October,+2013

=October Class Notes:=

=Grammar Review: (pages 135-6 in Write Source 2000)=

Finding a subject and an action verb in a sentence.
WHO or WHAT is doing the action? (subject)

WHAT IS DOABLE? (action verb)

WATCH FOR "BE" VERBS: (is, was, were, am, are, etc.)

1) Use specific nouns (person, place, thing, idea)
Examples: Lois Lowry, Statue of Liberty, popcorn, monarchy

Broad Category of Nouns = FOOTWEAR Specific noun = sneakers, boots, flats, loafers, combat boots, mocassins, sandals, bunny slippers, dress shoes, oxfords, high tops, flip flops, dot booties, high heels, ballet flats, platforms, flippers

Broad category= FOOD specific food: lasagna, rhubarb,filet mignon, sour cream and onion potato chip, KFB filet mignon, carrots, brussel sprouts, burritos, baked mac and cheese, cheeseburger, BBQ chicken, milano cookies, rice noodles, escargot, cupcakes, ice cream sundae

2) Choose vivid verbs:

 * Use action-packed verbs to make your writing lively and interesting.


 * Avoid using the "be" verb too often. Many times a better verb can be substituted.

Example: Rosa is a persuasive speaker in debates. VS. Rose speaks persuasively in debates

Instead of walk use trudged, stomp, slumped, skipped, speed-walk, bolted, jog, tiptoed, galloped, scampered, power-walked, hopped, marched, crawled.

**3) Choose effective modifiers:**

 * Avoid adjectives that are used so frequently that they carry little weight or meaning (nice, big, pretty, small, cute, fun, good, and funny)
 * Use an adverb when you think they can help describe the action in a sentence. (Example: We ** barely ** squeezed through the doorway before it shut.)

4) Choose words with Feeling:

 * The words in your writing should not only be specific and colorful, but they should also have the right feeling or **connotation.** Don't settle for just any old word--find the word with the right meaning an feeling.