Construct English Construct English - a system of understanding grammar, to make you a better writer.

There are no grammar books There is no diagramming sentences. It makes writing more effective It makes writing “fun”!!!

Rules of Construct English There are 9 rules for Construct English You will begin to learn these rules one at a time, but we cannot get to all 9 in eighth grade You will also learn them in combination You will be writing beautiful paragraphs in no time at all!

The “O-Sentence” Each of the 9 Construct rules you will learn will begin with a “O-sentence”. “0-sentence” - has no commas in it every time you use a comma, you are using one of the Construct rules

Example of a “0-sentence” Samantha left to fulfill her dream.

After learning the Construct rules, this will be a beautiful, descriptive sentence that will answer the 5W’s + H (who, what, where, when, why, & how). Let’s start this unusual journey of learning grammar for you to become a better writer, by starting with the sentence above and applying Construct Rule #1 to it.

Samantha left to fulfill her dream. Ok, what kind of person leaves to fulfill their dream? Samantha, an adventurous, independent young woman, went to fulfill her dream.

Daniel found a pearl. We can make that a better sentence that will explain more fully who Daniel is by writing… Daniel, a poor, Indian treasure seeker, found a pearl.

Construct Rule #1 - Apposition Construct Rule #1 is the use of appositives. The “appositive” is a noun phrase placed beside the first noun in the sentence to explain it more fully. It’s a noun following a noun.

Daniel, a poor, Indian treasure seeker, found a pearl. Samantha, an adventurous, independent young woman, went to fulfill her dream. Daniel, a poor, Indian treasure seeker, found a pearl. By using an appositive, we have made these sentences far more interesting by explaining who Daniel is and who Samantha is.

Noun Markers….. Here’s a tip to writing Construct 1’s. There are signal words that will prove whether you’ve made #1’s correctly. These are sometimes called “noun markers”. Remember that Rule #1 is all about using appositives, a noun phrase that explains the first noun more fully. The noun phrase usually begins with a noun marker.

Noun Markers... Here’s a list of common noun markers: a their an this the that my some your few his our her one of the

Now YOU try it…... Take the following sentences and make them into a Construct 1 sentences. Remember your noun markers!

John Steinbeck wrote “The Pearl”.

Mr. Rice gave a speech about KP’s dress code.

Jessica is running in the race on Saturday. Jessica, _________, is running the race on Saturday.

The car rumbled down the street. #1 The car rumbled down the street.

Fran spends much of her free time on the internet. #2 Fran spends much of her free time on the internet.

Alexandra is an excellent gymnast. #3 Alexandra is an excellent gymnast.

Our class play was performed in the library. #4 Our class play was performed in the library.

Sentence Logic in Constructs A common error that many young writers make is a lack of sentence logic. Sentences may be correct, but not tightly woven (logical). Construct sentences strive to make students aware of sentence logic. Making sure that information is relevant and logical!

Sentence Logic…… The appositive, in a Construct 1 MUST relate LOGICALLY to the rest of the sentence!

Contrast these 2 sentences: Jane, a generous person, is an excellent gymnast. Jane, an athletic person, is an excellent gymnast.

Examples… Jane, a(n) ………. person, volunteers her Saturday mornings teaching young children how to swim. 1. intelligent 2. . interesting 3. obedient 4. charitable

Stacy,……., always studied quietly before a test or quiz. Example…. Stacy,……., always studied quietly before a test or quiz. 1. one of my many friends 2. a long-haired 14-year old 3. an honor-roll student 4. an only child

Take the challenge!! The Meta 1 Make your appositive a metaphor. Place it at the end of the sentence for variety. Albert Einstein, the guiding light of modern physics, discovered many hidden laws that govern the universe. My sister hates her job at McDonald’s, a grease pit. The Chicago Cubs, victims of a one hundred-eight- year drought, just won the World Series. Hingle McKringleberry, a destructive force of nature, plowed his way across the football field.

General Principle… Construct 1’s serve as effective tools any time a reader needs identification of a person, place, or thing. Great in newsarticles and summaries

Let’s Review ! Construct English is a unique coding system of understanding grammar! There are 9 rules for Construct English. You will learn these rules, one at a time, and then, in combination. The Goal: to help you become a better writer, who enjoys writing!