VERBS

Objectives:

·        To become familiar with the rules that govern the use of verbs in well-written sentences

·        To develop basic skills in the use of verbs in standard written English

 Outcome:

·        To recognize properly used verbs in pre-written sentences

Warm-Up:

Whenever you describe an event or the process of doing something, you use verbs to explain the actions involved.  For each of the following activities, on a separate piece of paper list eight specific, descriptive verbs that might be needed to explain the action.  For example, verbs you might use to describe how to wash a car include:  spray, lather, reach, scrub, clean, rinse, wipe, and polish.

Try it with these:        a)  Make a Dagwood sandwich

                                    b)  Plant a garden

New Instruction:

Go to http://eslus.com/LESSONS/GRAMMAR/POS/pos3.htm for an introduction to verbs and their usage.  When you feel ready, take the pop quiz that follows the information.  Immediate feedback is provided.  Goal:  at least 8 out of 10 correct.

Feedback and Review:

A verb is a word that shows action or state of being, and every sentence has one.  Verbs can change form to show different meanings involving tense, person, number and voice.  A clear understanding of these differences will make it easier to write effectively.  A verb and its subject must always agree, or match up, with regard to person and number.

Transfer of Knowledge or Skills:

Go to http://www.rhlschool.com/eng5n3.htm and find the “Noun and Verb Twins” in the sentences provided.  Be sure you understand which is which—usage is the key.  The “Verb Search” at http://www.rhlschool.com/eng5n2.htm and the “Regular and Irregular Verbs” exercise at http://www.rhlschool.com/eng4n6.htm can be printed out and completed on paper.  Ask your instructor to check your answers when you are finished.