Talking about Writing, Part Four: A sequential programme of sentence structure, grammar, punctuation and usage for Grade 11 with accompanying Answer K - Shirley Campbell B. a. M. a. - Bog

Talking about Writing is for high school teachers
and students who

1.
need a common vocabulary with which
to discuss written language;

2.
desire a working knowledge of the
chief elements of sentence structure, grammar, usage and punctuation
as they apply to the writing process;

3.
demand an integrated approach, and
a sequenced format adaptable to individual lessons; and

4.
appreciate the help of an Answer
key.

A mechanic immersed in the intricacies of engine repair does
not ask for a "thingummy" or a "whatsit."
He or she names the tool and holds out a hand to receive it.
In the same way, teachers and students poring over the products
of the writing process need a basic common vocabulary with
which to discuss the work. They need to make mutually understandable
statements which will clarify and improve the material under review.
For example, "This sentence contains a misplaced modifier"
is more helpful and precise than 'Don't you think putting
this bit in a different place will make the sentence sound better?'
Talking about Writing supplies this basic vocabulary.
The text has a simple format. It teaches the recognition of
the nine sentence errors which writers commonly make. It
integrates the grammar necessary to understand each sentence
error. Sentence combining, usage, and punctuation exercises
strengthen writing technique.
Talking about Writing fills a need for both a
concrete objective in English language study and a teaching
plan. It provides a method of entry - the nine sentence errors
- which is useful to many: beginning teachers, for example; teachers
of other subjects who have been asked to pick up one or two blocks
of English in the timetable; teachers who wish a clear explanation
of the language in the writing process; or parents who run home
school.
A further advantage is to make a connection between the
teaching of English language and other languages; such as,
French or Spanish. Students studying a second language are expected
to recognize, for example, a direct object or a past participle
in order to make the necessary agreement. The grammar component
accompanying each sentence error encourages the transfer of this
knowledge from one language to another.
Talking about Writing is sequenced and self-explanatory.
In each chapter the material progresses in simple and logical
increments to the desired end; namely, to recognize a sentence
error in order to discuss written work, practise effective writing
techniques, and empower communication. The sentence errors progress
in difficulty from grades 8 to 12. The format is adapted for
individual lessons.
Curriculum guides tend to be written in generalities. Talking
about Writing provides the teacher with a pattern.
Having experienced the focus of this programme and the integration
of the topics, he or she then knows how to access additional material
to suit a student's individual needs.
How Talking about Writing is organized
Students are taught to recognize the nine major sentence errors:
two in each of grades 8 to 11, and one in grade 12, as follows:

Grade 8-
Run-on Sentence, Sentence
Fragment

Grade 9-
Lack of Parallel Structure,
Misplaced Modifier

Grade 10-
Dangling Participle, Lack
of Agreement

Grade 11-
Indefinite Antecedent, Incorrect
Tense

Grade 12-
Wordiness

The grammar necessary to understand the sentence error is integrated
with appropriate punctuation and sentence combing techniques.
A pre-test and a post-test accompa...