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Name____________________________________ Date______________________________ Period_________

CAHSEE Homework Organizer #3 of 4Writing Strategies Differentiation

Due: Tuesday, 28 February 2012

All homework must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete or incorrect homework will not receive any points! Random homework checks will be completed at the teacher’s discretion and students will be expected to have all assigned work complete and ready to be stamped at any time.

Special CAHSEE Reminder: To avoid a homework card and a zero, you must provide evidence that you have used the Six-Step Start-Up (underlining, highlighting, stars, notes in margins, etc.) and POE (wrong answers crossed out).

AssignmentNumber

Assignment Description Due Date Assignment Value

Points Earned

1“Clauses, Phrases, and Punctuation” Practice Test Questions All questions answered according to the directions.

Thursday, 2/16 25

2Review: “Clauses, Phrases, and Punctuation” All questions answered according to the directions.

Friday, 2/17 25

3 Figurative Language All questions answered according to the directions.

Tuesday, 2/21 25

4 “English Usage” Practice Test Questions All questions answered according to the directions.

Wednesday, 2/22 25

5 Identifying Genre and Purpose All questions answered according to the directions.

Thursday, 2/23 25

6 Review: “English Usage” All questions answered according to the directions.

Friday, 2/24 25

7“Sentence Construction” Practice Test Questions All questions answered according to the directions.

Monday, 2/27 25

8Answer Key and Self-Reflection All questions answered according to the directions. Attach to the end of this packet.

Tuesday, 2/28 10

9Grammar Packet All blanks filled in, even for days you were absent. Attach to the end of this packet.

Tuesday, 2/28 35

Total Points Earned(of 220)

Assignment #1: Due Thursday, 16 February 2012

Clauses, Phrases and PunctuationStandard: WOC 1.1 – Identify and correctly use clauses, phrases, and mechanics of punctuation.ESLR: Resourceful Learner – Take responsibility for learningRationale: On the CAHSEE you will be asked to identify correctly punctuated sentences. You should be familiar with the rules and conventions of punctuation. You probably already have a firm grasp on how to punctuate sentences, but here are a few definitions to jog your memory.Directions: Review the definitions below and then answer the questions that follow.

1. Main Clause (a.k.a. Independent Clause): A simple sentence within a compound sentence. It is joined to the rest of the sentence with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or by a semicolon. From your grammar review: it contains a subject and a verb, and it can stand on its own.

a. Example: I need to get up and do something, but I am very tired.

b. Example: I’m going to the airport; it’s an hour by car if I obey all traffic laws.

2. Subordinate Clause (a.k.a. Dependent Clause): A clause (contains a subject and predicate) that cannot stand on its own; it must be joined to a main clause to create a sentence. When the subordinate clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, it is separated from the main clause by a comma.

a. Example: Before the hairdresser cuts your hair, she will wash and condition it.

b. Example: The hairdresser will wash and condition your hair before she cuts it.

i. Notice there is no comma when the subordinate clause is at the end.

3. Gerund Phrase: A gerund (-ing verb acting as a noun) along with its modifiers. There is no punctuation between a gerund phrase and the rest of the sentence.

a. Example: Telling a lie is a surefire way to get in trouble.

4. Infinitive Phrase: An infinitive (to plus a verb’s base form, often used as a noun) plus complements and modifiers. There is no punctuation between an infinitive phrase and the rest of the sentence.

a. Example: Amelia’s only dream was to learn to fly.

5. Participial Phrase: A participle (-ing or –ed verb acting as an adjective) plus words that complete its meaning. When a participial phrase comes before the word it modifies, a comma is necessary.

a. Example: Prancing crazily around the room, Isaiah knocked the lamp off the table.

b. Example: From a distance, the fireflies dancing in midair looked like sparks from a bonfire.

i. Notice there is no comma when the participial phrase comes after the word it modifies.

Directions: Choose the BEST replacement for the underlined section of each sentence. Select “Correct as is” if the section does not need to be replaced. Be sure to use POE and answer the additional questions.

1. Choose the set of words that BEST completes the following sentence.

While the clothes were______________ to get to the grocery store and back.

A in the dryer: Federico had time

B in the dryer; Federico had time

C in the dryer, Federico had time

D in the dryer. Federico had time

Using the list of five rules for punctuating clauses and phrases above (and your grammar packets), explain why your answer is correct.

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2. Isabella went to audition for the school play she was dying to be cast in the role of Heidi.

A for the school play: she was dying

B for the school play, she was dying

C for the school play; she was dying

D Correct as is.

Using the list of five rules for punctuating clauses and phrases above (and your grammar packet), explain why your answer is correct.

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3. Carlotta is always playing practical jokes on me. But I think I have something up my sleeve that is better than any joke she’s ever played.

A jokes on me: But I think

B jokes on me, but I think

C jokes on me but I think

D Correct as is


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4. Jumping up in the air, Zoe grabbed the basketball and raced down the court.

A in the air Zoe grabbed

B in the air. Zoe grabbed

C in the air Zoe, grabbed

D Correct as is.


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5. That bottle, on the edge of the counter, is going to fall if someone doesn’t move it soon.

A That bottle, on the edge of the counter: is going to fall

B That bottle on the edge of the counter, is going to fall

C That bottle on the edge of the counter is going to fall

D Correct as is.

Using your grammar packet, explain why your answer is correct.

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6. Choose the set of words that BEST completes the following sentence.

While you’re in the basement, can you _____________ for a game we’re playing.

A please bring up my hula hoop I need it

B please bring up my hula hoop: I need it

C please, bring up my hula hoop? I need it

D please bring up my hula hoop? I need it

Using your grammar packet, explain why your answer is correct.

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Assignment #2: Due Friday, 17 February 2012

Review: Clauses, Phrases and PunctuationStandard: WOC 1.1 – Identify and correctly use clauses, phrases, and mechanics of punctuation.ESLR: Resourceful Learner – Take responsibility for learningRationale: On the CAHSEE you will be asked to identify correctly punctuated sentences. You should be familiar with the rules and conventions of punctuation. You probably already have a firm grasp on how to punctuate sentences, but here are a few definitions to jog your memory.Directions: Review the definitions below and then answer the questions that follow.

1. Main Clause (a.k.a. Independent Clause): A simple sentence within a compound sentence. It is joined to the rest of the sentence with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or by a semicolon. From your grammar review: it contains a subject and a verb, and it can stand on its own.

a. Example: I need to get up and do something, but I am very tired.

b. Example: I’m going to the airport; it’s an hour by car if I obey all traffic laws.

2. Subordinate Clause (a.k.a. Dependent Clause): A clause (contains a subject and predicate) that cannot stand on its own; it must be joined to a main clause to create a sentence. When the subordinate clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, it is separated from the main clause by a comma.

a. Example: Before the hairdresser cuts your hair, she will wash and condition it.

b. Example: The hairdresser will wash and condition your hair before she cuts it.

i. Notice there is no comma when the subordinate clause is at the end.

3. Gerund Phrase: A gerund (-ing verb acting as a noun) along with its modifiers. There is no punctuation between a gerund phrase and the rest of the sentence.

a. Example: Telling a lie is a surefire way to get in trouble.

4. Infinitive Phrase: An infinitive (to plus a verb’s base form, often used as a noun) plus complements and modifiers. There is no punctuation between an infinitive phrase and the rest of the sentence.

a. Example: Amelia’s only dream was to learn to fly.

5. Participial Phrase: A participle (-ing or –ed verb acting as an adjective) plus words that complete its meaning. When a participial phrase comes before the word it modifies, a comma is necessary.

a. Example: Prancing crazily around the room, Isaiah knocked the lamp off the table.

b. Example: From a distance, the fireflies dancing in midair looked like sparks from a bonfire.

i. Notice there is no comma when the participial phrase comes after the word it modifies.

Directions: Choose the BEST replacement for the underlined section of each sentence. Select “Correct as is” if the section does not need to be replaced. Be sure to use POE and answer the additional questions.

1. Joe was really surprised that Sandy had taken the dog with her.

A taken

B had took

C had of took

D Correct as is.

Which two answer choices can you eliminate because they are NEVER correct? __________ and __________

Try the remaining two answer choices – the one that sounds most correct is probably in the correct tense!

2. It’s relaxing to sit here and watch the ducks in the lake.

A It’s relaxing to sit here and,

B It’s relaxing to sit here, and

C It’s relaxing to sit here; and

D Correct as is.

Using the five rules for punctuating clauses and phrases above (and your grammar packet), explain why this is the correct answer. (Hint: Are there two independent clauses in this sentence, or is the subject doing two things?)

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Directions: For numbers 3-10, choose the word or phrase that BEST completes the sentence.

3. The green backpack has _________________ pockets than the blue one.

A least

B less

C fewest

D fewer

Using your grammar packet, explain why this is the correct answer. (Hint: It has to do with adjectives of comparison.)

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4. The musician played Wendy’s favorite waltz for her husband and _________________.

A I

B he

C she

D her

Need help with this one? Cross off “her husband and,” then plug in each of the answer choices. Only one of them should make sense. Which one is it?

5. When she ____________ the award, she blushed and quickly returned to her seat.

A excepted

B accepts

C accepted

D excepts

What does “accept” mean? ___________________________

What does “except” mean? ___________________________

Cross off the two answer choices that use the wrong form of “accept/except.”

What tense (past or present) is this sentence in? ___________

Cross off the remaining answer choice that is in the wrong tense, and you will have your answer!

6. The frightened pilot’s face was ashen as he gingerly lowered the plane onto Smith’s private _____________ that time was running out for his ailing friend.

A runway: he knew

B runway, he knew

C runway. He knew

D runway but he knew

Using the five rules for punctuating clauses and phrases above (and your grammar packet), explain why this is the correct answer.

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7. “We should ________________ without the captain,” the coach said impatiently.

A proceeds

B precede

C precedent

D proceed

Use Word Dissection! What is the definition of the word that probably fits in the blank? _______________________

-cede/ceed means go

Pro- means___________________

Pre- means___________________

Which answer choice has the closest definition and is in the correct tense? Look it up if you have to!

Assignment #3: Due Tuesday, 21 February 2012Figurative Language

Standard: LRA3.7 – Recognize and understand the significance of various literary devices, including figurative language, imagery, allegory, and symbolism, and explain their appeal.ESLR: Resourceful Learner – Take responsibility for learningFigurative LanguageFigurative language is one of many literary techniques. When authors write figuratively, they use words and phrases to represent something other than what they actually mean. Here are three examples of figurative language:1) A metaphor makes a comparison between two things without using the words like or as. For example: The airplane was an eagle soaring through the clouds. Metaphors give readers a more detailed picture of what is happening in a story.2) A simile is similar to a metaphor, except for one important detail. Similes use the words like or as to make comparisons. For example: The coach acted like a young child when his team lost the game.3) Personification is a literary device in which objects, animals, or ideas are described using human characteristics. For example: The moonlight danced upon the water in the birdbath.

Directions: Read the passages and then answer the questions that follow. As you read, look for the literary techniques explained above.

Juan’s Science Journal

Lightning bolted across the inky sky, rain pelted the misty windows, and Juan’s science journal was missing. The journal was light gray, as big as his hand, and very, very important. On its thick white pages Juan recorded the results of his many experiments.

“All my observations regarding the ants in our backyard—gone!” Juan thought, pacing back and forth in his bedroom. “I absolutely must find that journal.”

He stopped suddenly. “I’ll approach this problem like a good scientist,” he thought. “I’ll form a hypothesis and then investigate it.”

Juan rushed down the stairs, eager to find his father. “Hey, Dad!” he yelled, leaping down the last three steps.

“I’m in here,” Juan’s dad answered. Juan hurried to the kitchen, where his father was tossing a salad.

“You don’t have to yell,” his father said. “This isn’t the Grand Canyon—it’s just our little house.”

“Sorry, Dad,” Juan answered, stealing a baby carrot from the salad. “But I’m looking for my own science journal.”

Juan’s father stopped what he was doing. “When did you last have it?” he asked Juan.

“This afternoon.”

“The last time I saw it was two days ago at breakfast,” Juan’s father recalled as he reached for a handful of cherry tomatoes. “Your sister was giving you a hard time about your grasshopper experiment.”

“You mean my ant observations,” Juan corrected him.

Juan’s father smiled apologetically. “Maybe your mother has seen it,” he said, his tone optimistic. “She’s in the garage looking for some paint.”

“I’ll try asking her,” Juan answered, nabbing another carrot on his way out.

Juan rushed out to the garage. His mother was rummaging through a cabinet, and the storm continued to rage outside. Heavy drops of rain marched across the roof.

“Have you seen my science journal?” Juan asked, almost out of breath.

“Well, hello to you too,” his mother answered, keeping her cool. Even when things got hairy, Juan’s mother was like a still and placid lake.

“Sorry, Mom,” Juan said. “Hello. How are you?”

“I’m fine, honey.”

“That’s good,” Juan said impatiently. “Now—have you seen my science journal?”

“Not recently,” she answered. “When did you last write in it?”

“This afternoon, when I was observing ants in the backyard,” Juan began. “It started to rain, so I ran under the awning on the back porch.”

“Then what happened?” Juan’s mother asked, listening carefully.

“Dad told me to get the newspaper off the front porch before it got sopping wet,” Juan answered.

“And then what happened?”

“I went and got the paper.”

“And what about your journal?” Juan’s mother maintained her patience.

Juan thought for a moment, and then his face lit up. In that moment, the noisy rain suddenly stopped, and a ray of light peeked through the clouds. The sun smiled down on Juan.

1. Identify an example of a simile in the story. How can you distinguish this use of figurative language from a metaphor?

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2. Consider the following sentence from the passage: “Heavy drops of rain marched across the roof.” Is this an example of a metaphor, a simile, or personification? What effect does this statement have on you as you read it?

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A Great American Athlete

If you ask a room full of people, “Who was the greatest American athlete of the 1990s?” you are likely to get a number of different answers. Some people might say Michael Jordan, the basketball player, while others might argue for figure skater Michelle Kwan. Both of these athletes are truly great, having reached stunning heights in their respective sports, but in my opinion they are not the greatest. I believe that honor belongs to track athlete Gail Devers.

Devers’ competitive record in the 1990s is unparalleled. At the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, she won the one-hundred-meter dash. When the starting gun sounded for that race, she burst out of the blocks like a bullet and defeated both of the prerace favorites, Jamaican Merlene Ottey and American Gwen Torrence.

Over the next few years Devers continued to rack up victories. At the 1993 world championships she won the one-hundred-meter hurdles and the one-hundred-meter dash, a remarkable double victory. No one had accomplished that in forty-five years! She won the one-hundred-meter hurdles again at the 1995 world championships! At pressure-filled competitions she was an unshakable rock.

At the 1996 Olympics Devers once again emerged as one of the brightest stars. She won the one-hundred-meter dash, becoming only the second woman to repeat as champion in this event. Devers also helped the American women win a gold medal in the four-by-one-hundred-meter relay race. In 2000, at the age of thirty-three, Devers set the American record in the one-hundred-meter hurdles. This record still stands today—and refuses to budge.

Throughout the 1990s Devers soared through competitions like an eagle, her power and grace unmatched. She is certainly the greatest American athlete of that decade.

3. In the passage the author writes that Gail Devers “burst out of the blocks like a bullet.” Is this an example of a metaphor, a simile, or personification? How does this use of figurative language support the main argument of the passage?

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4. Consider the following sentence from the passage: “At pressure-filled competitions, she was an unshakable rock.” Is this an example of a metaphor, a simile, or personification? How does the use of figurative language affect your opinion of the author’s argument?

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5. Consider the following sentence from the passage: “Throughout the 1990s Devers soared through competitions like an eagle, her power and grace unmatched.” Is this an example of a metaphor, a simile, or personification? What effect does this statement have on you as you read it?

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6. Take another look at this sentence from the passage: “Throughout the 1990s Devers soared through competitions like an eagle, her power and grace unmatched.” Rewrite this sentence so it does not contain any figurative language. In what way does your rewrite differ from the original sentence?

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7. Consider this sentence from the passage: “This record still stands today—and refuses to budge.” Is this an example of a metaphor, a simile, or personification? How does this use of figurative language affect your opinion of Devers’s accomplishments?

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A Red, Red RoseBy Robert Burns

O my Luve’s like a red, red rose,That’s newly sprung in June:O my Luve’s like the melodieThat’s sweetly play’d in tune.As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,So deep in luve am I:And I will luve thee still, my dear,Till a’ the seas gang dry:Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;O I will luve thee still, my dear,While the sands o’ life shall run.And fare thee well, my only Luve,And fare thee well, a while!And I will come again, my Luve,Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.

8. Give an example of the author’s use of figurative language in the poem. Identify it as a metaphor, a simile, or personification.

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9. What effect does the author’s use of figurative language have on you as you read the poem?

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Directions: The following exercise allows you to practice using figurative language. Feel free to review the definitions of metaphor, simile, and personification before answering these questions. Be creative with your answers.

10. Think about your favorite actor. Write a brief paragraph or poem in which you describe that actor using metaphors and similes. Be sure to use at least one metaphor and one simile.

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11. Think about something you did before you arrived at school this morning. Write a brief paragraph or poem in which you describe what you did using metaphors and similes. Be sure to use at least one metaphor and one simile.

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12. Think of an object in your classroom or school. Write a brief paragraph in which you describe that object using personification.

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Assignment #4: Due Wednesday, 22 February 2012

English UsageStandard: WOC 1.3 – Demonstrate an understanding of proper English usage and control of grammar, paragraph and sentence structure, diction, and syntax.

ESLR: Resourceful Learner – Take responsibility for learning

Rationale: On the CAHSEE you will be asked to identify well-constructed sentences. To answer these questions, you should be familiar with the rules and conventions of sentence structure, with an emphasis on correct forms of verbs, pronouns, possessives, and superlatives.

Directions: Review the definitions below and then answer the questions that follow.

1. Questions about verb usage will ask you to recognize sentences in which verbs correctly agree with the subject of the sentence.

Example: The polish on the cowboy’s boots was wearing off.

The trick here is not to let the plural noun boots throw you off, causing you to use the plural verb were by mistake. Boots is not the subject of the sentence; polish is the subject.

2. Questions about pronoun usage will ask you to identify the correct pronoun in a given sentence.

Example: They were coming around the corner just as I rode up on my bike.

3. Questions about possessive pronouns will ask you to identify the correct form of a possessive pronoun in a given sentence.

Example: The puppy was so rambunctious that it tore apart its squeaky toy.

Be careful not to confuse its, which is a form of the possessive pronoun, with it’s, which is a contraction meaning it is.

4. Questions about the use of superlatives (usually end in –est; used to compare 3 or more things) and comparatives (usually end in –er; used to compare 2 things) will ask you to identify the appropriate superlative or comparative form in a given sentence.

Example of a superlative: At the concert, Jango sang the lowest note he’s ever sung.

Example of a comparative: Jango sang in a lower key than he had in yesterday’s rehearsal.

Directions: Choose the word that best completes the following sentences. Be sure to use POE and answer the additional questions.

1. In my opinion, good neighbors always mind __________ own business.

A there

B their

C his

D one’s

What is the subject of the sentence? ____________________

Is it singular or plural? ________________________________

Which two answers can you eliminate because they suggest the wrong number of people? __________ and __________

Define there. _______________________________________

Define their. _______________________________________

Use these definitions to help you select the right answer!

2. John threw the ball to________________.

A I

B we

C me

D he

This is an easy one – plug each answer choice in and see which one sounds right! We expect to see that you crossed off the wrong answers – use POE!

3. ________________ lives down the street from me in a big white house.

A Them

B They

C She

D Her

If the subject of this sentence “lives,” is the subject singular or plural? ____________________________________________

Which two answer choices can you eliminate because they suggest the wrong number of people? ________ and _______

4. The boys forgot _____________ book bags.

A their

B they’re

C theirs

D them

Define their. _______________________________________

Define they’re. ______________________________________

Use POE to cross out answers you know are wrong and narrow your choices down to the right answer!

Explain how you knew this was the correct answer.

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5. ________________ the best player on the team.

A Your

B You

C You’re

D Yours

Define your. ________________________________________

Define you’re. ______________________________________

Freebie (sort of)! Why is C a wrong answer? (Hint: What would be missing from the sentence? ____________________

Use POE to cross out answers you know are wrong and narrow your choices down to the right answer.

6. I can hit a baseball _____________ than George.

A more far

B farthest

C far

D farther

Using the four rules of English usage above (and your grammar packet), explain how you knew this was the correct answer. (Hint: It has to do with comparatives and superlatives.)

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7. The influence of the student representatives _______________ over the past five years.

A has decreased

B have decreased

C is decreasing

D were decreased

When did the student representatives’ influence decrease – did it happen once in the past, over a long period of time in the past, or is it still happening today?

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Cross out any answer choices that don’t fit with your answer to the above question.

Is “influence” (the subject) singular or plural? _____________

Cross off the answer choice that does not agree with the subject in number, and you should have your correct answer!

8. Dan has the _____________ theory about global warming that I’ve ever heard.

A interesting

B more interesting

C most interested

D most interesting

Using the four rules of English usage above (and your grammar packet), explain how you knew this was the correct answer. (Hint: It has to do with comparatives and superlatives.)

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Assignment #5: Due Thursday, 23 February 2012Identifying Genre and Purpose

Standard: LRA3.2 - Compare and contrast the presentation of a similar theme or topic across genres to explain how the selection of genre shapes the theme or topic.ESLR: Resourceful Learner – Take responsibility for learning

Rationale: In this lesson you will review how to identify the genre and purpose of a book or passage.Identifying GenreA genre is an artistic category that describes the content and style of a text. Some examples of genre in literature are the novel, the biography, drama, and poetry. Sometimes a good way to determine the genre of a text is to look at the title.

Here are some examples of different genres:*A novel is a lengthy work of prose fiction. Because there is no limit to how long it can be, a novel can have a complex plot with any number of characters, events, and settings.*A short story is a work of prose fiction that is usually less than forty pages long. A short story usually covers only a few characters in a specific plot that takes place during a limited period of time.*A reference book is a text that contains factual information about one subject or a wide variety of subjects. An example of a reference book is an encyclopedia.

*A biography is a factual text that gives an account of the life of a real person. Biographies are often about well-known public figures such as politicians, social activists, artists, and athletes.

*A play (or drama) is a dramatic composition that is intended to be performed on a stage.*A narrative poem tells a story through rhythmic, often rhyming verse. Narrative poems contain all the elements of a story, including plot, characters, and setting.

*Other genres include essays, articles, poems, etc.

Directions: The school library has just received a donation of books, and student Aisha Wagner has volunteered to help sort them. Help her by writing the genre of each book beside its title. Some genres will be used more than once.

novel reference book play

poetry biography short story

1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ______________

2. Romeo and Juliet ____________________________

3. The Encyclopedia of Airplanes __________________

4. Summer Poems _________________________

5. George Washington, President and General ____________

6. The Physician’s Desk Reference _________________

7. The Poetry of Emily Dickinson ___________________

8. An Illustrated History of World War II ____________

9. The Collected Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway ______________

10. Moby Dick __________________________________

Identifying PurposeDifferent genres have different purposes. For example, the purpose of a biography is to educate readers about somebody’s life. Some genres are used for research (reference books), and others are read for pleasure (fiction and poetry). Some genres, including biographies, can be read for pleasure and used for research. The three most common purposes are to inform, to persuade, and to entertain.

Directions: The following are titles of books donated to the school library that Aisha is going to highlight in a school newsletter. Identify the specific purpose of each book below its title. For example, the purpose of The Illustrated Source of African Monkeys is to provide pictures and information about African monkeys. The purpose of Tales to Scare You Silly is most likely to entertain with short, fictional scary stories.

11. A Beginner’s Guide to Carpentry

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12. An Illustrated History of Los Angeles

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13. The Life and Times of Theodore Roosevelt

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14. Felines, Fish, and Frogs: Funny Poems about Pets

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15. Cookies: Recipes for the Whole Family

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16. Can You Solve It? A Collection of Mystery Stories

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17. Pasta Dishes in Ten Minutes or Less

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18. The Princess and the Dragon

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Directions: Another shipment of books arrives, and Aisha is asked to sort them by considering what kind of school reports they would be used for. Write “sports,” “science,” or “history” next to each of the following book titles.

19. A Beginner’s Guide to Baseball ______________

20. How Columbus Explored America ____________

21. Football in the United States _______________

22. The Tragedy of Pearl Harbor ________________

23. The Physics of Automobiles ________________

24. Fossils and What They Mean _______________

25. The Civil War and Ulysses S. Grant ___________

26. How Tiger Woods Changed Golf _____________

Directions: Read each of the following excerpts from texts and then identify the genre (novel, reference book, biography, or poetry) and purpose for each excerpt.

It was that time of year for Derek to decide

What gifts he should buy for his loved ones.

December had arrived, it was so cold outside.

He was ready for some shopping and fun.

27. Which genre would best describe this text? _________________________

28. For what purpose would somebody read this text?

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The battle at the Alamo was one of the most pivotal moments in Texas history. Although the “freedom fighters” at the Alamo were so outnumbered that they couldn’t hold off Mexico’s attack, they are remembered today by many for their courage and perseverance.



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To stay alive, plants must convert energy from sunlight into chemical energy. This process is known as photosynthesis.



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Every day the little puppy would look out the window of the animal shelter and wonder if anybody would ever take him home. But when one Sunday came around, it was his lucky day. No more would he look out the window in deep anticipation. A beautiful family came in and adopted him. He had no idea of the adventures that were in store for him.



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You may think of peanuts as just a snack food, but George Washington Carver turned peanuts into much more. This was just one of many contributions during his amazing life as a scientist and inventor.



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Jota and Ashley were best friends and also were the two best players on the girls’ volleyball team at their school. They were good students and almost invincible teammates. They thought nothing could ever come between them, but that was before Ms. Tecu showed up and announced that she would be their new coach.



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Assignment #6: Due Friday, 24 February 2012

English UsageStandard: WOC 1.3 – Demonstrate an understanding of proper English usage and control of grammar, paragraph and sentence structure, diction, and syntax.


Rationale: On the CAHSEE you will be asked to identify well-constructed sentences. To answer these questions, you should be familiar with the rules and conventions of sentence structure, with an emphasis on correct forms of verbs, pronouns, possessives, and superlatives.


1. Questions about verb usage will ask you to recognize sentences in which verbs correctly agree with the subject of the sentence.

Example: The polish on the cowboy’s boots was wearing off.

The trick here is not to let the plural noun boots throw you off, causing you to use the plural verb were by mistake. Boots is not the subject of the sentence; polish is the subject.

2. Questions about pronoun usage will ask you to identify the correct pronoun in a given sentence.

Example: They were coming around the corner just as I rode up on my bike.

3. Questions about possessive pronouns will ask you to identify the correct form of a possessive pronoun in a given sentence.

Example: The puppy was so rambunctious that it tore apart its squeaky toy.

Be careful not to confuse its, which is a form of the possessive pronoun, with it’s, which is a contraction meaning it is.

4. Questions about the use of superlatives (usually end in –est; used to compare 3 or more things) and comparatives (usually end in –er; used to compare 2 things) will ask you to identify the appropriate superlative or comparative form in a given sentence.

Example of a superlative: At the concert, Jango sang the lowest note he’s ever sung.

Example of a comparative: Jango sang in a lower key than he had in yesterday’s rehearsal.

Directions: Choose the word that best completes the following sentences. Be sure to use POE and answer the additional questions.

1. The legendary goddess was the ________________ of all the Greek deities.

A beautifulest

B more beautiful

C most beautiful

D most beautifying

Using the four rules of English usage above (and your grammar packet), explain why your answer is correct. (Hint: It has to do with comparatives and superlatives.)

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2. What we didn’t expect is that _______________ would finish our project a week ahead of schedule.

A she and me

B she and I

C her and I

D her and me

Try this one pronoun at a time – which makes more sense in the blank: “she” or “her”? _____________________________

Cross out the two answers that use the wrong “she/her” pronoun.

Which makes more sense in the blank: “I” or “me”? ________

Cross out the last wrong answer, and you’ll have the right one!

3. “Which of the three Olympic runners is the ___________?” the spectator asked the judge.

A more fast

B fastest

C most fastest

D most fast


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4. The committee had _________________ last meeting on Tuesday.

A it’s

B its

C their

D they’re

Define it’s. _________________________________________

Define its. _________________________________________

Define their. _______________________________________

Define they’re. ______________________________________

Is “committee” singular or plural? ______________________

Cross off the two answer choices that don’t match the number of the subject.

Use the definitions above to eliminate the last wrong answer and find the correct one!

5. Tam left the decision up to __________________.

A we

B us

C she

D they

This one’s an easy one – sound it out! Don’t forget to cross off each wrong answer as you find it!

6. Many situations in life ___________ some knowledge.

A require

B does require

C is requiring

D requires

Is the subject of this sentence “situations” or “life”? ________

Is the subject singular or plural? ________________________

Cross off all of the answer choices that disagree with the subject in number – you should only have one left!

7. Mike said he was adjusting ______________ to the new environment.

A easier

B easily

C more easier

D easy


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8. A few years ago, ________________ attended the same school together.

A me and her

B she and I

C she and me

D I and she

Try this one pronoun at a time – which makes more sense in the blank: “she” or “her”? _____________________________

Cross out the two answers that use the wrong “she/her” pronoun.

Which makes more sense in the blank: “I” or “me”? ________

Cross out the last wrong answer, and you’ll have the right one!

Assignment #7: Due Monday, 27 February 2012

Sentence ConstructionStandard: WOC 1.2 – Understand sentence construction and proper English usage.


Rationale: On the CAHSEE you will be asked to identify well-constructed sentences. To answer these questions, you should be familiar with the rules and conventions of sentence structure, with an emphasis on correct forms, parallel structure, modifier placement, and consistency of verb tenses.


1. Parallel Structure: When two or more actions are being described in the same sentence, all verbs or verb phrases must be written in the same form.

Incorrect: My dog Max loves jumping over hedges and to chase Frisbees.

Correct: My dog Max loves to jump over hedges and to chase Frisbees.

2. This is true for nouns and phrases as well as verbs—that is, they have to be written in the same form.

Incorrect: Mr. Benjivengo is gifted not only as a teacher but also at writing novels.

Correct: Mr. Benjivengo is gifted not only at teaching but also at writing novels.

3. Verb Tense Consistency: When two or more actions are being described in a sentence, all verbs or verb phrases describing the same time period must be written in the same tense.

Incorrect: While I waited for the movie to begin, I was realizing that I’d forgotten all about my sister’s ballet recital.

Correct: While I waited for the movie to begin, I realized that I’d forgotten all about my sister’s ballet recital.

4. Subordination: A well-written sentence will flow from subject to verb to object without lengthy interruptions in between. When subordinate clauses interrupt the flow of a sentence, it can be awkward.

Awkward: Jesus, after working on his essay for three hours, decided to go outside for some fresh air.

Improved: After working on his essay for three hours, Jesus decided to go outside for some fresh air.

5. Modifier Placement: When modifiers are misplaced in a sentence, the results can be confusing.

Example: Unaware of what was happening, the fast-talking con artist swiped Jeanine’s watch.

i) This suggests that the con artist was unaware of what was happening.

More Precise: The fast-talking con artist swiped Jeanine’s watch while she was unaware of what was happening.

Directions: Choose the BEST replacement for the sentence that is underlined. Select “Correct as is” if the sentence does not need to be replaced. Be sure to use POE and answer the additional questions.

1. Dmitri’s ice cream melted while driving through rush hour traffic.

A Driving through rush-hour traffic, Dmitri’s ice cream melted.

B While driving Dmitri’s ice cream through rush-hour traffic, it melted.

C While Dmitri was driving through rush-hour traffic, his ice cream melted.

D Correct as is.

(Hint: This question deals with modifiers. Refer to the rules above or your grammar packet to help you. Think about who it sounds like is doing the action in the sentence – does it make sense?)

_____ can be eliminated because _______________________

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So, _____ is the correct answer because _________________

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2. To make bread, you have to mix the flour; adding the yeast, and to knead the dough.

A to mix the flour, add the yeast, and knead the dough.

B to have mixed the flour, added the yeast and to knead the dough.

C to mix the flour, adding the yeast, and going to knead the dough.

D Correct as is.

This question deals with parallel structure. There are three verbs in the list – underline all three verbs in each answer choice.

Put a checkmark next to each verb that matches the tense of the first verb in the list, and put an X next to each verb that does not match the tense of the first verb in the list.

The only list to have three checkmarks is the correct one!

3. As soon as Tamar arrived in the big city, she started to plan all the exciting things she wanted to do there.

A starts planning all the exciting things she wants to do there.

B would have planned all the exciting things she wants to do there.

C will plan all the exciting things she wants to do there.

D Correct as is.

If the sentence begins, “As soon as Tamar arrived . . .,” will the rest of the sentence be in present tense, past tense, or future tense? _______________________________________

Find the answer choice that matches this verb tense – it is your correct answer!

4. While cleaning the attic, Purnima’s doorbell rang .

A Purnima’s doorbell rang while cleaning the attic.

B While Purnima was cleaning the attic, the doorbell rang.

C While the doorbell rang, Purnima was cleaning the attic.

D Correct as is.

(Hint: This question deals with modifiers. Refer to the rules above or your grammar packet to help you. Think about who it sounds like is doing the action in the sentence – does it make sense?)


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So, _____ is the correct answer because _________________

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5. As soon as I get to school, I have to be putting on my uniform, warm up, and have gotten ready for the game.

A put on my uniform, warmed up, and gotten ready for the game

B put on my uniform, to warm up, and to get ready for the game

C put on my uniform, warm up, and get ready for the game

D Correct as is.

This question deals with parallel structure. There are three verbs in the list – underline all three verbs in each answer choice.

Put a checkmark next to each verb that matches the tense of the first verb in the list, and put an X next to each verb that does not match the tense of the first verb in the list.

The only list to have three checkmarks is the correct one!

6. By the time the desk was decided to be bought by them, they were the only ones left in the store.

A The desk was decided to be bought by them. They were

B They decided to buy the desk. By that time they were

C By the time they had decided to buy the desk, they were

D Correct as is.

Two of the answer choices are in passive voice. Cross out the two answer choices that have a “be” verb + another verb followed by a phrase starting with “by . . .”

List the eight “be” verbs here: _______________________________

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Of the two remaining choices, which one is the MOST clear? _______

Explain why your answer choice is correct.

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Directions: Choose the word or set of words that BEST completes each of the following sentences.

7. Floyd likes to be an___________ when doctors perform surgery at a local hospital.

A observation (Part of Speech: ________________________)

B observer (Part of Speech: __________________________)

C observing (Part of Speech: _________________________)

D observant (Part of Speech: _________________________)

Next to each answer choice, write its part of speech (noun, adjective, verb). The one that matches the blank in the sentence is the best choice!

8. Before long _________ to my side.

A will Benji come around

B Benji is coming

C Benji has been coming

D Benji will come around

If the sentence starts, “Before long . . .,” has it happened yet? ______

Cross off the two answer choices that are in the wrong tense. Of the remaining choices, select the one that is MOST clear.

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