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Title - Writing and Grammar Unit - Lesson 1
By - John Foley
Primary Subject - Language Arts
Grade Level - 9-12
Unit Contents:
Lesson 1: Writing by Ear
Grammar is a piano I play by ear, since I seem to have been out of school the year the rules were mentioned. All I know about grammar is its infinite power. To shift the structure of a sentence alters the meaning of that sentence, as definitely and inflexibly as the position of a camera alters the meaning of the object photographed. . . . The arrangement of the words matters, and the arrangement you want can be found in the picture in your mind. The picture dictates whether this will be a sentence with or without clauses, a sentence that ends hard or a dying-fall sentence, long or short, active or passive.
--Joan Didion
As Ms. Didion suggests, you do not need a comprehensive understanding of grammar to write well – but you do need to respect its power. These lessons are designed to teach you some of the basic elements and show how they relate to writing. I would also recommend reading voraciously and keeping a daily journal. These time-honored practices lead to a natural understand of grammar and usage, and will complement the lessons we review in class.
English grammar is a complex and challenging topic to master; if you are curious and want to deepen your understanding, you will have the opportunity to go beyond the basics in college classes.
In your groups, discuss what you know about grammar and give some examples; discuss how texting and the internet have affected your grammar and give some examples; and finally, discuss Ms. Didion’s opening statement. Are the rules important? Or should you just play by ear?
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