What's my subject? A subject-verb agreement mini-lesson

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 9

• Goal 6: The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.
  • Objective 6.01: Demonstrate an understanding of conventional written and spoken expression that:
    • uses varying sentence types (e.g., simple, compound, complex, compound-complex) purposefully, correctly, and for specific effect.
    • selects verb tense to show an appropriate sense of time.
    • applies parts of speech to clarify and edit language.
    • addresses clarity and style through such strategies as parallelism; appropriate coordination and subordination; variety and details; appropriate and exact words; and conciseness.
    • analyzes the place and role of dialects and standard/nonstandard English.
    • uses vocabulary strategies such as roots and affixes, word maps, and context clues to discern the meanings of words.
  • Objective 6.02: Discern and correct errors in spoken and written English by:
    • avoiding fragments, run-ons, and comma splices.
    • selecting correct subject-verb agreement, consistent verb tense, and appropriate verbs.
    • using and placing modifiers correctly.
    • editing for spelling and mechanics (punctuation and capitalization).

Grade 10

• Goal 6: The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.
  • Objective 6.01: Demonstrate an understanding of conventional written and spoken expression by:
    • employing varying sentence structures (e.g., inversion, introductory phrases) and sentence types (e.g., simple, compound, complex, compound-complex).
    • analyzing authors' choice of words, sentence structure, and use of language.
    • using word recognition strategies to understand vocabulary and exact word choice (Greek, Latin roots and affixes, analogies, idioms, denotation, connotation).
    • examining textual and classroom language for elements such as idioms, denotation, and connotation to apply effectively in own writing/speaking.
    • using correct form/format for essays, business letters, research papers, bibliographies.
    • using language effectively to create mood and tone.
  • Objective 6.02: Edit for:
    • subject-verb agreement, tense choice, pronoun usage, clear antecedents, correct case, and complete sentences.
    • appropriate and correct mechanics (commas, italics, underlining, semicolon, colon, apostrophe, quotation marks).
    • parallel structure.
    • clichés, trite expressions.
    • spelling.

Grade 11

• Goal 6: The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.
  • Objective 6.01: Demonstrate an understanding of the conventions of language by:
    - decoding vocabulary using knowledge of Anglo-Saxon, Greek, and Latin bases and affixes.
    - discerning the relationship of word meanings between pairs of words in analogies (synonyms/antonyms, connotation/denotation).
    - revising writing to enhance voice and style, sentence variety, subtlety of meaning, and tone in considerations of questions being addressed, purpose, audience, and genres.
    - contrasting use of language conventions of authors in different time periods of United States literature.
    -analyzing the power of standard usage over nonstandard usage in formal settings such a job interviews, academic environment, or public speaking events.
  • Objective 6.02: Discern and correct errors in speaking and writing at a level appropriate to eleventh grade by:
    - reviewing and refining purposeful use of varying sentence types with correct punctuation.
    - reviewing and refining correct pronoun usage, antecedents, and case.
    - refining subject/verb agreement and choice of tense.
    - extending effective use of phrases and clauses. - discussing parts of speech as they relate to writing.
    -editing for correct spelling and mechanics.

Grade 12

• Goal 6: The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.
  • Objective 6.01: Apply knowledge of literary terms, grammar, and rhetoric in order to write clearly, succinctly, and accurately by:
    - understanding how to use and apply grammatical, metaphorical, or rhetorical devices.
    - recognizing how to use different language conventions (such as loose or periodic sentences, effective use of passive voice, or the importance of strong verbs).
    - revising writing to enhance voice and style, sentence variety, subtlety of meaning, and tone in considerations of questions being addressed, purpose, audience, and genres.
    - contrasting use of language conventions of authors in different time periods of British literature.
    - analyzing the power of standard usage over nonstandard usage in formal settings such a job interviews, academic presentations, or public speaking events.
  • Objective 6.02: Discern and correct errors in speaking and writing by:
    - reviewing and refining purposeful use of various sentence types.
    - editing for correct punctuation, spelling, mechanics, and standard edited American English.
    - using appropriate transitional words and phrases.