses to Build Sentences . . . . 68
7. Finding the Right Word . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Section 4 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
57
1. Subjects and Predicates
Discuss
Every sentence has a subject and a predicate.
The complete subject, underlined below, tells who or what the sentence is about.
The wild horses ran freely along the shore.
The simple subject is the most important word in the complete subject.
Together, read the sentences below. Identify the complete subject and the
simple subject.
Several tourists watched the horses.
The newborn colt stayed close to its mother.
The complete predicate of a sentence, underlined below, tells what the subject
does or is.
The most important word in the complete predicate is the verb. The verb
is called the simple predicate.
Several tourists watched the horses.
Together, read the sentences below. Identify the complete predicate and the
simple predicate.
The newborn colt stayed close to its mother.
The older colts played together on the beach.
58
Writing Practice
Copy each sentence. Then draw a line between the complete subject and the complete predicate.
Example: Most of the dancers/come from Spain.
1. The audience was fascinated by the performance.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. All of the performers wore beautiful costumes.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Two guitarists provided the music.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Everyone in the audience applauded.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. This group has fans all over the world.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Check your Writing Practice work with your Write a sentence about each of the following topics.
partner. Did you correctly separate the com- Draw a line between the complete subject and the
plete subject from the complete predicate? complete predicate. Underline the simple subject
once. Underline the simple predicate twice.
Make any corrections that are needed.
Example: Topic: music
2. Read the following sentences with your
I / like rap music.
partner. Draw a line between the complete
1. Topic: pet(s)
subject and the complete predicate. Then
____________________________________________________
underline the simple subject once. Underline
the simple predicate twice. 2. Topic: book(s)
Example: The youngest kids/swim in the ____________________________________________________
shallow pool.
3. Topic: friendship
a. My older brother applied for a job at the pool.
____________________________________________________
b. Ralph is an excellent swimmer.
c. He often gives lessons at the YMCA. 4. Topic: food
d. Most little children need lots of instruction ____________________________________________________
about safety.
5. Topic: car(s)
e. A responsible parent watches the child every
____________________________________________________
minute.
59
2. Different Kinds of Sentences
Discuss
In your writing, you use four different kinds of sentences. All four kinds begin with a
capital letter.
■A declarative sentence makes a statement. It ends with a period.

Example: The subways usually run on time.
■ An interrogative sentence asks a question. It ends with a question mark.

Example: Was the subway station crowded?
■ An imperative sentence makes a request or gives a command. It ends with a period.

Notice that in an imperative sentence the subject is not stated. The subject is
understood to be you: (You) please don’t push.
Examples: Please don’t push.
Take your time.
■ An exclamatory sentence expresses a strong feeling. It ends with an

exclamation point.
Examples: What a slow train this is!
Goodness, look at this crowd!
60
Writing Practice
Copy each sentence. Add the correct capitalization and end punctuation.
Example: buy your tickets here Answer: Buy your tickets here.
1. did you get to work on time 5. where are we meeting
____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
2. the boss was glad to see me 6. write down the address

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
3. what a pile of work there was on my desk 7. you’ll like the food there a lot
____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
4. don’t forget our lunch date 8. wow, what a fantastic menu this is
____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________
Writing on Your Own

Partner Work
1. Choose a topic from the box below. Circle the
1. Check your Writing Practice sentences with topic you choose.
your partner. Did you capitalize the first word Best Friends My Favorite Sport
Looking for a Job My Family
in each sentence? Explain the end punctua-
tion you used. 2. Write your topic on the first line below. Then write a
paragraph on your topic. Your paragraph can have
2. With your partner, read each group of words as many sentences as you like, but you must use
below. Which group is a sentence? Explain ■ at least one declarative sentence;
■ at least one interrogative sentence;

your choice.
■ at least one imperative sentence; and
a. The city streets. ■ at least one exclamatory sentence.
What a crowd there is at lunch time!
b. Taxis honk their horns. TOPIC : ________________________

So much noise and action. ____________________________________________________
c. A full bus? ____________________________________________________

Is the bus full?
____________________________________________________
d. Don’t take a bus.
A short trip across town to the restaurant. ____________________________________________________
e. All kinds of delicious food. ____________________________________________________

I ordered the salad. ____________________________________________________
61
3. Combining Sentences With And
Discuss
You can often combine two short sentences to make a longer sentence. You can often
use and to connect the sentences. Read these examples together:
1. Karen is reading a book. Antonio is writing a report.
Karen is reading a book, and Antonio is writing a report.
2. Carlos is coming home tomorrow. His friends are coming with him.
Carlos is coming home tomorrow, and his friends are coming with him.
3. Jake is cooking dinner. Jake is serving dinner.

Jake is cooking and serving dinner.
4. Lenore was listening to the teacher. Lenore was taking notes.

Lenore was listening to the teacher and taking notes.
Which example in each pair above sounds more professional and grown-up? Why?
Notice that you use a comma (,) before and when it’s needed to make the meaning clear.
Writing Practice
Use and to combine the two sentences in each pair below into one sentence.
Examples: ■ Sam played tennis. Sam played golf.

Sam played tennis and golf.
■ Tina is a swimming instructor. Jorge is a lifeguard.

Tina is a swimming instructor, and Jorge is a lifeguard.
1. My grandmother visited over the holidays. My grandfather visited over the holidays.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
2. I swept up the leaves. Tim trimmed the bushes.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. She applied for the job. She waited for the answer.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Selma wrote the play. Her friends played the different roles.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
62
5. The truck entered the driveway. The truck knocked over the mailbox.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Luis gobbled up the sandwich. Luis asked for another one.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Jake plays the bongos. Ellie plays the flute.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. The puppy curled up at my feet. The puppy went to sleep.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. With your partner, read aloud the sentences First, read the following paragraph to yourself. Then
you wrote for Writing Practice. Discuss any improve it by
likenesses and differences between your ■ combining some sentences with and, and
answers. ■ eliminating and in some places to make a
new sentence.
2. Is it possible to use and too much? The Write your revised paragraph on the lines provided.
answer is yes. As an example, read aloud
Jon went to the yard sale. I went to the yard
the paragraph below.
sale. We saw a lot of beat-up furniture and
We got on the bus and traveled to the some stained and dirty clothing and Jon
museum and went inside and saw the exhibit decided it wasn’t worth staying any longer
of dinosaurs and ate lunch and then we went and he said he wanted to go home and then
to the IMAX theater and saw a movie about all of a sudden I saw a beautiful painting. The
dolphins and then we hopped a bus and went painting was of horses running along the
home and we told my Dad about what we shore. The painting cost only $8.00 and I
learned. bought it and I hung it in my bedroom.
With your partner, rewrite the paragraph above ______________________________________________________

to make four or more sentences. Use and only
______________________________________________________
where it seems correct to combine sentences.
Eliminate the other ands. ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
63
4. Combining Sentences With But and Because
Discuss
The word but usually signals an exception or difference. Read the examples together.
Examples: The job pays well, but it’s awfully boring.

He needs money, but he won’t look for a job.
She buys lottery tickets, but she never wins anything.
She wanted to go to college, but she had to save some money first.
Notice that you put a comma before but.
The word because usually comes before a reason. Read the examples together.
Examples: He doesn’t eat ice cream because he’s on a diet.
He passed the test because he studied hard.
The house is cold because the pipes froze.
She picked up the baby because he was crying.
Notice that the words but and because help writers show the connection between
ideas and actions. Read the examples together.
Examples: 1. She read the book. Her friend recommended it.

She read the book because her friend recommended it.
2. He got the job. He had a lot of experience.

He got the job because he had a lot of experience.
3. They went to the airport. They forgot to bring their tickets.

They went to the airport, but they forgot to bring their tickets.
4. The movie is popular. I think it’s a waste of time.

The movie is popular, but I think it’s a waste of time.
Writing Practice
1. Use but to combine each pair of sentences below into one sentence.
Remember to use a comma before but.
a. They packed the van. There wasn’t enough room for everything.
64 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. The cold winter wind howled outside. Everyone inside was warm and cozy.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. We boarded on time. The plane was delayed on the runway.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Use because to combine each pair of sentences below into one sentence.
a. The kids were unhappy. The TV was broken.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b. He liked her. She was honest and had a great sense of humor.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. I missed the bus. My alarm clock didn’t go off.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Partner Work
1. Read aloud the sentences that you wrote for
Writing Practice. Did you use a comma after
but? Did you use capital letters correctly? Writing on Your Own
Read the sentence pairs. Combine each pair by
2. Read aloud the following sentence pairs. correctly using but or because.
Decide how to combine each pair into one
1. I can’t eat peanuts. I’m allergic to them.
sentence. Will you use but or because?
Write the new sentence. ____________________________________________________
a. I threw the darts. I kept missing the target.
2. I went to the museum. I wanted to see the new
________________________________________________
dinosaur exhibit there.
b. She joined the YWCA. She wanted to use
____________________________________________________
the swimming pool there.
________________________________________________ 3. She wants to learn Spanish. She can’t find a
good teacher.
c. Fido was a huge dog with long teeth. He was
very friendly. ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________
4. The car is twenty years old. It still runs well.
d. I watched the TV show. I fell asleep halfway ____________________________________________________
through it.
________________________________________________ 5. The tree fell over. The windstorm was severe.
e. I took my car to Lemmon’s Repair. Its ____________________________________________________

prices are lower.
________________________________________________
65
5. Using Phrases to Build Sentences
Discuss
A phrase is a group of words that acts as a unit within a sentence. The phrases are
underlined in the examples below. Read the rules and discuss the examples together.
■A phrase can act like a noun.

Example: Postal workers sort thousands of letters.
■A phrase can act like a verb.

Example: The mail delivery was late.
■A phrase can modify a noun.

Example: The picture is from a satellite circling the earth.
■ A phrase can modify a verb.

Example: He left in a hurry.
Writing Practice
Complete each sentence with a phrase from the box below.
her paintings with watercolors is old on the wall

a lot of money to pay can’t afford every day
1. Look at the picture ____________________________.
2. The frame ____________________________________.
3. The artist painted ______________________________.
4. People buy ____________________________________.
5. I _____________________________________ to buy one.
6. She makes ____________________________________.
7. She has bills __________________________________.
8. She works ______________________ on her paintings.
66
Partner Work
you completed for Writing Practice. Discuss
how you used each phrase: As a noun? As a
verb? To modify a noun? To modify a verb?
2. With your partner, write a sentence using

each phrase below, then discuss how you
used each phrase: As a noun? As a verb?
To modify a noun? To modify a verb?
a. a great many people
________________________________________________
b. never stopped
________________________________________________
c. over the wall

________________________________________________
d. at the Animal Shelter

________________________________________________
Writing on Your Own

Complete the paragraph using the kind of phrase indicated below each line.
Example: We see the latest movies at the mall cineplex.
noun phrase
The movie this month was Revenge of the Spider People.
adjective phrase to modify the noun movie
We sat .
adverb phrase to modify the verb sat
None of us liked .
noun phrase
We the best parts of the movie.

verb phrase
67
6. Using Clauses to Build Sentences
Discuss
A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate. There are two
types of clauses.
You’re already familiar with one kind: the independent clause. The independent
clause can stand alone as a sentence. Together, identify the subject and the predicate
in the following sentences:
■ They practiced all summer.
■ The coach helped them.
■ Jake joined the practice.
■ He passed the test.
You can join independent clauses with the words and or but. The subjects and
predicates are underlined in the following sentences:
■ They practiced all summer, and the coach helped them.
■ Jake joined the practice, but he failed the test.
Sometimes, you can also use the word so to join independent causes.
■ He wanted adventure. He joined the Coast Guard.
■ He wanted adventure, so he joined the Coast Guard.
■ The boat was sinking. The Coast Guard sent a rescue team.
■ The boat was sinking, so the Coast Guard sent a rescue team.
A dependent clause also has a subject and a predicate. But a dependent

clause cannot stand alone. It is part of a sentence. Read the following examples
together. The dependent clauses are bold. The subjects and verb form are underlined
in each dependent clause. The joining words are circled.
■ We will go on a picnic tomorrow if it is sunny.
■ I can’t understand what they are saying.
■ Write my address so you don’t forget it.
68
Writing Practice
1. Join the sentences below with and, but, or so to make two
Partner Work
independent clauses. Together, read the sentences you
Example: (Use so) The VCR was broken. We took it to the wrote for 1 and 2 in Writing Practice.
repair shop. Then exchange papers. Check one
The VCR was broken, so we took it to the another’s sentences to make sure
repair shop.
you’ve used capital letters, lowercase
a. (Use so) The movie was boring. We left before it
ended. letters, and periods correctly. Make
______________________________________________________________
b. (Use and) Linda drove. Kerry read the directions from

the map. Writing on Your Own
______________________________________________________________ Use each clause below as a dependent
clause in a sentence of your own.
______________________________________________________________
Example: why he bought a parachute
c. (Use but) Josh has a new computer. He doesn’t know He couldn’t explain why he bought a parachute.
how to use it.
1. when the tent blew over
______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________
2. so that the puppies were safe
2. Correctly write one sentence based on the two clauses.
__________________________________________
Examples: He told me. Why he was unhappy.
__________________________________________
He told me why he was unhappy.
3. after everyone had gone to bed
She’ll go the party. You go, too. __________________________________________
She’ll go to the party if you go, too
__________________________________________
a. They will tell us. They are ready. 4. as the lights went out
______________________________________________________________ __________________________________________
__________________________________________
b. Use the map. You don’t get lost.
5. while it was still warm
______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
c. She wouldn’t explain. She was scared. __________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
6. if you arrive too late
d. Doreen couldn’t figure out. Which answer was correct. __________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________ 69
7. Finding the Right Word
Discuss
When you write, you want to use words that say exactly what you mean. Many
words are close in meaning, but the differences make a big difference! Read the
following examples together:
look Look means turn your eyes toward something. I looked at the photos.
glance Glance means to look quickly at something. I glanced at the clock to

see what time it was.
peek Peek means to look quickly and slyly. Don’t peek at the answers.
stare Stare means to look at something for a long time with wide-open eyes.
She stared at the stars for hours.
glare Glare means to look angrily at someone or something. He glared at the

driver who was honking her horn.
As a group, discuss which word in parentheses fits best in each sentence below.
Explain your choices.
1. He (glared, glanced) at his watch to see what time it was.
2. She (stared, peeked) around the corner to see where he was hiding.
3. They (stared, looked) at the table of contents to find the right chapter.
4. I (glared, stared) at my favorite rock stars as they entered the stadium.
5. She (peeked, glared) at the kids who were making fun of her brother.
Writing Practice
Study the words and meanings below. Then complete each sentence following the box with
the best word possible.
handsome Handsome describes someone who is good-looking or something that

is very impressive. The castle was extremely handsome.
gorgeous Gorgeous means very beautiful and colorful. She wore a

gorgeous red and gold dress to the dance.
graceful Graceful means beautiful in form and movement. She was a graceful
dancer. The tree swayed gracefully in the breeze.
pretty Pretty describes something that is nice to look at, but isn’t
outstanding enough to be called gorgeous or beautiful. These daisies
70 are pretty. The blue dress isn’t gorgeous, but it’s very pretty.
1. She wore a _______________________________ costume made of red and green silk.
2. He was modest about his looks, even though he was very ______________________________.
3. The daffodils are _______________________________, but they can’t compare with the beauty of the
roses.
4. As she left the stage, the singer waved in a ______________________________ way to her fans.

1. Discuss the sentences you completed for Use a dictionary to find the exact meaning of each
word below. Write the meaning. Then use the word
Writing Practice. Explain your choices.
in a sentence of your own.
Example: request
2. With your partner, read aloud each boldfaced
Meaning: ask for something or ask someone to
word and its meaning. Then use each word do something
in a sentence. Sentence: I requested a favor from my teacher.
Example: leave: to go away from or move
1. beg
away from Meaning: ________________________________________
The bus will leave the terminal at Sentence:______________________________________
8 A.M. ________________________________________________
a. quit: to stop doing something 2. coax
________________________________________________
Meaning: ________________________________________
b. vacate: to go away from a place and leave Sentence:__________________________________________

__________________________________________________
nothing in it
________________________________________________ 3. demand
Meaning: ______________________________________
c. abandon: to leave a place or person and
Sentence:________________________________________
never return
__________________________________________________
________________________________________________
4. plead
Meaning: ________________________________________
Sentence:__________________________________________
__________________________________________________
71
Section 4 Review
A. Underline the complete subject once. Underline D. Correctly use but or because to combine the
the complete predicate twice. following sentences.
1. The Thanksgiving Day parade will begin 1. She packed her suitcase. She forgot to put it in
at noon. the car.
2. Most of the marchers are wearing uniforms. __________________________________________________
3. My father and my uncle march with the
2. He ordered a salad. He is on a strict diet.
Vietnam veterans.
__________________________________________________
3. The lights went out. You forgot to pay the

electric bill.
B. Copy each sentence. Use capital letters __________________________________________________
and end punctuation correctly.
1. what a pleasure it will be to see my friends
again
__________________________________________________ E. Underline the two phrases in each sentence.
1. Little kids enjoy the amusement park.
2. we’ll get together for a big party 2. The water slide is very popular.
__________________________________________________ 3. Some kids slide over and over.
3. did you send the invitations

__________________________________________________
4. please bring something to eat F. Draw one line under each independent clause.
__________________________________________________ Draw two lines under each dependent clause.
1. We waited for the letter but it never arrived.
2. She watered the flowers so that they wouldn’t die.
3. We will go to the movies if we have time.
4. I don’t know why he hasn’t arrived.
C. Combine the sentences below with and.
5. I wrapped the present and Lenore signed the
1. Tony likes sci-fi movies. Tony likes sci-fi books.
card.
__________________________________________________
2. Jorge designed the poster. Terry made copies With a partner or your instructor, go over the ques-
of it. tions and your answers. Make a check mark (✓)
__________________________________________________ beside each of your correct answers. Discuss any
answers that are not correct. Make any changes
3. Look at this drawing. Tell me what you think that are needed.
of it. Check the box that shows how you rate yourself:
__________________________________________________ ■ Superior: All my answers are correct.
were incorrect.
72
Handbook
A handbook provides directions or short notes on

specific topics. Here’s what you’ll find in this handbook: section
5
Contents
1. Rules for Capitalization and
Punctuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
2. Synonyms and Antonyms . . . . . . . . . . 76
3. Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
4. Words Often Confused. . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
5. Idiomatic Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
6. Irregular Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
7. Taking Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
8. Writing Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
73
1. Rules for Capitalization and Punctuation
Capital Letters
1. Capitalize the first word in a sentence.
We waited at the corner.
2. Capitalize the word I.

Max and I washed the car.
3. Capitalize the names of particular people, cities, states, countries, buildings,

and streets.
She asked Luis Uribe to describe the Colombian city of Medelin.
The Empire State Building is on Fifth Avenue in New York.
4. Capitalize a title used with a person’s name.

I asked Miss Seacrove and Dr. Allan to give me a
recommendation for the job.
5. Capitalize the names of days, months, and holidays. Do not capitalize the
names of the four seasons.
Our spring vacation begins on Monday, March 21.
In November, we celebrate Thanksgiving with our whole family.
6. Capitalize the names of languages, religions, and nationalities.

Many Americans study Buddhism.
Many people in Switzerland speak French and German.
7. Capitalize the names of clubs, organizations, businesses, and groups.

We asked the Tinnitus Ear Breakers to play at the Fast Track Club.
She was offered a great job by the president of Cyber Works.
8. Capitalize the beginning of a direct quotation.

Samantha yelled, “Don’t forget to wash the car.”
9. Capitalize the first word, last word, and all other important words in book and
story titles.
I just read For Whom the Bell Tolls.
The title of his story is “I Like It, But...”
74
Periods If the two names come in the middle of a sen-
1. Use a period at the end of a statement or tence, place a comma after the second name.
command. They traveled to Davis, West Virginia, last
The band has rehearsed for days. summer.
Please clap when you hear them play.
3. Use a comma after introductory words such
2. Use a period after an abbreviation. as yes and no.
He arrived at Spring St. at 4 P.M. No, I won’t be able to come to the party.
Yes, supper is ready.
3. Use a period after an initial.
The winners are Elaine T. Jones and 4. Use a comma in a long compound sentence.
E. J. Walker. She worked very hard during high
school, and many colleges offered her
Question Marks scholarships and student loans.
Use a question mark a the end of a question. He had tried to help his friend, but
Is this the right road? somehow his efforts never paid off.
“Where on Earth are we?” asked Beryl.
5. Use a comma to set off the name of a
Exclamation Points person spoken to.
Use an exclamation point to show strong Charlie, you may be right.
feeling. I think, Charlie, that you may be right.
What a fantastic time we had at Let’s go home and eat, Charlie.
the party!
Ouch! That hurts! 6. Use a comma to separate an introductory
dependent clause from the rest of the
Commas sentence.
1. Use a comma after items in a series. Although I had met her before, I couldn’t
He bought bread, milk, eggs, and yogurt. remember her name.
Mindy, Jake, and Lenore organized After the movie was over, we discussed it.
the trip.
7. Use a comma after the greeting of a friendly
2. Use a comma to separate the name of a letter and after the closing of any letter.
city from the name of a state or country. (See pages 84 and 85 for examples.)
They traveled to Davis, West Virginia.
75
2. Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms are words that are very close in meaning. The small differences,
however, are usually important. Here are some examples of synonyms:
■ every, all, entire

He ate every cookie in the box.
He ate all the cookies in the box.
He ate an entire box of cookies.
■ push, shove, nudge

They pushed the car out of the ditch.
Some people were shoving their way into the line.
She got my attention by nudging me with her elbow.
Here are some other commonly used synonyms:

yank, drag, tug, haul decrease, shorten, cut, dwindle
contribute, donate, present special, particular, unique
expensive, valuable, costly strength, power, energy
lengthen, stretch, extend, continue sudden, quick, hasty, abrupt
law, rule, regulation weak, feeble, frail, flimsy
examine, investigate, explore danger, peril, menace, threat
serious, solemn, thoughtful delicious, appetizing, tasty
shake, tremble, shudder, shiver throw, toss, pitch, hurl
Antonyms are words with opposite meanings.

Examples:
to, from less, more off, on begin, end
in, out lost, found up, down dark, light
all, none stay, leave like, dislike last, first
different, same apart, together yes, no start, stop
76
3. Abbreviations
Abbreviations of Words Used in Addresses
Ave. (Avenue) Blvd. (Boulevard)
St. (Street) Apt. (Apartment)
Rd. (Road) Rte. (Route) Mr. Henry Miller
1560 Kendall St.
Dr. (Drive) Apt. 9B
Delmarville, NY 15672
Examples of Post Office Abbreviations for Names of States

Ask at your post office for a complete list.
AL (Alabama) AR (Arkansas) NH (New Hampshire)
AK (Alaska) NE (Nebraska) NY (New York)
AZ (Arizona) NV (Nevada)
Abbreviations of Words Used in Measurements

yd. (yard) pt. (pint)
ft. (foot) qt. (quart)
in. (inch) gal. (gallon)
km (kilometer) oz. (ounce)
g (gram) lb. (pound)
tsp. (teaspoon)
tbsp. (tablespoon)
Abbreviations of the Names of Months Abbreviations of

(May, June, and July are not abbreviated.) Time Words
Jan. (January) Sept. (September) yr. (year)
Feb. (February) Oct. (October) mo. (month)
Mar. (March) Nov. (November) wk. ( week)
Apr. (April) Dec. (December) hr. (hour)
Aug. (August) min. (minute)
sec. (second)
77
4. Words Often Confused
Many words look similar in writing. These words, however, really do have
different spellings, and they have different meanings, too. Be sure to use the
correct spelling when you write.
1. alley An alley is a narrow street between buildings.
He found the puppy in an alley.
ally An ally is someone who supports you.
She was my ally in our demand for better day-care for kids.
2. anyway Anyway means regardless or in spite of.
I don’t care what you think. I’ll do it anyway.
any way Any way means in whatever way.
We’ll rescue the child in any way possible.
3. desert A desert is a huge area of dry land.
The camels plodded across the desert.
Desert means to leave or abandon someone.
Don’t desert me in this awful place!
dessert A dessert is something to eat.
For dessert, he served apple pie and ice cream.
4. later Later means after this particular time.
I’ll register as a voter later today.
latter Latter means the last of two things mentioned.
Of the two photos you showed me, I prefer the latter.
5. loose Loose means not tight.
These jeans are too loose on me.
lose Lose means to misplace something.
Don’t lose your ticket to the concert.
6. of Of means part of or belonging to.
The beginning of the story was fascinating.
off Off is the opposite of on.
She jumped off the ski lift.
7. quiet Quiet means silent.
The children were quiet as they watched the play.
quite Quite means very.
It is quite cold today.
8. picture A picture is a drawing.
I drew a picture of my brother.
pitcher A pitcher is a someone who throws a ball.
The pitcher struck a lot of players out.
Pitcher can also mean a container that holds liquid.
We poured the lemonade into the pitcher.
9. than Than is used for comparing two things.
She can run faster than I can.
then Then means the next thing that happened.
She studied the assignment, and then she completed it.
78
5. Idiomatic Expressions
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning can’t be understood from the
ordinary meanings of the words in it. For example, “Get off my back!” is an idiom meaning
“Stop bothering me!” The idiom “You hit the nail on the head” means “You’re exactly right.”
Here are some other idioms you might use in your writing.
Idiom Meaning
We’re in hot water. We’re in trouble.
Drop me a line. Write me a short letter or call me sometime.
She gave him a dirty look. She looked at him angrily.
The traffic was heavy. There was a lot of traffic.
We don’t see eye to eye. We don’t agree.
We’re all in the same boat. We all have the same problem.
The boss just gave him the ax. The boss just fired him.
You really put your foot in your mouth. You really said the wrong thing.
The judge threw the book at her. The judge gave her a severe penalty.
This car can stop on a dime. This car can stop very quickly.
I’m hung up on this problem. I can’t figure out this problem.
It’s in the bag. It will surely happen.
I’m stumped. I can’t figure this out.
He passed the test by the skin of his teeth. He barely passed the test.
Let’s see which way the wind blows. Let’s see what happens.
She let the cat out of the bag. She told the secret.
You can’t pull the wool over my eyes. You can’t fool me.
He gave me a leg up. He helped me when I was in need.
Give me a hand with this assignment. Help me with this assignment.
He thinks he’s hot stuff. He’s conceited.
She’ll full of herself. She’s conceited.
I gave the assignment my all. I worked very hard on the assignment.
Let’s face the music. Let’s admit we’re in a difficult situation.
The story really got to me. The story affected me strongly.
79
6. Irregular Verbs
As you learned on pages 32 and 33, regular verbs form their past and past
participle by adding -ed. As you learned on pages 34 and 35, irregular verbs
form their past and past participle in very different ways.
Example: (present) Let’s sing that song together.

(past) They sang off key.
(past participle) They have sung that song too often.
Use the lists on these pages to help you choose the correct forms of irregular verbs in
your writing. You can also use a dictionary to find irregular past and past participle
forms. Look under the present tense form of the verb.

(Use with have, has, had.)
be was been
become became become
begin began begun
bet bet bet
break broke broken
bring brought brought
buy bought bought
choose chose chosen
cut cut cut
draw drew drawn
drive drove driven
fall fell fallen
feel felt felt
find found found
forgive forgave forgiven
Here are some sample sentences using present forms.

Please be quiet.
The story begins on page 8.
Your sad story breaks my heart.
I drive to work every day on Route 8.
She buys too much stuff from the Shopping Channel.
80
Here are some sample sentences using past and past participle forms.
He was tired. He had been out late the night before.
She became a teacher. She has become devoted to her students.
They began a neighborhood campaign. They have begun to find a lot of support.
He bet that Tony would win the race. He had bet on Tony before.
Last year Tony broke racing records. Has he broken any this year?
You bought a lot of stuff today. Have you ever bought that much before?
He cut his hand while he was working. He had cut his arm the same way last year.
He drove the Land Rover through Mercer Park. Had he driven that way before?
I forgave him for making fun of me. I have forgiven him many times before.
Present Past Past Participle Here are some sample sentences using
(Use with have, has, had.) present forms.
hide hid hidden He hides his fears from other people.
hit hit hit She keeps her money under the
keep kept kept mattress.
lean leaned leaned
Please leave the check in my mailbox.
leave left left
lose lost lost I often lose my car keys.
meet met met He often rides the bus to Boston.
ride rode ridden
run ran run
send sent sent Below are a few sample sentences using past
shake shook shaken and past participle forms.
shrink shrank shrunk They hid the prize behind the tree.
sink sank sunk They have never hidden it there
sit sat sat before.
speak spoke spoken He kept the money in a safe. Has
stand stood stood he always kept his money there?
steal stole stolen
She left the kids at the day-care
swim swam swum center. She had left their lunch in
teach taught taught the kitchen.
tear tore torn
Mary lost the race. She had never lost
think thought thought a race before.
throw threw thrown
He rode his bike to work today. He has
understand understood understood
ridden it to work all summer.
win won won
write wrote written
81
7. Taking Tests
To do well on a test, you must: (1) indicate or write the correct answer; (2) show the
correct answer in the way the directions tell you to.
Direction Words to Know

Circle
Check ✔
Put an X ✗
Print Print or print
Underline Underline
You must fill in the correct answer.
Below are examples of directions and correct ways to answer the questions.
1. Circle the number of the correct answer.

The capital of the United States is
(1) Philadelphia. (2) New York City. (3) Washington, D.C.
2. Fill in the correct answer to the question.

AK is the abbreviation for the state of Alaska .
(a) Alaska (b) Arizona (c) Alabama
3. Put a check in the box to show the correct answer to the question.
What country is directly north of the United States?
✓ Canada
■ ■ Mexico ■ England
4. Put an X in the box beside the row of letters. Put a ✓ in the box by the column
of letters.
■ AWER
✗ ■✓
A
W
E
R
82
5. Underline the word that means almost the
same as the word in capital letters.
ANSWER SHEET
(a) RESCUE a. 1 2 3 4
brave save dare yell b. 1 2 3 4
(b) SCREAM c. 1 2 3 4
talk fear anger yell
Essay Questions
The following are examples of true-false To answer an essay question, you must write
questions. Every part of a true-false statement several sentences on a specific topic.
must be true, or the statement is false. Be careful
A good way to begin is to restate the question
of words like all, always, every, and never.
as an opening statement. Then add several
Examples:
sentences that back up or support your opening
Circle T or F to tell whether the sentence is
statement.
true or false.
1. T F All wild animals are dangerous Example essay question:
to humans. What are some problems in our community
2. T F Most of Earth is made up of today?
oceans and other water. Example of a way to begin the essay:
3. T F Holidays always occur on Our community has several problems these days.
weekends. One problem is the lack of day-care facilities for
children of working parents. Another problem is
Answer Sheets the number of teenagers who get in trouble after
For some tests, you must put your answer on a school because there are no after-school activities
separate sheet or form. Be sure to mark the for them.
answer sheet according to the directions. (You would add to this essay with other examples
Examples: Find the right answer. Underline the of community.)
number on the answer sheet.
a. Which word does not belong in the group?

1. tall 2. person 3. short 4. tiny
b. Which word does not belong in the group?
1. look 2. gaze 3. stare 4. like
c. Which word names a feeling?
1. luck 2. prize 3. happy 4. winning
83
8. Writing Letters
While many of us communicate via e-mail these days, there are situations when a
handwritten letter is more appropriate. Here are some models of social letters
that you might write by hand and then send through the post office. Notice that a
social letter has five parts to it. Also notice where capital letters are used.
A Thank-You Note:
1. HEADING
Your address and today’s date
2. GREETING
Name of person to whom you
are writing. Put a comma A Letter of Sympathy
after the name.
8 Dillono Street
HEADING
3. BODY Twigsberry, NY 12
879
The main part of the letter August 18, 2002
Dear Elmore and Sa

rah, GREETING
We’re so sorry to
hear about Willie’s
BODY He was such a grea death.
4. CLOSING t dog! I remember
cuddled up to our how he
Follow with a comma. cat, Sissy, and how
5. SIGNATURE was to meet all ki happy he
nds of visitors. We
Your name in longhand him a lot. w ill miss
All our love, CLOSING
BUSINESS LETTERS Jack and Susan

The box below contains some examples
SIGNATURE
of when you might write a business letter.
to apply for a job to express your opinion in a newspaper letters column

to order something from a store to write to a political representative
Notice that a business letter has six parts to it. Also notice that you use a colon (:), not
a comma, after the greeting, and that you print your name under your signature.
84
1. HEADING 12 Wolf Drive
The heading San Solo, CA 94611
in a business
letter should May 9, 2002
include the
sender’s 2. INSIDE ADDRESS
Editor The address of the person
address and
The San Solo Weekly Times to whom you are writing.
today’s date.
This same address
4123 Fair Street
appears on the envelope.
San Solo, CA 94611
Dear Editor: 4. BODY

3. GREETING
Put a colon I want to thank the Weekly Times for the advance
after the publicity you gave to our annual Fur Ball. As a
name.
result, more than two hundred people attended the
event and we raised $12,000 for the Animal
Rescue Center. Thanks to everyone who
attended!
Sincerely, 5. CLOSING
6. SIGNATURE Jenny Atwater

Jenny Atwater
RETURN ADDRESS
The address of the sender
Jenny Atwater
Animal Rescue Center
12 Wolf Drive
San Solo, CA 94611
ADDRESS
Editor
The address of the person
The San Solo Weekly Times to whom you are sending
4123 Fair Street the letter
San Solo, CA 94611
85
86
Answer Key
Section 1: Spelling pp. 12–13 Writing on Your Own
pp. 6–7 Writing Practice Answers will vary.
Writing Practice 1. Tammy’s 4. We’ll
1. aunt, sent 2. Steve’s 5. You’ll pp. 18–19
2. be, meet 3. They’ll Writing Practice
3. here, whole 1. enter, fall, grow, hand, ill
Partner Work 2. candy, dandy, ever, fun, gun
Partner Work 2. a. I’ll d. it’ll 3. kick, low, many, never, open
2. a. choose, wrap b. she’ll e. we’ll 4. run, see, time, under, very
b. hear, bee c. he’ll 5. box, jam, next, play, van
c. ant, hole
d. scent, meat Writing on Your Own Partner Work
1. You’ll, we’re, we’ll, Adell’s, 2. pear, pint, potato, pound
Writing on Your Own he’ll, I’ll straight, strange, stretch, stuff
Answers will vary. 2. a. They will market, meant, meat, melt
b. Lana is fight, fright, from, frost
pp. 8–9 c. It will tale, tall, tape, tax
Writing Practice d. we will
1. for e. he will Writing on Your Own
2. would Answers will vary.
3. fair pp. 14–15
4. hour Writing Practice pp. 20–21
5. weak 1. loved Writing Practice
6. too 2. liked 1. Is this the right answer?
3. talked 2. This is the book I told you about.
Writing on Your Own 4. showed 3. I think Mr. Ansel lives on Second
1. a. hole: opening 5. answered Avenue.
b. wood: tree product 4. He went to work on Tuesday, April 25.
c. fare: cost of transportation Partner Work 5. They live at Fern Gardens in New
d. our: belonging to us 2. a. walk Jersey.
e. two: a number b. jump
c. talk Partner Work
pp. 10–11 d. show 2. a. Maria is reading a book called The
Writing Practice Mystery of Wilderness Castle.
e. look
1. I’m b. I read Work in the 21st Century to
get some tips about good jobs.
2. don’t Writing on Your Own
c. The TV show Here’s George! is
3. they’re Answers will vary.
based on the movie Where’s
4. That’s
George?
5. he’s pp. 16–17 d. I have two tickets for the musical
Writing Practice The Phantom Cats.
Partner Work 1. drew
2. a. She’s d. isn’t 2. caught Writing on Your Own
b. it’s e. aren’t 3. saw Tina and Andre are driving through the
c. doesn’t 4. chose state of New Mexico. It’s early in the
5. found month of April, and Andre is looking at his
3. a She is d. is not guide book, The American Southwest.
6. thought
“We have to go to the city of Santa Fe!”
b. it is e. are not
says Andre. “It was featured on the TV
c. does not Partner Work program Land of Enchantment, and I want
2. keep to check it out.” Tina says, “Maybe we
Writing on Your Own hold can stay there overnight on Monday with
We’re, I’m, It’s, isn’t, she’s, don’t Mrs. Perez!”
bring
do
87
Answer Key
p. 22 4. The cars were in bad shape. 2. Angry passengers wandered around
5. Lenny and I try to see our parents the airport.
Section 1 Review
at least once a month. 3. All the flights were late.
A. 1. sent 2. two, four 3. hear, here
4. Bad weather on the east coast
B. 1. I’ll 2. isn’t, Jake’s 3. doesn’t, she’ll
Writing on Your Own delayed the flights.
C. 1. kept 2. caught, brought 3.
After my sister graduates form high- 5. A great many people spent Christmas
showed, drew
school, she will go to the community col- at the airport.
D. question, quick, quiet, quit, quiz
lege. The college is near our home, and
E. 1. We drove to the city of Helena,
it offers a variety of classes. Business pp. 32–33
Montana.
Skills and Computer Literacy are the two
2. On Tuesday, Laurie and I missed
Writing Practice
most popular classes. They are offered
the bus. 1. helped
five days a week and on four evenings.
3. Who likes the TV program So You Mr. Lennon teaches the evening classes. 2. opened
Think You’re So Smart? He is a great teacher. Rocky and I stud- 3. saves
ied with him last year, so we advised my 4. works
sister to register for the evening classes. 5. moved
Section 2: Nouns and Verbs
6. jumped
pp. 24–25 pp. 28–29
Writing Practice Writing Practice Partner Work
Different answers are possible in most 1. restroom 2. Present tense: After I, use cry.
cases. Example answers:
2. handwriting After she, use cries.
1. The shoe didn’t fit.
3. phone number After it, use passes.
2. Spanish is an important language.
4. science teacher
3. Basketball was his favorite sport.
5. notebook Writing on Your Own
4. Gloria owns a grocery store.
1. Past Past Participle
5. The snakes scared us.
Partner Work (have, has, had)
6. Dogs make good pets. hoped hoped
2. Answers will vary.
7. The airport was crowded. needed needed
8. Robins flew over our house.
Writing on Your Own rested rested
Answers will vary. yelled yelled
Partner Work
2. a. house e. bird
pp. 30–31 2. Answers will vary. Examples:
b. Jacob f. flowers
Writing Practice a. The baby has rested for an hour.
c. Music g. people b. The coach yelled at the players.
1. Different answers are possible in most
d. sound h. friend cases. Example answers: c. He has needed extra help for a long
a. The dog liked the cat. time.
3. Answers will vary. b. We hated that movie. d. We hoped our team would win first
c. A lot of people attended the fair. prize.
Writing on Your Own d. Everyone in our class passed the
Answers will vary. test. pp. 34–35
e. Some of the lessons in the book Writing Practice
pp. 26–27 are hard. 1. flew
Writing Practice 2. flown
1. She recommended it to us. 2. a. works b. trains c. got 3. heard
2. It is definitely worth reading. d. praised e. needs 4. eaten
3. They admired the main character. 5. seen
4. He had read it several times. Partner Work 6. Did
5. We thought it was better than the 3. a. read, chose
book. b. sang, danced Partner Work
c. likes, hates 2. Answers will vary. Examples:
Partner Work d. was, is They take a vacation every year.
2. 1. Arnold did a good job. e. feels, reads She takes the test on Monday.
2. The plane left on time. He took his dog to the animal
3. Renee shops on Monday or Writing on Your Own hospital.
Tuesday. 1. Most students left for the holiday. He had taken all his pets there before.
88
Writing on Your Own 2. saw Partner Work
Answers will vary. 3. went 2. a. cuter b. nicer c. more intelligent
4. rang d. tougher e. more inquisitive
pp. 36–37 5. done
Writing Practice Writing on Your Own
1. noun Answers will vary.
Section 3: Adjectives and Adverbs
2. verb
pp. 42–43
3. verb pp. 46–47
Writing Practice
4. noun Writing Practice
Answers will vary. Examples:
5. noun 1 and 2
1. He made several mistakes on the
6. verb test.
a. That’s the smallest dog I’ve ever seen!
2. She prepared a delicious dessert.
Partner Work 3. It was difficult.
2. Answers will vary. Examples: b. It was the most difficult test we’d had
4. The little kids didn’t like the scary
all year.
a. He cooks in a famous restaurant. movie.
b. The music sounds funny. 5. They made a beautiful poster for the
fair. c. What’s the longest book you’ve ever
c. He liked the sound of the ocean waves.
read?
d. My boyfriend loves classical music. 6. The trees are green and full of
blossoms.
7. Nobody liked that silly TV program. d. The mayor has the most responsible job
Writing on Your Own in our town.
Answers will vary. 8. The first contestants won a special
prize.
e. They have the most beautiful garden on
pp. 38–39 our block.
Partner Work
Writing Practice
2. Answers will vary. Examples:
1. noun f. We took the shortest route to the park.
a. The house was gloomy.
2. verb
b. She gave confusing directions.
3. noun Writing on Your Own
c. We had a horrible time at the party.
4. verb The newest store at the mall is SellMore.
d. The brave sailors rescued the sinking
They claim to have the lowest prices and
ship.
Partner Work the most helpful staff of any store around
2. Answers will vary. Examples: here. However, the signs in the store are
Writing on Your Own the most confusing I’ve ever seen. The
a. leader. Sam is the leader of he band.
Answers will vary. most peculiar sign said Not in This
b. reader. She’s a good reader. Section.
c. worker. He is a worker at Louie’s
pp. 44–45
garage.
Writing Practice pp. 48–49
1 and 2 Writing Practice
Writing on Your Own Answers will vary. Examples:
Answers will vary. 1. The reports are due tomorrow.
a. Their house is bigger than ours.
2. The class listened nervously.
p. 40 3. He mislaid his homework somewhere.
b. Her story is longer than mine. 4. We cautiously followed the directions.
Section 2 Review
5. They bravely climbed the steep cliff.
A. 1. classroom, laughter
c. His ghost story was more terrifying than 6. She threw the book down.
2. package, post office
the one I wrote.
3. soccer game, Central Park
Writing on Your Own
4. deer, grass
d. Sutter Lake is deeper than Long Lake. 2. Jen stepped confidently up to the start-
5. Jeff, computer class ing line. She usually felt nervous, but
B. 1. She 2. It 3. They 4. We 5. He today she knew she would surely win the
e. The end of her story is more unusual
C. 1. wrapped, sent race. The starting whistle blew loudly. Jen
than yours.
2. made, turned ran swiftly, but saw that Peter was quickly
catching up with her. Jen breathed deeply
3. swerved, drove
and plunged toward the finish line.
4. answer, check
D. 1. known
89
Answer Key
pp. 50–51 Writing on Your Own D. 1. more clearly
Writing Practice Answers will vary. 2. later
3. easily
Answers may vary. Examples:
4. fastest
pp. 54–55
1. He is least likely to succeed. Writing Practice
1. verb Section 4: Building Sentences
2. The mail arrived fairly early today. 2. verb pp. 58–59
3. noun Writing Practice
4. adverb
3. They watched helplessly as the boat 1. The audience/was fascinated by the
5. adjective
drifted away. performance.
6. noun
7. noun 2. All of the performers/wore beautiful
4. Our electric bill was definitely lower this 8. adverb costumes.
month. 3. Two guitarists/provided the music.
Partner Work 4. Everyone in the audience/applauded.
5. She angrily tossed the ball over the 5. This group/has fans all over the world.
2. Answers will vary. Examples:
fence.
a. He wrote the best answer. (adjective)
b. She had the winning number. Partner Work
Partner Work (adjective) 2. 1. My older brother/applied for a job at
2. Answers will vary. Examples: the pool.
c. He drove slower when he got to
a. She acted quite silly during the town. (adverb) 2. Ralph/is an excellent swimmer.
rehearsal. 3. He/often gives lessons at the YMCA.
d. Lena opened the door carefully.
b. He looked awfully sad as he spoke (adverb) 4. Most little children/need lots of
about his grandmother. instruction about safety.
c. They arrived in our town fairly
Writing on Your Own 5. A responsible parent/watches the
recently. child every minute.
Answers will vary. Examples:
d. He does his very best when he’s on
1.They suddenly reached the end of
his own.
the road. Writing on Your Own
e. It hurt quite badly when they pulled
2. He successfully finished his Answers will vary.
out the stitches.
assignment.
3. The hurricane was dangerous. pp. 60–61
Writing on Your Own
4. She cuddled the kitten lovingly. Writing Practice
Answers will vary.
5. Linda is a great writer. 1. Did you get to work on time?
6. I had a great idea. 2. The boss was glad to see me.
pp. 52–53
7. We took a trip to Washington, D.C. 3 What a pile of work there was on my
Writing Practice
8. It was a slow train. desk!
1. The test results arrived more quickly
4. Don’t forget our lunch date.
than we had expected.
2. She sings most clearly when she is part
p. 56 5. Where are we meeting?
of a choir. Section 3 Review 6. Write down the address.
3. He does his chores more easily than his A. 1. Some students read exciting 7. You’ll like the food there a lot.
sister does. mysteries. 8. Wow, what a fantastic menu this is!
4. They eat supper earlier than we do. 2. The first book was short.
5. That train arrives latest on Monday. 3. The longest chapter described Partner Work
an amazing discovery. 2. a. What a crowd there is at lunch time!
6. Which of the ten contestants ran fastest
in the race? b. Taxis honk their horns.
B. 1. older c. Is the bus full?
2. weirdest
Partner Work d. Don’t take a bus.
3. more interested
3. a. His desk looks neater than mine. e. I ordered the salad.
4. most popular
b. This story is the longest I’ve ever 5. softer
written. Writing on Your Own
c. She seems happier today than she Answers will vary.
C. 1.They almost lost their way.
did yesterday.
2. She is a truly great friend.
d. That movie is the scariest one I’ve
3. He put the book down.
seen in a long time.
4. We never leave the kids.
e. This dress is prettier than that one.
90
pp. 62–63 Partner Work Writing on Your Own
Writing Practice 2. a. I threw the darts, but I kept missing Answers will vary. Example: The most
1. My grandmother and grandfather the target. popular movie this month was Revenge
visited over the holidays. b. She joined the YWCA because she of the Spider People. We sat through the
wanted to use the swimming pool entire thing. None of us liked the ridicu-
2. I swept up the leaves and Tim trimmed
there. lous plot. We couldn’t identify the best
the bushes.
parts of the movie.
3. She applied for the job and waited for c. Fido was a huge dog with long
the answer. teeth, but he was very friendly.
4. Selma wrote the play, and her friends d. I watched the TV show, but I fell pp. 68–69
played the different roles. asleep halfway through it. Writing Practice
5. The truck entered the driveway and e. I took my car to Lemmon’s Repair 1. a. The movie was boring, so we left
knocked over the mailbox. because their prices are lower. before it ended.
6. Luis gobbled up the sandwich and b. Linda drove and Kerry read the
asked for another one. Writing on Your Own directions on the map.
7. Jake plays the bongos and Ellie plays 1. I can’t eat peanuts because I’m c. Josh has a new computer, but he
the flute. allergic to them. doesn’t know how to use it.
8. The puppy curled up at my feet and 2. I went to the museum because I 2. a. They will tell us when they are
went to sleep. wanted to see the new dinosaur ready.
exhibit there. b. Use the map so that you don’t get
3. She wants to learn Spanish, but she lost.
Partner Work
can’t find a good teacher. c. She wouldn’t explain why she was
2. Paragraphs will vary. Example:
4. The car is twenty years old, but it still scared.
We got on the bus and traveled to the
runs well. d. Doreen couldn’t figure out which
museum. We went inside and saw the
5. The tree fell over because the wind answer was correct.
exhibit of dinosaurs. After we ate
lunch, we went to the IMAX theater storm was severe.
and saw a movie about dolphins. Then Writing on Your Own
we hopped a bus and went home. We pp. 66–67 Answers will vary. Examples:
told my Dad about what we learned.
Writing Practice 1. The party ended when the tent blew
Answers will vary. Examples: over.
Writing on Your Own 1. Look at the picture on the wall. 2. She locked the gate so that the
Paragraphs will vary. Example: puppies were safe.
2. The frame is old.
Jon and I went to the yard sale. We 3. The electricity went out after everyone
3. The artist painted with watercolors.
saw a lot of beat-up furniture and had gone to bed.
4. People buy her paintings.
some stained and dirty clothing. Jon 4. He finished reading the book as the
decided it wasn’t worth staying any 5. I can’t afford to buy one.
lights went out.
longer, and said he wanted to go 6. She makes a lot of money.
5. They went swimming while it was still
home. Then all of a sudden I saw a 7. She has bills to pay. warm.
beautiful painting of a horse running 8. She works every day on her 6. There won’t be any food left if you
along the shore. It cost only $8.00. I paintings. arrive too late.
bought it and hung it in my bedroom.
Partner Work pp. 70–71

pp. 64–65
2. Answers will vary. Examples: Writing Practice
Writing Practice
a. A great many people attended the 1. gorgeous
1. a. They packed the van, but there fair. (noun) 2. handsome
wasn’t enough room for everything.
b. The noise never stopped. (verb) 3. pretty
b. The cold winter wind howled out-
c. The dog jumped over the wall. 4. graceful
side, but everyone inside was warm
(adverb, modifies the verb jumped)
and cozy.
d. The volunteers at the Animal Shelter Partner Work
c. We boarded on time, but the plane
organized a party. (adjective, modifies Answers will vary. Examples:
was delayed on the runway.
the noun volunteers) a. He decided to quit smoking.
2. a. The kids were unhappy because the
TV was broken. b. They were asked to vacate the
apartment.
b. He liked her because she was hon-
est and had a great sense of humor. c. We decided to abandon that camp-
ground and look for a better one.
c. I missed the bus because my alarm
clock didn’t go off.
91
Answer Key
Writing on Your Own
Example sentences:
1. I’m going to beg Mr. Hendrik to let me
retake the test.
2. She coaxed the baby to eat the cereal.
3. The landlord demands that we pay the
rent on time.
4. The captives plead for mercy.
p. 72
Section 4 Review
A. 1. The Thanksgiving Day parade
will begin at noon.
2. Most of the marchers are wearing
uniforms.
3. My father and my uncle march with
the Vietnam veterans.
B. 1. What a pleasure it will be to see my
friends again!
2. We’ll get together for a big party.
3. Did you send the invitations?
4. Please bring something to eat.
C. 1. Tony likes sci–fi movies and books.
2. Jorge designed the poster and Terry
made copies of it.
3. Look at this drawing and tell me
what you think of it.
D. 1. She packed her suitcase, but she
forgot to put it in the car.
2. He ordered a salad because he is
on a strict diet.
3. The lights went out because you
forgot to pay the electric bill.
E. 1. Little kids enjoy the amusement
park.
2. The water slide is very popular.
3. Some kids slide over and over.
F. 1. We waited for the letter but it never
arrived.
2. She watered the flowers so that
they wouldn’t die.
3. We will go to the movies if we have
time.
4. I don’t know why he hasn’t arrived.
5. I wrapped the present and Lenore
signed the card.
92

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REAL-LIFE

Real-Life Writing © Scholastic Teaching Resources

■ to apply the concept or skill to an extension of it.

Real-Life Writing © Scholastic Teaching Resources

When you write, you are sharing your ideas with

For example, write means to form letters with a tool

2. More Words That Sound the Same . . . . 8

3. Spelling Contractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

4. More Contractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

5. Spelling Words to Tell About the Past. . 14

6. More Words About the Past. . . . . . . . . 16

7. Using Alphabetical Order.. . . . . . . . . . . 18

8. Using Capital Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

ant—an insect hear—listen

be—is; exist hole—opening

1. My _______________ is coming to visit us. She _______________ us a letter.

2. In the sentences below, the underlined

Writing on Your Own

a. Word: __________________________________________ Meaning: ______________________________________

b. Word: __________________________________________ Meaning: ______________________________________

c. Word: __________________________________________ Meaning: ______________________________________

d. Word: __________________________________________ Meaning: ______________________________________

e. Word: __________________________________________ Meaning: ______________________________________

2. Now, write your own sentences using these words.

for—in favor of wood—tree product

1. I am voting _______________ Louisa as Most Helpful Teacher.

Writing on Your Own

2. Now, write your own sentences using the words above.

Two Words Contraction Two Words Contraction

1. _______________ going to the movies with Laura.

2. I _______________ really like the stars, but _______________ Laura’s favorites.

3. Next week,_______________ going to see Slime From Outer Space.

4. _______________ a movie I really want to see!

5. The alien is ugly, but _______________ also very friendly.

3. With your partner, write the two words that

Writing on Your Own

Marisa is giving a report. Marisa’s giving a report.

Writing on Your Own

2. In each of the sentences below, an ____________________________________________________

d. I hope we’ll see you there.

e. The usher says he’ll look for you.

They answer the questions. They answered the questions.

Present Tense Past Tense

1. We _______________ that movie!

2. With your partner, rewrite the following sentences to make

Writing on Your Own

■ A goal you reached and felt happy about.

■ A frightening thing that happened to you.

■ A big problem that happened in your neighborhood.

Present Tense Past Tense

I think about the story. I thought about the story.

I choose a book. I chose a book.

I see the title. I saw the title.

I say the title. I said the title.

I find the book. I found the book.

catch do bring draw keep hold

drew held caught did brought kept

Partner Work Writing on Your Own

In your paragraph, you must use at least five past-

A B ___ D d ___ ___ g p q ___ s ___ ___ Q ___

e f ___ h K ___ ___ N ___ g h ___ O ___ ___ R

I J ___ L T ___ ___ W ___ h ___ j M ___ ___ P

1. hand enter ill grow fall

2. ever dandy candy gun fun

1. My _ is coming to visit us. She _ us a letter.

a. Word: ____ Meaning:

b. Word: ____ Meaning:

c. Word: ____ Meaning:

d. Word: ____ Meaning:

e. Word: ____ Meaning:

2. I _ really like the stars, but _ Laura’s favorites.

A B _ D d _ _ g p q _ s _ _ Q ___

e f _ h K _ _ N _ g h _ O _ ___ R

I J _ L T _ _ W _ h _ j M _ ___ P

2. Leo going to the party, but ____________________________________

3. It look like win.

yell(s) ____ (have, has, had)