Friday, May 31, 2013

WEEK 4 2nd Writing Activity

Module 2 Writing Activity
In your journal, continue your sentence practice with noun and verb phrases. Write at least one of each of the noun phrases discussed in the unit (prepositional phrase, absolute phrase, and appositive phrase) and at least two of each of the verb phrases (infinitive phrase and participial phrase). You will, therefore, write at least seven sentences for this journal activity. As in the first assignment, underline the phrase in each sentence and consider its function in both as a modifier and an aspect of your writing style.

Prepositional Phrases
1. He cried, "Off with his head!" in a booming voice.
2. Beneath the tree, lay the tired old man.
3. His cycle stood against the tall tree as he plucked mangoes for his granny.
Absolute Phrases.
1. She called the guests over to the table, with the appetizing food invitingly spread on it.
2. The horses galloped along, heels clicking in a musically synchronized manner.
Appositive Phrases
1. His guitar, an expensive Gibson, shone in the lights, while he played on.
2. His hair, Elvis Presley style, looked amazingly good on him.
Infinitive and Participial Phrases
1. To swim in the river, after learning in a small pool, was quite a task.
2. To play the drums, after a gap of two years, felt like a homecoming.
3. Running for the marathon, seemed refreshing.
4. Exhausted after such a long walk on foot in the sun, she felt she will collapse.


Thursday, May 30, 2013

Week 4

Module 1 Writing Activity
In your writing journal, begin to practice building sentences with adjective and adverbial clauses. As in Unit 3, you may find it helpful to be observing a scene in nature while you compose sentences. Using the lists associated with each of these types of clauses, write at least three (3) sentences including adjective clauses and three (3) sentences including adverbial clauses. Underline the adjective and adverbial clauses. Consider their function in both as a modifier and an aspect of your writing style.

We were holidaying on the pristine hills of Nainital. The guide, who was keen on taking us to a trek, the next morning, eagerly described about the breathtaking views and scenery we would come across. Rather than lazing, and waking up late, all four of us voted in favor of the trek. Whenever my daughter has to wake up early she starts going bananas. For someone who is a night bird, any early morning assignment seems like a herculean task. The team with whom we had to go, was super excited. We met at dinner, and all the discussions were centered around the next mornings trek. Nainital, after all has some of the best trekking routes of the Himalayas. Rather than accepting any other sport offered there, we thought hiking would be the best. So that we wake up fresh and bright, we turned in early. The walk up, which was to be at the Naina peak, was considered as challenging, and we seemed to be all set. I remembered those days, when I was little and dreamt of climbing mountains.I was going to realize that dream!! Cheers to that, I thought.


Monday, May 27, 2013

Module 2 Writing Activity

Module 2 Writing Activity
In your journal, continue your observation list of the scene you observed for Unit 3, Journal Assignment 1 by noting several vivid action verbs. Revise some of your sentences using action verbs and/or write 2-3 new sentences with action verbs. Try not to use any of the forms of “to be” (is, are, was, etc.).  Underline the action verbs in your sentences. Again, you will want to keep all of these sentences at hand as you do the peer reviewed writing at the end of the unit.

Shawn, Jane, and their pretty little daughter, Emilia were rushing towards their train. Their coach seemed to be far from where they were.They rushed past several shops and eateries. The hawker selling candies tried to allure Emilia. She could not resist asking her mom to buy her some. But to no avail. A divine aroma of coffee emanated from the cafeteria, they just passed. It was so alluring! Ah! But they had to rush. They were in a hurry. The hustle and bustle at the railway station was palpating. It was like a sea of people. Some waiting for their loved ones to arrive, some accompanying their darlings to see them off. Sweethearts holding hands, hating to say their bye's. Minnie was there too. She was there waiting for her father. She would be meeting him after a long gap of twelve years! The crowd around her, some briskly walking to catch a train, some loitering around, some hastily advancing towards "help" counters wanting to confirm their tickets. But her mind was steady, mindless of all happening around her. She pondered and reminisced over all those years she had spent at home, with her family..Minnie wondered how her pa would look like now. Older, of course, but any less in vitality and zing, she doubted. She was happy to be getting together and spending some time with him.

WEEK 3 ASSESSMENT

Drawing from your observation notes and sentences from Journal Writing Assignments 1 and 2, write a description of the scene you have observed. Use action verbs and active voice in your sentences. Also, keep your verbs in the same tense and maintain correct subject-verb agreement. Your description should consist of 8 or more sentences. 

Shawn was carrying little Emilia in his arms. Jane ran along beside him.  Emilia had a teddy tucked tightly close to her chest. They had reached the station late, and were now rushing towards their coach. A hawker selling sugar candies, allured the girl with one. She urged her parents to buy it for her. But, they had no time to listen to her. A strong aroma of coffee emanated from the cafetaria, begging them to sit and enjoy the beverage. The trio sadly had no time for this luxury. They jumped in with their luggage, and the train chugged along. The hustle and bustle at the railway station was palpating. The railway station was like a sea of people. Some waiting for their loved ones to arrive, some accompanying their darlings to see them off. Sweethearts were holding hands, hating to say their bye's. Minnie was there too. She was there waiting for her father to arrive. She would be meeting him after a long gap of twelve years! The crowd around her, some briskly walking to catch a train, some loitering around, some hastily advancing towards "help" counters wanting to confirm their tickets. But her mind was steady, mindless of all happening around her. She pondered and reminisced over all those years she had spent at home, with her family..Minnie wondered how her pa would look like now. Older, of course, but any less in vitality and zing, she doubted. She was happy to be getting together and spending some time with him.

Week 3 Writing activity

Module 1 Writing Activity
Observe a scene, preferably in a crowded, busy, or public place. List the activities that you see occurring and the actors (those doing the activity). Write 5-6 sentences that use your observation list and underline the subjects of your sentences. Write a few sentences experimenting with using different types of pronouns from the tables in Unit 3. You will want to keep all of these sentences at hand as you do the writing activities for this unit.

Shawn, Jane, and their pretty little daughter, Emilia were rushing towards their train. Their coach was a few more steps away. They rushed past several shops and eateries. The hawker selling candies tried hard to allure Emilia, who could not resist asking her mom to buy her some. But to no avail. A yummy aroma of coffee emanated from the cafeteria, they just passed. Ah! But they had to rush. They were in a hurry. The hustle and bustle at the railway station was palpating. There were people there waiting for  thei r loved ones to arrive. Minnie was there too. She was there waiting for her father. She would be meeting him after a gap of twelve years. (...to be continued..)

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Week 2 Assignment

Assignment

Choose two of the sentences listed below to expand by adding logical additional parts of speech (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositional phrases). Be sure that you have read the "Parts of Speech at Work" that is immediately after "Interjections." Each sentence should contain a minimum of 12 unique words to earn full points; additional words beyond twelve may repeat previous words and will not count against the writer.
  • The children play.
  • The woman walks.
  • The sharks swim.
  • The flowers bloom.
  • The wind blows.
  • The computer hums.
The children play 

The lively, bright children, played happily in the hot summer sun, climbing on top of tall mango trees, in the park, across the street, plucking and eating ripe, juicy mangoes.

2. The beautiful woman
The beautiful woman, in her pretty red dress walks by the sea, hand in hand with her friend, laughing and talking animatedly, tossing her lustrous, long hair back carelessly, as a cool breeze blows.