December 6, 2023 Skills

Part One.
Idiom(s) of the Day
Directions: Here are several idioms that we will read and discuss today. Have you ever heard them before? Can you think of a time when these idioms would fit right in? We will talk about both the paraphrase we would make (its literal meaning) as well as the inference (its figurative meaning) that an idiom requires!

We will also understand why, in this case, the inference is what we are looking for!

Idiom #1:
When you enjoy your job AND you get paid a lot to do it, that's just the icing on the cake.

Idiom #2:
No matter what happens in life, it is important to keep your chin up!

Idiom #3:
Anni introduced the members of her family who were in the audience by saying, "This is my mother, my father, my sister Katia, and last but not least, my younger brother Carlos."

Idiom #3:
I did not understand what the salesman was saying. It was obvious he was trying to get me to buy something expensive, but I was confused by all his mumbo jumbo!

Part Two.
Semicolon Review!
Directions: Please look at the two sentences listed for each numbered item below. Connect them by adding a semicolon in the correct place. Rewrite what has now become ONE sentence in the space provided.

Example: Tom was a quarterback. He once played for the New England Patriots.
Your New Sentence: Tom was a quarterback; he once played for the New England Patriots.

1. There are so many fun things to do in December. I particularly enjoy baking and decorating.
Your new sentence: 

2. Susi went to the mall yesterday. All her purchases fit into two gigantic shopping bags.
Your new sentence: 

3. Music is an important part of my life. I enjoy all types and listen every day!
Your new sentence:

NOW, let's use a semicolon to take the place of a conjunction in a sentence.
Remember: A conjunction is a connection between clauses in a sentence.

Example: It was snowing quite a bit, and it took me fifteen minutes just to clear my windshield.
Your new sentence: It was snowing quite a bit; it took me fifteen minutes just to clear my windshield.

Note: Notice that the conjunction disappears in your new sentence; it is replaced by a semicolon!

4. Tamika cooked dinner at 5 PM every day, and she rushed off to her night job right after!
Your new sentence:

5. I couldn't believe how long Jena had studied for her test, but it was no surprise she passed easily!
Your new sentence: 

6. The team won the football game, and they will be in the Super Bowl this year!
Your new sentence:


Bonus Question: Is the semicolon used correctly in the following sentence?
Correct        Incorrect     I have so much to do today; my aunt's name is Barbara.
Tell why you chose the answer you did in this space:


Part Three.
Review of Metaphor and Onomatopoeia
Directions: Please select the metaphor in the sentences below. Be prepared to discuss which qualities are being compared!

1. Pat Benatar says that love is a battlefield in one of her songs.
Metaphor:
Comparison:

2. Sonny is a shining star. She deserves the award she just received!
Metaphor:
Comparison:

3. Sondra is a machine when she types on that keyboard!
Metaphor:
Comparison:


NEXT, let's pick out the words that represent onomatopoeia! Simply underline the words!


4. The basketball went straight through the hoop with a swish!

5. The bee buzzed all over the garden as it searched for its favorite flower.

6. Tim was working on a puzzle carefully. Crash! His pup jumped on the table, and all the pieces fell to the floor.


Part Four
Cause and Effect
Directions: Please put the following sentences in the correct sequential order! Be ready to talk about why you chose the answer you did. 

1. Samantha studied and practiced her skills each evening.
2. Samantha wanted to pass her HiSETs.

Is this correct: Yes     No

1. I had to clear some snow off my steps today.
2. It snowed earlier this morning.

Is this correct:  Yes     No

1. Ruth found the perfect present for her dad.
2. Ruth bought a leather jacket at Macy's.

Is this correct:  Yes     No

1. The store was so crowded.
2. Sylvia had a hard time walking around in the new boutique.

Is this correct:  Yes     No

Bonus: True      False     The plot in a novel is created by a series of causes and effects.

Part Five:
Root of the Day
Today's root: uni-

Origin: Latin     Meaning: one     Examples: unicycle, uniform, unit, unity, unique, unicorn and more!!
Sentence Example: A unicorn is a mythical animal that looks like a horse and has ONE horn on its forehead.

Let's discuss some of the other examples of words containing uni- above. Can you use each in an effective sentence in the space below? Give it a try! 




Part Six:
Grammar Challenge
Subject and Verb Agreement
Directions: In the sentences below, please select the correct verb that works best with the SUBJECT of each sentence.

Remember: The subject is the main noun or pronoun that is doing the main action in the sentence. There may be other nouns in the sentence, but only one is the star:)

1. The box of beads (was, were) on the table.
2. The lady who is wearing bright blue boots (was, were) waiting to demonstrate how comfortable they are.
3. The shiny, silver poles in my bus (was, were) easy to hold onto.
4. The boys from the basketball team (was, were) hoping to make it to the next round of the tournament.
5. The cars at the dealership (was, were) all brand new.
6. Do you (want, wants) pancakes or eggs for breakfast?
7. Sam (want, wants) both foods!
8. The Mustang that was speeding down the highway (was, were) soon stopped by the police!
9. So many foods from the local deli (is, are) delicious!
10. How many cakes from the bakery do you (need, needs)?

Part Seven:
Now go back to Part Six!!
Directions: List all the prepositional phrases you can find in sentences 1 - 10 in the space below!

Example: of beads




Bonus: Can you add a clause to sentence number seven above!!
Remember: A clause includes a verb while a phrase does not!!


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