welcome back! nye communities coalition writing seminar session #2
TRANSCRIPT
The PlanQuick review of last week
Collecting the homework
Q & A
Active VoiceWhat is it? Why is it important?Practice correcting passive voiceQ & A
The PlanParallel structure
sentences & listsQ & A
Punctuation mark of the day: Apostrophes
Hyphens next week
TransitionsWords & sentences
Active Voice vs. Passive Voice
What is it?
A verb is active if its subject performs the action.
A verb is passive if its action is performed upon the subject.
Often the person or item performing the action is in a prepositional phrase at the end of the sentence.
Examples
Rob wrote several sample sentences.
The sentences were written by Rob.
Why Use Active Voice?
Active voice is generally preferred because it uses fewer words.
Active voice is generally more specific and direct.
Passive voice can be used to emphasize the receiver of an action as opposed to the “doer” of the action.
Parallel StructureWhat is it
Parallelism is the placement of equal ideas, often in a list, into similar structures.
Examples
Faulty:The waiter suggested lamb chops, green beans, and that we try the sweet potatoes.
Correct:The waiter suggested lamb chops, green beans and sweet potatoes.
Parallel StructureLists
Bulleted lists should follow parallel structure.
We have a plan:• gather data• assess need• write proposals• wait for money
Notice each item in the list begins with an action verb.
Fix Me
Here is a list of items to consider for writing grants:• active voice• being concise• correct
punctuation• how to organize
ApostrophesTwo Uses
Contractions
Possessives
Not for plurals!
Examples
Have not = haven’t
Will not = won’t------------------
The ball is John’s.
Mr. Williams' homework
Tattoos and Piercings
The Apostrophe to Memorize
Its
The possessive form
The dog buried its bones.
It’s
The contraction for “it is”
It’s time for dinner.
TransitionsPurpose: to create fluency within a text
Words
Phrases
however, therefore, finally, also, otherwise
on the other hand, most important, in other words, for example
Transition Examples
George and Al disappeared into another room. They emerged wearing clown costumes.
George and all disappeared into another room. A few minutes later, they emerged wearing clown costumes.
Do this one…
North Americans often serve hot chocolate with whipped cream. South Americans often add cinnamon and sometimes orange rind.
Review
The move was seen by our whole family.
A good speech must be audible, logical, and have clarity.
This is Robs classroom.
I’m interested in getting several tattoo’s.
Its not my fault.
Not everyone did poorly on the exam. Janet scored over 90 percent.