ENGLISH 177: ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES

WELCOME

2010-07-21T08:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the English 177 Blog.

The goal is to increase the communication between students and instructors, and also provide you with an opportunity to communicate with each other. If you post general questions about the assignments or the course, they will be answered in the blog. If you have detailed questions you want answered, then e-mail your instructor.

We hope you will also post your general comments and suggestions for how to improve this blog.
Click here for the course syllabus.
IMPORTANT: This blog site is open to the public; do not post personal information that could identify you--your first name is the only personal information you should post.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BLOG HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED--THE NEW BLOG IS THE ENGLISH177-189 BLOG.

COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

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Welcome: In July, we welcome Sean, Layoug, Howard, Grace, Melanie, Krista, and Calum to the course. We hope you will enjoy the course and participate in the blog.

Congratulations:
Stephanie is the most recent student to complete the course--well done!

Previous Grammar Question

The twin’s were unusual amused, first they entertain there school’s friends’ by telling jokes, than they had chased after the neighboring dog and it was ended when they had imitated their friend’s.

1. Active or passive voice? If the twins were amused, then someone or something was amusing them. Given their actions, it makes more sense to use the active voice and use the past progressive tense--were amusing--as they were amusing the others. Similarly use the simple past “ended” in the active voice instead of the passive “was ended”.

2. Word form: unusual is an adjective; here the verb is being modified, so use the adverb --unusually.

3. Possessive or plural: “twins” should be plural not possessive--no apostrophe. Similarly, “school’s” modifies “friends”--as an adjective it cannot have a possessive, and it cannot be plural either; use “school”; also, “friends” is plural, not possessive--no apostrophe (both times).

4. Verb tense: This story is set in the past, so use either past progressive or simple past; instead of “entertain” use “entertained”. Also, use the simple past tense (chased) to be consistent--not the past perfect (had chased), and use the simple past “imitated” and not the past perfect “had imitated”..

5. Word confusion: the pronoun is “their”; “there” is an adverb of place.

6. Word confusion: “than” is used to compare two things; to indicate what happened next, use “then”.

7. Word confusion: “neighbouring” refers to a place; here use either the possessive “neighbour’s” or “neighbourhood”.

8. Punctuation: The first two clauses are independent ones; use a semicolon after “amusing”. Where “and” separates two independent clauses, use a comma (after dog).

Suggested solution: The twins were unusually amusing; first they entertained their school friends by telling jokes, then they chased after the neighbour’s dog, and it ended when they imitated their friends.

Next Blog: Friday, July 30th

NEW RESOURCE

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Here is a fun, but excellent resource to help with semicolon usage.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, July 21st, 2010

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Correct the errors in the following sentence:

Seeing that starbucks’ opens at safeway stores now and they had also opened at many book stores’; I wonder if it would now loose customer’s from their regular outlets.

PUZZLE, July 21st, 2010

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Previous puzzle: The previous puzzle was a difficult one; congratulations to Wook Jin for solving it. The suggested answers are

FEMUR, REMIND, ANEMIA, PHLOEM, CHEMIST

New Puzzle: Behead a word by removing the first letter of the first (longer) and still have a valid word. There are clues for the two words, the longer word is first.

Example: Begin/Sour, acidic = start and tart (behead start--remove the “s” and that leaves tart).
1. Pass by / Temporary failure
2. Picture / Wizard
3. Brave / Fortunate
4. Enthusiastic meetings / Partners
5. Attacked / Helped
6. Choose / Choose
7. Fragments / Dice game
8. Customary practice / Spiritual mentor

ALL CHANGE! July 21st, 2010

2010-07-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make

My maternal grandparents built the house completely over the ruins below.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, July 21st, 2010

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Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

… ... summer is the best time of the year in Canada ... …
1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, July 21st, 2010

2010-07-21T07:30:00.001-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

equanimity (noun) + loquacious (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, July 21st, 2010

2010-07-21T07:20:00.001-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: There has been more rain than sunshine so far this summer.

Sentence 2: Summer is more than half way over by now.

Sentence 3: Many people take their holiday in the summer in the hope that the weather will be good.

HALF-WAY THERE CHALLENGE! July 21st, 2010

2010-07-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

This exercise is advanced sentence combining; it is designed for students who have completed Lesson 9 in the course.

Sentence 1: The students registered in a summer writing program at their college.

Sentence 2: They wanted to improve their creative writing ability.

Grammar:

#1: Use a gerund to combine the sentences

#2: Use an appositive to combine the sentences

#3: Use a relative pronoun to combine the sentences

LAUGH WITH ENGLISH

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In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods ....

On a bag of Fritos -- You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.

(the shoplifter special?)

ACROSTIC

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n an acrostic, you start with a theme word and use each letter of that word to start another word or phrase that describes the theme word. The acrostic below is based on the theme word SNOW.

……………S Slippery

……………N Numbing

……………O Obliterating

……………W Wintery

Write an acrostic based on one of the following “summer” themes: SUMMER, HOLIDAY, VACATION, SUNSHINE, RELAXATION, NATIONAL PARKS, BEACHES, FESTIVALS.

CINQUAIN POEM

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A cinquain poem is a five-line poem that is diamond-shaped. Start with a theme word (noun) and then use the pattern 1 noun, 2 adjectives, 3 gerunds, 1 full sentence, and finally a synonym for the first noun.
SNOW
.....................Snow.........................
..................Cold, white.....................
..........Falling, freezing, numbing..............
...........It chills fingers and toes.............
.....................Ice..........................

Write a cinquain poem based on one of the following “summer” themes: SUMMER, HOLIDAY, VACATION, SUNSHINE, RELAXATION, NATIONAL PARKS, BEACHES, FESTIVALS.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, July 6th, 2010

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Correct the errors in the following sentence:

PUZZLE, July 6th, 2010

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Previous puzzle: Suggested answers

MODEL, SYNOD, BODICE, PRODUCT, CATHODE

New Puzzle: Five words that contain EM as a letter-pair have had all of their other letters removed and placed into a pool. Put those letters back in their proper places. What are the words?

*EM**, *EM***, **EM**, ****EM, **EM***

Pool: A, A, C, D, F, H, H, I, I, I, L, N, N, O, P, R, R, S, T, U

Each asterisk represents one missing letter.

ALL CHANGE! July 6th, 2010

2010-07-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make

My wonderful parents lovingly raised their son’s children.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, July 6th, 2010

2010-07-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

… I have many plans for the summer …

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, July 6th, 2010

2010-07-06T07:30:00.002-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

retort (noun) + supercilious (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, July 6th, 2010

2010-07-06T07:20:00.001-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.
Sentence 1: A $2,000 car has been introduced in India.
Sentence 2: It is more available and affordable for the masses.
Sentence 3: It will also cause a number of problems both in India and elsewhere.

HALF-WAY THERE CHALLENGE! July 6th, 2010

2010-07-06T07:15:00.001-07:00

This exercise is advanced sentence combining; it is designed for students who have completed Lesson 9 in the course.

Sentence 1: The students registered in a summer writing program at their college.
Sentence 2: They wanted to improve their creative writing ability.
Grammar:
#1: Use a gerund to combine the sentences
#2: Use an appositive to combine the sentences
#3: Use a relative pronoun to combine the sentences

GRAMMAR QUESTION, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:50:00.001-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

A visitor to

Vietnam

must to remember taking their anti-malaria medicine regular to be affective preventing them from sickness and it would spoil the trip.

(The "problems" will be discussed in the next edition of the blog.)

PUZZLE, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:45:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Martha for solving last week's puzzle.

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers
1. Rode - Can = rod/cane
2. Font - Farce = front/face
3. Tory - Stale = story/tale
4. Dire - Cash = die/crash
5. Self - Shill = shelf/sill

New Puzzle: Five words that contain OD as a letter-pair have had all of their other letters removed and placed into a pool. Put those letters back in their proper places. What are the words?

*OD**, ***OD, *OD***, **OD***, ****OD*

Pool: A, B, C, C, C, E, E, E, H, I, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, T, U, Y
Each asterisk represents one missing letter.

ALL CHANGE! June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

Caring parents skillfully nurture their children's talents.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence in each of the three ways indicated; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

…Canada Day is on Thursday this week …
1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:30:00.001-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

irrevocably (adverb) + propensity (noun)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1:

Canada

Day falls in the middle of the week this year.
Sentence 2: The fireworks display is also really good, but it happens very late because of the long daylight hours.
Sentence 3: The July 1st holiday is a great way to start the new month.

HALF-WAY THERE CHALLENGE! June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:15:00.001-07:00

Sentence 1: I wanted to take another course once I have finished this one.

Sentence 2: I registered for a more challenging, higher level writing course

#1: Use a gerund to combine the sentences

#2: Use a relative pronoun to combine the sentences

GRAMMAR QUESTION, June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:
Everyone of the runners who are in the race are here but we can't get started with the first ones until you line up on a starting line.

PUZZLE, June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous puzzle: Congratulations to Martha who was closest to solving the previous puzzle. Suggested answers
word pair              answer
1. Flat/Pump       =fat/plump
2. Feather/Crate =father/create
3. Bet/Stop    =best/top
4. Ear/Trip         =tear/rip
5. Lopes/Shills   =slopes/hills

New Puzzle: move a single letter from one word to the other, make a pair of synonyms, or near synonyms. For example: Boast - Hip, move the 's' from 'Boast' to 'Hip' creating two synonyms: Boat - Ship.

1. Rode - Can =
2. Font - Farce =
3. Tory - Stale =
4. Dire - Cash =
5. Self - Shill =

ALL CHANGE! June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:40:00.001-07:00

My younger brother happily lent his best friend his new bicycle.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:35:00.001-07:00

Use each (all three) type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

… I welcome the chance to celebrate Father’s Day…
1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:30:00.001-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

autonomy (noun) + discredit (verb)
To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:20:00.001-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: Sita asked if Father’s Day was just another marketing gimmick.

Sentence 2: Cory replied that because his father was the best, he was happy to have an excuse to let him know that.

Sentence 3: Cory also said that it was possible to appreciate fathers without participating in the marketing hype.

HALF-WAY THERE CHALLENGE! June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

This exercise is advanced sentence combining; it is designed for students who have completed Lesson 9 in the course.
Sentence 1: I wanted to take another course once I have finished this one.

Sentence 2: I registered for a more challenging, higher level writing course

#1: Use a gerund to combine the sentences

#2: Use a relative pronoun to combine the sentences

GRAMMAR QUESTION, May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

For instant; the way in which the correspondents course differ then classrooms , is that the equipments' costs are very expensive for students are ought to have computer, internet, and another modern up to date things.

PUZZLE, May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers

1.    stop doing--that thing                           (quit/it)
2.    peculiar behaviour--annoy                      (quirk/irk)
3.    subatomic particle--large boat                 (quark/ark)
4.    small game bird--to be unwell                   (quail/ail)
5.    large feather pen--unwell;faulty               (quill/ill)
6.    nausea; uncomfortable--simple                   (queasy/easy)
7.    unit of liquid measure--product of creativity (quart/art)
8.    misgivings; scruples--donations to the poor    (qualms/alms)

New Puzzle: move a single letter from one word to the other, make a pair of synonyms, or near synonyms. For example: Boast - Hip, move the 's' from 'Boast' to 'Hip' creating two synonyms: Boat - Ship.
1. Flat / Pump ?
2. Feather / Crate ?
3. Bet / Stop ?
4. Ear / Trip ?
5. Lopes / Shills ?

ALL CHANGE! May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:40:00.001-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make

The simple answer generally hides the deeper complexity of an issue.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:35:00.001-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

… I find it harder to study in summer …
1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:30:00.001-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

circumlocution (noun) + either adverse (adjective) or adversely (adverb)
To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:20:00.001-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: Yuri did poorly on the final exam last week.

Sentence 2: He stayed up studying the whole night before the exam.

Sentence 3: Research shows that getting a good night's sleep before an exam is important.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

Every one: women, elders, and children were cried when we had arrived with the survivors who had terrifyingly been injured and burned in a crushable plain.

PUZZLE, May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers

original word (a)	original word (b)	new word (a)	new word (b)
burn	bead	bun	bread
rid	tripe	ride	trip
grove	rout	groove	rut
charm	rush	harm	crush
cream	sweep	scream	weep

New Puzzle: Let’s “behead” a few more words;-)

Remove the first letter and still have a valid word. The clue for the longer of the two words is first (behead the first word).
Example: a. Begin b. Sour, acidic Answer: Start and Tart.

	Word A	Word B	Answer
1.	stop doing	that thing	?
2.	peculiar behaviour	annoy	?
3.	subatomic particle	large boat	?
4.	small game bird	to be unwell	?
5.	large feather pen	unwell; faulty	?
6.	nausea; uncomfortable	simple	?
7.	unit of liquid measure	product of creativity	?
8.	misgivings; scruples	donations to the poor	?

ALL CHANGE! May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

A small deer lazily nibbled the lush grass around the tall trees.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

... hockey season will soon be over ...

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

proclivity (noun) + obsessive (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: Victoria Day is celebrated only in

Canada

Sentence 2: It is always celebrated on the 3rd Monday of May.

Sentence 3: May 18th is the earliest date it can occur; the latest is May 25th.

ALL CHANGE! May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T07:40:00.001-07:00

The hungry girl quickly ate the tasty food on her plate.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

...Mother’s Day is a very special celebration...

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

Recidivist or recidevism (noun) + gratuitous (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: In many countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated in early May.

Sentence 2: In some countries Mothering Sunday is a church celebration held in March.

Sentence 3: The date of the celebration is irrelevant as the significant thing is to honour the importance of our mothers in our lives.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

Samirs always been borrowing his red stylish sporty-looking newer car to his brother who’s lending it while his old battered rust-spotted white vehicle is in the garage for repairing.

Remember that there is more than one possible correct answer.

PUZZLE, Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:45:00.003-07:00

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers
1. a. Barrier b. Everything.....Wall/All
2. a. Full amount b. An opening.....Whole/Hole
3. a. Season b. Bury.....Winter/Inter
4. a. Roll around in mud b. Permit.....Wallow/Allow
5. a. Females b. Prophetic sign.....Women/Omen
6. a.Twist forcibly b. Circular band.....Wring/Ring
7. a.Being victorious b. Baseball game division.....Winning/Inning
8. a. One of the five W's b. Head covering.....What/Hat

New Puzzle: When beheading a word, remove the first letter and still have a valid word. The clue for, longer of the two words is first (behead the first word).

Example: a. Begin b. Sour, acidic Answer: Start and Tart.

1. a. Outer layer b. Oxidized metal
2. a. Defraud; violate rules b. Thermal energy in transit
3. a. Sensation of cold b. Local land elevation
4. a. Go upward b. Jointed appendage; branch
5. a. Strong metal rope b. Having necessary skill
6. a. Confined; restrained b. Old; grew older
7. a. Stop; discontinue b. Freedom from hardship
8. a. Lacking dirt b. Lacking fat

ALL CHANGE! Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:40:00.001-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

The young man enthusiastically took the sociology course at the local college.

Changes:
1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:35:00.001-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

... April is a month that can't seem to make up its mind ...

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:30:00.001-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

anachronism (noun) + either perverse (adjective) or perversely (adverb)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: The Immigrant Access Fund provides loans for internationally trained immigrants.

Sentence 2: Many immigrant professionals find it hard to pursue their careers in Canada because of accreditation difficulties.

Sentence 3: The loans help pay the costs associated with accreditation, training, or upgrading.

HALF-WAY THERE CHALLENGE! Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

This exercise is advanced sentence combining; it is designed for students who have completed Lesson 9 in the course.

Sentence 1: My next-door neighbour was taken ill last week.

Sentence 2: She was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

Sentence 3: She had had a heart attack.

#1: Use a gerund to combine the sentences

#2: Use an appositive to combine the sentences

#3: Use a relative pronoun to combine the sentences

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

The blue foreign unusual car has been driving erratic when it'd went off the road and the driver Jack Lemay is injured serious.

Remember that there is more than one possible correct answer.

PUZZLE, Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:45:00.001-07:00

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers
1. a. Mark left after healing b. Vehicle...............scar/car
2. a. To have hit b. Vehicle...............struck/truck
3. a. Intelligent b. Individual store......smart/mart
4. a. Tiny b. Large retail complex..small/mall
5. a. Take illegally b. Bluish green .........steal/teal
6. a. Clean the floor b. Cry...................sweep/weep
7. a. Expressed in words b. Give assistance ......said/aid
8. a. Talk b. Highest level.........summit speak/peak

New Puzzle: When beheading a word, remove the first letter and still have a valid word. The clue for, longer of the two words is first (behead the first word).
Example: a. Begin b. Sour, acidic Answer: Start and Tart.

1. a. Barrier b. Everything
2. a. Full amount b. An opening
3. a. Season b. Bury
4. a. Roll around in mud b. Permit
5. a. Females b. Prophetic sign
6. a.Twist forcibly b. Circular band
7. a.Being victorious b. Baseball game division
8. a. One of the five W's b. Head covering

ALL CHANGE! Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:40:00.001-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

The avid gardener waited for Easter before excitedly planting her flower beds.

Changes:
1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:35:00.001-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

…This year I will celebrate Earth Day …

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:25:00.003-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

1. The celebration of Earth Day is associated with spring.

2. In many parts of Canada, spring doesn’t arrive until May.

3. Yesterday, when I woke up, there was fresh snow on the ground, and snow can occur through May.

VOCABULARY, Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:25:00.001-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

incredulous (adjective) + antagonist (noun)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

HALF-WAY THERE CHALLENGE! Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

This exercise is advanced sentence combining; it is designed for students who have completed Lesson 9 in the course.

Sentence 1: Most of us are looking forward to being able to enjoy our parks and gardens soon.

Sentence 2: It is too easy to forget about parks and gardens during the long winter.

Sentence 3: Spring tends to make us think of doing outdoor activities.

1. Use a gerund

2. Use an appositive to combine the sentences.

3. Use a relative pronoun to combine the sentences.

ACROSTIC

2009-03-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

In an acrostic, you start with a theme word and use each letter of that word to start another word or phrase that describes the theme word. The acrostic below is based on the theme word SNOW.

……………S Slippery
……………N Numbing
……………O Obliterating
……………W Wintery
Write an acrostic based on one of the following themes:
EASTER, PASSOVER, ALL FOOL’S DAY, BUNNIES, CHOCOLATE, SPRING, FLOWERS, LILIES

CINQUAIN POEM

2009-03-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

A cinquain poem is a five-line poem that is diamond-shaped. Start with a theme word (noun) and then use the pattern 1 noun, 2 adjectives, 3 gerunds, 1 full sentence, and finally a synonym for the first noun.



            .....................Snow                                                                                ………… Cold, white
......Falling, freezing, numbing
.......It chills fingers and toes
.....................Ice
Write a cinquain poem based on one of the following themes:
EASTER, PASSOVER, ALL FOOL’S DAY, BUNNIES, CHOCOLATE, SPRING, FLOWERS, LILIES

            .

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Mar. 30th, 2010

2009-03-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

Please ask her where she is going over easter but don't tell her that I ask for the informations.

PUZZLE, Mar. 30th, 2010

2009-03-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers
1. BO--- BOARD 2. BO---BORED 3. BO--BORN 4. -BO--ABOVE
5. BO---BOSUN 6. BO----BORROW 7. BO----BOILED 8. ---BO-SYMBOL

New Puzzle:
When beheading a word, remove the first letter and still have a valid word. The clue for, longer of the two words is first (behead the first word).
Example: a. Begin b. Sour, acidic Answer: Start and Tart.
1. a. Mark left after healing..... b. Vehicle
2. a. To have hit..................... b. Vehicle
3. a. Intelligent ....................... b. Individual store
4. a. Tiny .............................. b. Large retail complex
5. a. Take illegally ................. b. Bluish green
6. a. Clean the floor .............. b. Cry
7. a. Expressed in words .......b. Give assistance
8. a. Talk ............................. b. Highest level; summit

ALL CHANGE! Mar. 30th, 2010

2009-03-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

Amber greedily ate the chocolate Easter eggs from her aunt.

Changes:
1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, Mar. 30th, 2010

2009-03-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

...it will be good to have some time off over the Easter holiday...

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, Mar. 30th, 2010

2009-03-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

feckless (adjective) + veracity (noun)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Mar. 30th, 2010

2009-03-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: Easter is a four-day weekend for most of us.
Sentence 2: Many people eat too much chocolate over this holiday period.
Sentence 3: Many of the symbols associated with Easter come from ancient spring-time celebrations.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Mar. 19th, 2010

2009-03-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

There were a lot of applauses at the oscars; and they had rose most when the winner of the best movie had been announced and them receiving the direct was going to the stage as quick as possible.

PUZZLE, Mar. 19th, 2010

2009-03-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous puzzle:
1a. trap b. meat 2a. rapt b. team 3a. part b. tame

This week’s puzzle:
Guess the words below, which contain "BO" and the following letters in them:
Fill in the blanks using the list of letters below--use each letter once:
A, A, D, D, D, E, E, E, I, L, L, M, N, N, O, R, R, R, R, R, S, S U, V, W, Y

1. BO---
2. BO---
3. BO--
4. -BO--
5. BO---
6. BO----
7. BO----
8. ---BO-

ALL CHANGE! Mar. 19, 2010

2009-03-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

Mira happily gave friendly Omar a birthday gift.

Changes:
1. subject noun     2. direct object noun    3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s)     5. adverb(s)    6. verb name     7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, Mar. 19, 2010

2009-03-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

... I have mixed feelings about St. Patrick's Day ...

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, Mar. 19th, 2010

2009-03-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

expedite (verb) + myriad (noun)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Mar. 19th, 2010

2009-03-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: The French were the first Europeans to settle in what is now Canada.
Sentence 2: Many of the British who came to Canada went to the New England colonies first.
Sentence 3: The American War of Independence prompted many Loyalists to leave the colonies and head for

Canada

as it was still under British control.

HALF-WAY THERE CHALLENGE! Mar. 19th, 2010

2009-03-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

Sentence 1: The students eagerly exchanged information about how to work together on the presentation they were making.
Sentence 2: They posted their information and ideas to a wiki they had created specifically for that presentation.

Grammar: 1. Use a gerund to combine the sentences.
2. Use an infinitive to combine the sentences.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Mar. 8th, 2010

2009-03-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:
Studying on my own pace is a lot of benefit for me do to I am not needing to be worrying about no time for attend class.
Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

PUZZLE, Mar. 8th, 2010

2009-03-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous puzzle:

1. prosecute                 sue
2. scoundrel                  cur
3. falsities                     lies
4. stockings                  socks
5. pantaloons                pants
6. brackets                   braces

This week’s puzzle:

There are two groups of four-letter words used in the sentences below. The first missing words (A) of each sentence are anagrams of each other, and the second missing words (B) are also anagrams of each other. Can you find them? (All the A words are anagrams of each other, and all the B words are anagrams of each other).

1. The hunters set a __A__ for the hare. How else were they to enjoy its succulent __B___ ?
2. They all listened in __A__ attention as their leader spoke and motivated them to work as a __B__.
3. There will always be a small __A__ of wildness in a cat, though it is considered to be a __B__ animal today.

ALL CHANGE! Mar. 8, 2010

2009-03-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

Yasmin excitedly rode her new bicycle to school.

1. change the subject noun 2. change the direct object noun
3. change the indirect object noun 4. change the adjective
5. change the adverb 6. change the verb name
7. change the verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, Mar. 8, 2010

2009-03-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

... this year, St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, falls on a Thursday ...

1. Use a phrase
2. Use a dependent clause
3. Use an independent clause

Note:you can still see previous Sentence Completion questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar.

VOCABULARY, Mar. 8th, 2010

2009-03-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

millennial (adjective) + diminution (noun)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Mar. 8th, 2010

2009-03-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences

Sentence 1: Many people wear green clothing on St. Patrick’s Day and drink green beer.
Sentence 2: St. Patrick's Day is a celebration that seems to have spread around the world as it is celebrated by people with no Irish background or connection.
Sentence 3: Even though a saint is commemorated on March 17^th, this celebration is definitely a secular one rather than a religious one.

Check the archives for previous questions and answers.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Feb. 24th, 2010

2009-02-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

The commentator said its the most unique program was skated at the competition and they are skating unbelievable therefore it hasn't been surprised that the audience have given them the standing ovation.

Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

PUZZLE, Feb. 24th, 2010

2009-02-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous Puzzle

1. It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a...BALLOON
2. Body modification.TATTOO
3. A Group of people.COMMITTEE
4. Acuteness or acumen. KEENNESS

New Puzzle

Find a shorter word with the meaning given within the following words:

Example: "rapscallion" contains the word "rascal": RApSCALlion

See if you can find the shorter words in the words below that fir the definitions given:
1. prosecute
2. scoundrel
3. falsities
4. stockings
5. pantaloons
6. brackets

ALL CHANGE! Feb. 24th, 2010

2009-02-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Ali quickly bought some groceries at the small supermarket.

1. change the subject noun 2. change the direct object noun
3. change the indirect object noun 4. change the adjective
5. change the adverb 6. change the verb name
7. change the verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE ... Feb. 24th, 2010

2009-02-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

...we saw many interesting people and places ...

1. Use a phrase
2. Use a dependent clause
3. Use an independent clause

Note:you can still see previous Sentence Completion questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Feb. 24th 2010

2009-02-24T07:30:00.001-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

February, having only 28 days, is the shortest month in the year.
There have been many celebrations in this month from Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day and Family day to religious events such as Lent.
The interest in the Olympic Games this month has had many people glued to their television sets.

Check the archives for previous questions and answers.

VOCABULARY, Feb. 24th, 2010

2009-02-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

malign (verb) + discrepancy (noun)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

2009-02-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

There are lots of special events/holidays occurring within a very short time frame; learn more about some of these by following the links.
Valentine's Day

Celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th.We are all familiar with the current representation of this day, but find out about the history behind Valentine’s Day.

Gung Hay Fat Choy
February 14^th also marks the start of the Chinese New Year. This is the Year of the Tiger. There is a long history behind this festival. Besides eating special food (see the guest column below), one of the traditions is the Lion Dance. This one is a especially exciting and energetic!
Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent in the Christian calendar isAsh Wednesday. The day before, is known as Shrove Tuesday in much of the English speaking world or as Mardi Gras in other places; there are many traditions associated with that day, too.

Winter Olympic Games

Today marks the opening of the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver; it’s a huge event both for Canada and for winter sports fans around the world. There is an Athabasca University interest in these games: Madeleine Williams who is competing in cross-country skiing, graduated from AU last summer. Also, her mother is an academic coordinator at AU. Here’s wishing Madeleine good luck!

Family Day

Monday, February 15th, Family Day, is a holiday for some of us; it's a day in which to spend time with family--hence its name.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Feb. 12th, 2010

2009-02-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

For entertaining Hai is liking to going too outdoors concerts in the Summer or during the Winter he is watching much reality television's shows.

Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

PUZZLE, Feb. 12th, 2010

2009-02-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous Puzzle

Here are some of the possible correct answers:
o … honor (o/or/nor/horn/honor)
i … detail (i/it/lit/tail/tidal/detail)
i … elation (i/in/nil/nail/alien/entail/elation)

New Puzzle
Feed, good, and kiss are 3 examples of words with double letters. Use the clues and fill in the blanks to find words with consecutive double letters. Remember, these words have 2 sets of double letters in a row!

1. It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a...B _ _ _ _ _ N
2. Body modification.T _ _ _ _ O
3. A Group of people.C _ _ _ _ _ _ _ E
4. Acuteness or acumen.K _ _ _ _ _ _ S

ALL CHANGE! Feb. 12th, 2010

2009-02-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated.If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

Tina is avidly watching the Olympic Games on a big-screen television.

1. change the subject noun       2. change the direct object noun
3. change the indirect object noun      4. change the adjective
5. change the adverb          6. change the verb name
7. change the verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE ... Feb. 12th, 2010

2009-02-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

... many people will be watching the Winter Olympic Games from Vancouver ...

1. Use a phrase
2. Use a dependent clause
3. Use an independent clause

Note:you can still see previous Sentence Completion questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar.

VOCABULARY, Feb. 12th, 2010

2009-02-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

commiserate (verb) + apologetic (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Feb. 12th 2010

2009-02-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: Most people get excited by Valentine's Day and celebrate it enthusiastically.

Sentence 2: People often spend a lot of money on candy, chocolates, flowers, and other gifts.
Sentence 3: I think it is just an example of commercial over-exploitation.

Check the archives for previous questions and answers.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Feb. 1st, 2010

2009-02-01T07:50:00.001-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:
There were to much peoples at the mall so I was hurried up shopping, I was too hurried that the shirt’s I bought's not big enough and I'm having to return them.
Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

PUZZLE, Feb. 1st, 2010

2009-02-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous Puzzle
Congratulations to Uzma, Maya, and Kaitlin for providing answers to the puzzle.

There were more possible answers than I expected;here is an example of the correct answers:
1. u … super (u/us/sue/sure/super)
2. e … hamper (e/he/her/hare/harem/hamper)
3. o … erosion (o/so/son/ones/snore/sooner/erosion)
Other answers were possible.

New Puzzle
Let’s try the same thing this week. Add one letter at a time to make a new word: example a to adios (a/as/sad/dais/adios)
1. o … honor
2. i … detail
3. i … elation
Note Please don't use proper nouns;-)