1. Yes, you already know how to “talk English.” Learning grammar allows us to have power over our language – to manipulate it for our advantage. Grammar may not seem useful now, but it is a skill that needs to be learned, just as it’s important to know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Grammar is a lot like math, so don’t use the excuse that you’re more of a math/science person. Grammar involves recognizing patterns and being able to figure out the correct form in such a pattern. Many people who thought they weren’t “grammar people” found out that the subject actually clicked quite well in their brains. You might struggle a little, and you might struggle a lot in this class. DO NOT GIVE UP. Everyone is different and no two people learn the same.

2. Nouns A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea

3. In your notebook, write down the following: Three of your closest friends Three objects in this room Three qualities you look for in a friend (example: honesty) Make sure the word would sound OK in the following sentence: “I look for ___________ in a friend” Three places you would like to visit

4. Types of Nouns Common: The generic name of a person, place, thing, or idea. Common nouns are not specific. They name things in a general way. Example: school, person, dog, state Proper: The specific name of a person, place, thing, or idea. Proper nouns are easy to spot because they’re capitalized. Example: O.B. Laing Middle School, Mr. Stewart, Spike, California In your notebook, write down the 3 common and 3 proper nouns in the following sentences. Remember to think of the definition of a noun (person, place, thing, or idea). In the city of Algona, there are many students who attend Algona High School. Mrs. Warrant is a teacher there. In your notebook, write down the 3 common and 3 proper nouns in the following sentences. Remember to think of the definition of a noun (person, place, thing, or idea). In the city of Algona, there are many students who attend Algona High School. Mrs. Warrant is a teacher there.

5. Types of nouns, continued Concrete: Something that is able to be determined by the five senses. (Hint: concrete, as in a sidewalk, is itself a concrete noun, because we can see it and feel it.) Everything in this room is a concrete noun! Think of the objects in this room that you wrote down earlier. Abstract: A noun that cannot be perceived by the sentences. This type of noun usually names something like a quality, a feeling, or a belief. If you cannot hold a certain noun in your hands, then it’s probably an abstract noun. Example: honesty, freedom, happiness Practice: Write down the five abstract nouns in the following sentences. Remember: we’re looking for something that’s a quality, belief, or feeling. I consider truthfulness to be important in a friendship. Beauty is only skin deep, but honesty will create trust. Practice: Write down the five abstract nouns in the following sentences. Remember: we’re looking for something that’s a quality, belief, or feeling. I consider truthfulness to be important in a friendship. Beauty is only skin deep, but honesty will create trust.

6. Types of Nouns, continued Collective: a word that names a group. Example: class, army, herd *Do not confuse collective nouns with plural nouns, meaning a noun that names more than one thing. Example: students. Collective nouns are words that are specifically used to name a group of people or animals. Collective nouns do not need to end in “s” the way plural nouns do. Compound: a noun made up of two or more words. May be one word, two words, or hyphenated. The words together represent a person, place, thing, or idea. Example: ice cream, basketball, mother-in-law Practice: In the first sentence, write down the 3 collective nouns that appear. In the second sentence, write down the 3 compound nouns. 1) The committee baked a batch of cookies for the faculty party. 2) The student council put on a fund-raiser to purchase fire alarms for needy families. Practice: In the first sentence, write down the 3 collective nouns that appear. In the second sentence, write down the 3 compound nouns. 1) The committee baked a batch of cookies for the faculty party. 2) The student council put on a fund-raiser to purchase fire alarms for needy families.

7. Assignment Practice (to be done before the homework assignment; usually ungraded): Homework (usually graded; needs to be done ON TIME):