Helena's Blog
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Adverbs
An adverb can be added to a verb to modify its meaning. Usually, an adverb tells you when, where, how, in what manner or to what extent an action is performed. Very many adverbs end in '...ly' - particularly those that are used to express how an action is performed. Although many adverbs end 'ly', lots do not, e.g., fast, never, well, very, most, least, more, less, now, far and there.
Examples:
(The word 'carefully' is an adverb. It shows how the vase was placed.)
(The word 'gracefully' is an adverb. It modifies the verb 'to walk'.)
(The word 'fast' is an adverb. It modifies the verb 'to run'.)
(The word 'always' is an adverb. It modifies the verb 'to leave'.)
('early' - adverb; modifies 'to arrive')
('sometimes' - adverb; modifies 'to help')
('thoroughly' - adverb; modifies 'to know')
Types of Adverbs
Although there are thousands of adverbs, each adverb can usually be categorised in one of the following groupings:
Adverb of time
An
adverb of time tells us when something is done or happens. We use it at
the beginning or at the end of a sentence. We use it as a form of
emphasis when we place it at the beginning. Adverbs of time include afterwards, already, always, immediately, last month, now, soon, then, and yesterday.
- He collapsed and died yesterday.
- His factory was burned down a few months ago.
- Last week, we were stuck in the lift for an hour.
Adverb of place
An
adverb of place tells us where something is done or happens. We use it
after the verb, object or at the end of a sentence. Adverbs of place
include words such as above, below, here, outside, over there, there, under, upstairs.
- We can stop here for lunch.
- The schoolboy was knocked over by a school bus.
- They rushed for their lives when fire broke out in the floor below.
Adverb of manner
An adverb of manner tells us how something is done or happens. Most adverbs of manner end in –ly such as badly, happily, sadly, slowly, quickly, and others that include well, hard, fast, etc.
- The brothers were badly injured in the fight.
- They had to act fast to save the others floating in the water.
- At the advanced age of 88, she still sang very well.
Adverb of degree
An adverb of degree tells us the level or extent that something is done or happens. Words of adverb of degree are almost, much, nearly, quite, really, so, too, very, etc.
- It was too dark for us to find our way out of the cave. (Before adjective)
- The referee had to stop the match when it began to rain very heavily. (Before adverb)
- Her daughter is quite fat for her age.
- The accident victim nearly died from his injuries.
- After all these years, she is still feeling very sad about her father’s death.
Adverb of frequency
An adverb of frequency tells us how often something is done or happens. Words used as adverbs of frequency include again, almost, always, ever, frequently, generally, hardly ever, nearly, nearly always, never, occasionally, often, rarely, seldom, sometimes, twice, usually, and weekly.
They were almost fifty when they got married.
He hardly ever say something nice to his wife.
While overseas, he frequently phoned home.
She is not nearly always right although she thinks she is always right.
He complained that she never smiled back.
We only write to each other very occasionally.
Peter seldom reads the Bible.
Sometimes he stays late in the office to complete his work.
Our cat was bitten twice by the same dog.
The man usually proposes marriage.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
What Makes A Teacher Great?
What makes a good teacher? Teaching
is one of the most complicated jobs today. It demands broad knowledge of
subject matter, curriculum, and standards; enthusiasm, a caring attitude, and a
love of learning; knowledge of discipline and classroom management techniques;
and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people. With all these
qualities required, it's no wonder that it's hard to find great teachers.
Here
are some characteristics of great teachers
- Great teachers set high expectations for all students. They expect that all students can and will achieve in their classroom, and they don't give up on underachievers.
- Great teachers have clear, written-out objectives. Effective teachers have lesson plans that give students a clear idea of what they will be learning, what the assignments are and what the grading policy is. Assignments have learning goals and give students ample opportunity to practice new skills. The teacher is consistent in grading and returns work in a timely manner.
- Great teachers are prepared and organized. They are in their classrooms early and ready to teach. They present lessons in a clear and structured way. Their classrooms are organized in such a way as to minimize distractions.
- Great teachers engage students and get them to look at issues in a variety of ways. Effective teachers use facts as a starting point, not an end point; they ask "why" questions, look at all sides and encourage students to predict what will happen next. They ask questions frequently to make sure students are following along. They try to engage the whole class, and they don't allow a few students to dominate the class. They keep students motivated with varied, lively approaches.
- Great teachers form strong relationships with their students and show that they care about them as people. Great teachers are warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. Teachers with these qualities are known to stay after school and make themselves available to students and parents who need them. They are involved in school-wide committees and activities, and they demonstrate a commitment to the school.
- Great teachers are masters of their subject matter. They exhibit expertise in the subjects they are teaching and spend time continuing to gain new knowledge in their field. They present material in an enthusiastic manner and instill a hunger in their students to learn more on their own.
- Great teachers communicate frequently with parents. They reach parents through conferences and frequent written reports home. They don't hesitate to pick up the telephone to call a parent if they are concerned about a student.
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