Unit 1: Reading Skills
Unit 1 introduces you to the parts of speech used in Standard American English. In this unit, you will learn how to recognize the different parts of speech and see when and where they are used. Finally, you will practice identifying the parts of speech and placing them in sentences.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- use correct word order and parts of speech in simple sentence patterns; and
- distinguish between phrases, clauses, and sentences.
- use correct word order and parts of speech in simple sentence patterns; and
1.1: Word Basics: The Eight Parts of Speech
We start Unit 1 with grammar by learning about the eight English Parts of Speech. Grammar is difficult, but the more comfortable you are with it, the easier it will be to read and write in English. Because the parts of speech are considered the building blocks of the language, we learn the parts of speech for two main reasons: i) by knowing the elements of English, you'll have an easier time using them correctly in your writing, and ii) by knowing how these elements are being used, you'll also have an easier time learning their meaning.Word Basics: Let's Study
The materials below include information about the parts of speech. After you read the explanations and watch the videos to learn about the eight parts of speech, you will have a chance to test your understanding by completing practice activities.
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Let's start by first reviewing a list of the parts of speech to know their definition and examples. Next, we will learn about each part of speech in more detail to understand how we can use the correct form of a word to build sentences.
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Now that we know what all parts of speech are, let's look at them in more detail to see how they are different from each other and how they are used in sentences. First, let's see what other information we can learn more about nouns, adjectives, and pronouns.
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Next, let's see what additional information we can review to learn more about verbs and adverbs.
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Now that we know more about using nouns, adjectives, pronouns, verbs, and adverbs, we need to learn how they can be put together to make sentences. Conjunctions and prepositions help us do that. Let's see what other information we can review to learn more about how conjunctions and prepositions are used to make sentences.
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Finally, let's see what additional information we can learn about interjections.
Word Basics: Let's Practice
Now that we know what all the parts of speech are and we reviewed how each one is used, let's put our knowledge into practice.
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The activities here give you the opportunity to find out how well you understand parts of speech. If you have a difficult time identifying the parts of speech, you may return to review the information in the Let's Study section and then try these practice activities again.
Word Basics: Let's Apply
Now that you know the eight parts of speech and how they are used correctly in a sentence, let's see if we can easily identify them in any text.
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1.2: Sentence Basics: Word Order
Now we know and recognize the different parts of speech. This is helpful for understanding grammar rules and explanations. We can continue by learning when and where the parts of speech are used in sentences. Standard English uses specific rules about word order, so it is important to know and follow them to communicate successfully.1.3: Sentence Basics: Types
In this last part of Unit 1, we look at what makes a good sentence in Standard English. We will discuss the specific requirements for writing complete sentences. Also, we will look at how we can use conjunctions to connect clauses and create different types of sentences.
1.4: Putting It All Together
You have learned about many different parts of speech and some basic guidelines to correct usage. This is a lot to take in, for sure! This section will help you review what you have learned in Unit 1.