Skills Board for March 14, 2023 (Remember--we did not do these skills in class yet. Instead, we worked on "Writing Part Two" on our March 9 Skills Board. You can find it below today's work. I have changed the date so we know where to begin.

A Mix of Skills Review and New Lessons

1. Idiom of the Day:
When Todd didn't pick up the phone for a week, Shari decided to give him a taste of his own medicine and would not answer the phone when he finally called.

2. Idiom #2:
Ted is a true friend; he would run to my side at the drop of a hat.

3. Personification:
Can you find this literary device in the following sentences?
a. You never know when opportunity will knock--so be prepared for it when it does!
b. I wanted to stay home, but the mall was calling my name!

4. Grammar Review:
a. (Who, Whom) will you bring with you today?
b. To (who, whom) should I address this letter?

​5. New Grammar Lesson:
Whoever vs. Whomever

Whoever is a subject pronoun (like "who").

Whomever is an object pronoun (like "whom").

Example: The president can pardon whomever he wishes.
Example: Whomever you call first is your closest friend.

Note: These pronouns are a bit more emphatic than their counterparts!

Example: Whoever decides to attend the meeting will be given a gift bag.
Example: Whoever owns this jacket should hang it on the coat rack.
Example: Can you please contact whoever lost this wallet?

Please find the verbs in the sentences above. Let's see if they go with these pronouns or if they work with a different noun in the sentence. This is how we will know whether to use a subject or object pronoun!

6. Idiom Review:
If we are all in the same boat, we:
a. are on a cruise shop to Hawaii
b. share common goals and feel a sense of community with each other
c. need more life jackets

7. When actions speak louder than words, we:
a. can see how a person truly is by their deeds
b. are hearing things
c. may need to lower the volume

8. Cause and Effect:
Effect: Thousands of people attended the concert.
Cause: __________________________________________________

9. Question and Answer:
Answer: It's a stormy Tuesday morning.
Question: ________________________________________________

10. Root Review:
Which of these situations shows an iniquity:
a. Everyone in the classroom receives a Chromebook to use.
b. Everyone but Rosana receives a Chromebook.
c. Chromebooks have been ordered for the entire school.

Which mathematical equations represent an equivalent value? (Please select all that apply)
a. 100 - 2 = 98
b. 1/2 = 50%
c. 1 = 100%
d. .75 = 75%

10. Fact or Opinion:
a. Sondra is a talented vocalist.
b. Basketball is the best sport!
c. Playing hockey also requires ice skating skills.
d. Boston is the capital of Massachusetts.
e. It is truly wonderful to have been born in Boston!
f. Boston is a great place to visit!

NOW turn the statements above that are facts into opinions, and then turn the opinions into facts!

Homework:
Choose one topic sentence from the list below for an expository essay you will begin writing today!

a. Education should be free for all Americans.
b. Taking a siesta, a short afternoon nap, is beneficial for adults.
c. Listening to music can improve your daily life.
d. Research shows that watching sports can be good for your mental health.
e. When you follow directions carefully, you can create a (name a food) for your family tonight!
f. It takes a lot of practice to play the (name an instrument), but if you do so every day, you will become an accomplished musician in no time.

Note: You will follow the same steps we used in our previous writing lesson dated March 9. We will review the organization of your essay to be sure you know exactly what to do.

Remember that expository writing is factual, while persuasive/argument writing includes opinions.

A news story would be an example of expository writing, while an editorial would be an example of persuasive/argument writing. 

Good Luck!! I can't wait to read your essays!!