February 13, 2003.
Past and Present.
One of the most useful and well-used tenses in English is the present perfect. As we discussed in class, the present perfect is used as a bridge between something that happened in the past and continues into the future. It can also be used to give the idea of an incomplete action. Key words that can help you use the present perfect include already and since. A common question includes the word ever; for example, Have you ever eaten cornbread? The short answer form for the present perfect is Yes, I have or No, I haven't.
Writing Compound Sentences.
This week we will focus on writing compound sentences. You already know that a compound sentence has two subjects, two verbs, and two complete thoughts. Do you also know the seven coordinating conjunctions that are used to connect these thoughts? Do you know what relationships these seven words mean? If not, you'll find out this week.
The Essay.
Next week, we will begin our studies of the essay form. It is similar to a paragraph because it has three main parts: the introduction (which is like the topic sentence), the body (which is like the supporting sentences), and the conclusion (which is like the concluding sentence).
The body of an essay can include more than one paragraph, so an essay can have more than three paragraphs. Although an essay has several paragraphs, it still has one topic that is developed.
Your first essay will be about the eating customs in your family. You will explain to the readers what your family does before, during, and after a typical meal.
Bonus Point Challenge
Week Five Answers
Past Tense.
1. True False: "Used to" + the base form of a verb shows a habit or custom that no longer exists.
Answer: True.
2. True False: Use "there" when a new subject is introduced.
Answer: True.
3. True False: Use "did" with an adjective. For example: Why did you afraid?
Answer: False. Use "was/were" with an adjective.