Friday, September 27, 2013

Day 31!

Happy Friday!

Today we will start with our Commonly Confused Words for the week--I know you're probably so sad that we missed them last week!

Then, we will talk about who won our scholarship essay contest! I know you're both so excited to find out  the results!

After that, I want you to spend some time on a few scholarship websites. I want you to set up a free account on the following sites and browse through the available scholarships (or scholarships they've had in the past). Your homework will be to set these accounts up and find 3 scholarships you would be eligible to or interested in applying for.

Here are the sites:
http://www.scholarships.com/
http://www.fastweb.com/
http://www.icansucceed.org/


1. your, you're- this is a big one!

your (adj)- the possessive form of "you"; it belongs to you

Example: Please place all of your books on the floor before we begin the test.

you're- contraction of "you are"

Example: There is no question that you're going to do well in the debate.

(Your, You're) not always sure of (your, you're) own abilities, especially when every time you do something using (your, you're) own talent, (your, you're) immediately criticized for using (your, you're) creativity. As you get older and more experienced, however, (your, you're) confidence will be renewed and (your, you're) going to believe in (your, you're) approach to (your, you're) own original artwork. Trust me, (your, you're) going to be a successful artist in whatever medium you choose.

2. cite, sight, site

cite (vb)- to quote a passage, a book, an author, or another source, especially as an authority; to summon officially to appear in court; to commend

Example: You must cite several sources as you write your research paper.

sight (vb or n)- vb-to observe within one's field of vision; to take aim at; n- the power of seeing; a view; a field of vision


Example: Springfield sighted the tall ships.

site (n)- the exact location or position of something, the position or location of a town building, and so forth, especially in relation to its environment.

Example: The dump site reeked of rotting garbage.

Exercise: Write six sentences, use each word in two sentences.

3. lay, lie

lay (vb)- to put; to place something

Example: The baby laid his head down and immediately went to sleep.

Lay, laid, and laid (past participles)

lie (vb)- to recline or remain in a reclining postition

Example: Linda has lain down for an afternoon nap every day of her  life.

Lie, lay, lain

hint: "lay" takes a object (the head in the first example) and "lie" does not

Exercise: Write four sentences. Use each word twice.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Day 16!

Okay, today we will start as we usually do on Fridays. We will start with our Commonly Confused Words for the week!  After that, we will begin to talk about writing scholarship essays.

1. than, then

than (conj)- used for comparisons; used to introduce the second element or clause of a comparison of inequality

example: You are far more intelligent than you think.
example: He is much more fun than Bert.

then (adv)- at that time in the past; next in time, order, or space; at another time in the future; in that case; in addition; besides; yet; on the other hand

example: Let's go to the movies and then go out to eat.
example: He was much more fun, then.

hint: "than" is used as a comparison word, and "then" tells when. 

1. That building seems taller (than, then) this one.
2. I don't see how you can say one thing and (than, then) change your mind so easily.
3. There is no question that lead is heaver (than, then) silver.
4. Buildings made of steel are much stronger (than, then) those made of wood.
5. I like to get Chinese food every now and (than, then).

2. their, there, they're

their (pronoun)- the possessive case of the pronoun they, indicating ownership (they own it; it is their thing)

example: Grant and Hunter gave their best performance on the second night of the play.

there (adv)-  of or at a place; to into, or toward a place

example: There are several reasons why I don't want to dance.
example: Over there is the door the president will walk through.

they're- contraction of they are

example: They're supposed to save their money instead of spending it on silly things.

Write six sentences. Use each word in two sentences.  Exchange your sentences with a classmate. Read your partner's sentences to make sure the words are used correctly.

3. all ready, already

all ready (adj)-  prepared; completely ready

example: The volunteers at the homeless shelter were all ready to serve dinner to those waiting in the long line.

already (adv)- before some specified time; previously

example: By the time Sylvia arrived at school, classes had already begun.

1. Clarence had his math homework (all ready, already) to pass in.
2. The math test was for one hour, but Scott had  (all ready, already) finished in a half-hour.
3. (All ready, Already) for the prom, Denise discovered a tear in her dress.
4. Kyong had  (all ready, already) selected a topic for her research paper.