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Grade 8Writing and LanguageTeacher At-Home Activity Packet 3This At-Home Activity Packet is organized as a series of journal entries. Eachentry has two parts. In part 1, the student writes in response to a prompt. Inpart 2, the student completes a Language Handbook lesson and practicesthe skill in the context of their writing from part 1. We recommend that thestudent completes one part each day.Most lessons can be completed independently. However, there are somelessons that would benefit from the support of an adult. If there is not anadult available to help, don’t worry! Just skip those lessons.Although we are providing an Answer Key, we would like to emphasizethat it is effort that matters most, and not how many questions a studentgets right or wrong. Encourage the student to do the best they can withthis content. The most important thing is that they continue to work ontheir writing and language skills.Directions for this packet:Part 1: Read the writing prompt. If needed, use the sentence frames to helpyou get started writing.Part 2: Complete Guided Practice. Complete Independent Practice. Complete the Try It prompt. 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Flip to see theGrade 8 Writingand Languageactivities includedin this packet!
Table of ContentsGrade 8 Writing and Language ActivitiesEntry1Writing PromptPart 1ResourcePart 2Grade 8 ReadyLanguage Handbook,Lesson 1GerundsJournal Entry 1PART 1GerundsIntroductionA verbal is a word that is formed from a verb but is used in a sentenceas a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. A gerund is one kind of verbal. It is a verbal that functions as a noun. Like a noun, a gerundcan be a subject, a predicate nominative, a direct object, or the object of a preposition. Toform a gerund, add -ing to a verb.SubjectSinging is very important to Roberto.Predicate Nominative His main interest is singing.Direct ObjectRoberto loves singing.Object of Preposition Without singing, Roberto’s life would be a lot duller. Not all verbs with the -ing ending are gerunds. Most often, a verbthat ends in -ing is just that—a verb. It is part of a verb phrase thatincludes words such as is and are. Don’t confuse gerunds with verbs.A gerund looks like a verb but functions as a noun.GerundVerb PhraseRoberto is excited about performing.He is performing next week.object of thepreposition aboutverb phrase thattells what thesubject, He, isdoingFind and underline each gerund. Write S for subject, PN for predicateGuided Practicenominative, DO for direct object, or OP for object of a preposition to tell how the gerund is used.Write none if a sentence has no gerund.HintSometimes a gerund isa predicate nominative.Remember, a predicatenominative comes aftera linking verb.An activity that’simportant to me isbecause it .1 Roberto’s chorus finds pleasure in performing.2 Planning began months ago for their concert.3 Now the chorus is practicing daily.4 They practice harmonizing over and over.5 Their other important job is advertising.6 Singing is something the whole community can enjoy!L9: GerundsL1:Comparative and Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs27Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 1Part 1 Curriculum Associates, LLCCopying is not permitted.Grade 8 ReadyLanguage Handbook,Lesson 2Gerund PhrasesPART 1Lesson 2Gerund PhrasesWhat are two things that you could do to help your community? Explain howyour community would benefit.IntroductionA gerund phrase is made up of a gerund and other words thatcomplete its meaning. Gerund phrases may include nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, andprepositional phrases. Like a gerund, a gerund phrase functions as a noun. It can be a subject, a direct object,a predicate nominative, or the object of a preposition.SubjectDirect ObjectPredicate NominativeObject of PrepositionConserving energy can protect Earth’s resources.Many people have started making an effort.A key to success is reducing our trash.We can put effort into recycling certain materials. To distinguish between a gerund phrase and a verb phrase, look at how the phrase is usedin the sentence. If the phrase functions as a noun, it is a gerund phrase. If it functions asa verb, it is a verb phrase.Gerund phraseVerb phraseWorking together can make a big difference.Many communities are working together.Underline the gerund phrase in each sentence. Write S for subject,Guided PracticePN for predicate nominative, DO for direct object, or OP for object of a preposition to tell how thegerund phrase is being used.HintA gerund phrase canbe the subject ofa sentence or ofa dependent clause.A dependent clauseusually begins witha subordinatingconjunction, such asbecause, when, or if,followed by thesubject of the clause.Something that I could do tohelp my community isbecause it would .1 Involving your family in conservation can be fun.2 Even the youngest family member can help by turning offextra lights.3 Another thing that makes a difference is shutting down yourcomputer at night.4 Many people are using less water because conserving it canalso save money.5 Some communities target reducing electronic waste.L9: ComparativeL2:Gerund Phrasesand Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 27Guided practice:1. performing: OP2. Planning: S3. None4. harmonizing: DO5. advertising: PN6. Singing: S10 Curriculum Associates, LLCCopying is not permitted.Independent practice:1. D2. A3. C4. D5. B241Part 2Journal Entry 2PageLesson 1Describe an activity or a hobby that is important to you. How did you begindoing this activity? What do you enjoy about it, and why is it important to you? 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Answer Key243 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Guided Practice:1. Involving your family inconservation: S2. turning off extra lights: OP3. shutting down your computer atnight: PN4. conserving it: S5. reducing electronic waste: DO10Independent Practice:1. A2. D3. C4. A5. AGrade 8 Packet 32
Table of ContentsGrade 8 Writing and Language Activities (Cont.)Entry3Writing PromptPart 1ResourcePart 2Grade 8 ReadyLanguage Handbook,Lesson 3ParticiplesJournal Entry 3PART 1Lesson 3ParticiplesImagine you could plan the best day ever. Describe the day. What would you do,who would be with you, and what would make it such an ideal day?IntroductionRemember that a verbal is a word that is formed from a verb butis used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. A participle is a type of verbal that functions asan adjective. A present participle is formed by adding -ing to a base verb.Someday Gianna would like to be a singing star. (Singing modifies star.)Humming, she daydreamed about her future. (Humming modifies she.) A past participle is similar to the past tense form of a verb. For a regular verb, the ending-ed is added. For an irregular verb, the ending -en may be added, or the spelling of theword may change in other ways.Max’s mother is a trained musician. (Trained modifies musician.)Her chosen profession is teaching piano. (Chosen modifies profession.) Do not confuse a past participle with a past-tense verb. Remember that a participlefunctions as an adjective, while a verb tells the action of a subject.The tired singer rested her vocal cords. (Tired describes singer, while rested tellswhat the singer did.)Underline the present participle or past participle in each sentence.Guided PracticeThen draw an arrow to the noun or pronoun it modifies.1 When I heard about the singing competition, I thought thatHintDo not confuse presentparticiples, gerunds,and progressive verbs. The waitingaudience wasrestless. (presentparticiple) Waiting was hard.(gerund) Everyone waswaiting for theshow. (verb)The best day everwould include and. This day would be idealbecause I enjoy .participating would be fun.2 Now I was shaking as I clenched a wrinkled sheet of music inmy hand.3 I peeked through the curtain and saw the five seated judges.4 I realized that this was going to be a challenging experience.5 I was trying to hold on to my shrinking confidence.6 Frozen, I could not make my legs move onto the stage.L9: ComparativeL3:Participles and Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.4Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 313Part 1 Curriculum Associates, LLCCopying is not permitted.245Part 2Grade 8 ReadyLanguage Handbook,Lesson 4Participial PhrasesJournal Entry 4PART 1Lesson 4Participial PhrasesWhat would you invent to make everyday life better? Describe the problem thatneeds to be solved and how your invention would solve it.IntroductionA participial phrase is made up of a participle and other words thatcomplete its meaning. Like a participle, a participial phrase functions as an adjective. A participial phrase can contain a present or a past participle.PresentPastIn the deep sea, you can see fish glowing in the dark .Equipped with cameras, divers look for these fish.In the first sentence above, the participial phrase glowing in the dark modifies fish. In thesecond sentence, the participial phrase Equipped with cameras modifies divers. To distinguish a participial phrase from a verb phrase or a gerund phrase, look at how it isused in the sentence. If the phrase modifies a noun or a pronoun, it is a participial phrase.If it functions as a verb, it is a verb phrase. If it functions as a noun, it is a gerund phrase.Participial phraseScientists studying deep-sea creatures have discovered(modifies a nounsomething called “bioluminescence.”or pronoun)Verb phraseScientists have been studying this chemical(functions as a verb) phenomenon in animals for years.Gerund phraseStudying bioluminescence has turned up some(functions as a noun) surprising facts.Guided Practiceto the noun it modifies.HintA participial phrasecan appear before orafter the word itmodifies. It cancontain nouns,pronouns, adjectives,adverbs, and otherwords and phrases.My invention solvesthe problem ofbecause it .Underline the participial phrase in each sentence. Then draw an arrow1 ”Bioluminescence” is a scientific term that describes lightcoming from an organism.2 Caused by a chemical reaction, bioluminescence can producedifferent colors, from violet to red.3 Animals producing their own light are called “bioluminescent.”4 Flickering on a summer’s night, a firefly is an example of abioluminescent insect.5 Photographs taken in the deepest, darkest parts of the oceanshow creatures that seem to light up.L9: ParticipialL4:ComparativePhrasesand Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 416 Curriculum Associates, LLCCopying is not permitted.247 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Answer KeyPageGuided Practice:1. singing, arrow to “competition”2. wrinkled, arrow to “sheet”3. seated, arrow to “judges”4. challenging, arrow to“experience”5. shrinking, arrow to “confidence”6. Frozen, arrow to “I”13Independent Practice:1. C2. B3. B4. D5. BGuided Practice:1. coming from an organism: light2. caused by a chemical reaction:bioluminescence3. producing their own light:animals4. flickering on a summer’s night:firefly5. taken in the deepest, darkestparts of the ocean: photographs16Independent Practice:1. A2. B3. B4. A5. AGrade 8 Packet 33
Table of ContentsGrade 8 Writing and Language Activities (Cont.)Entry5Writing PromptPart 1ResourcePart 2Grade 8 ReadyLanguage Handbook,Lesson 5InfinitivesJournal Entry 5PART 1Answer KeyPage19Guided Practice:1. to apply: noun2. to qualify: adverb3. to volunteer: noun4. to teach: noun5. to consider: adjective6. to hire: adverbLesson 5InfinitivesIs it more important to follow a schedule each day or to go along with whateverhappens? Describe your approach to the day and what you like about thatapproach. Use reasons to support your position.IntroductionRemember, a verbal is a word that is formed from a verb but is usedas a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. An infinitive is one type of verbal. An infinitive usually starts with the word to, followed by the base form of a verb.It is time to leave. Juanita hopes to get a job. Infinitives most often function as nouns, but they can also be adjectives or adverbs.For example:FunctionNoun as direct objectNoun as predicate nominativeNoun as subjectAdjective modifying nounAdverb modifying verbAdverb modifying adjectiveExampleAt 7:00 p.m., the students started to gather.The goal of the Job Fair was to help them.To attend was a valuable experience.Juanita was the first person to arrive.She had studied the list to prepare.She was ready to participate.Underline the infinitive in each sentence. Then write whether theGuided Practiceinfinitive functions as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.1 Colinda wanted a job as a lifeguard, so she planned to apply.HintDo not confuse thepreposition to with theword to in an infinitive.If the word is notfollowed by a verb, it isprobably a prepositionindicating direction, asin: I went to school.2 She had studied first aid to qualify.3 Steven talked to a person from the Tutoring Center because hewanted to volunteer.4 To teach was Steven’s ultimate goal.Independent Practice:1. D2. D3. A4. B5 The Job Fair offered to students interesting jobs to consider.It’s better tobecause this allowsyou to .6 The employers were anxious to hire.249L9: ComparativeL5:Infinitivesand Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.619Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 5Part 1 Curriculum Associates, LLCCopying is not permitted.Part 2Grade 8 ReadyLanguage Handbook,Lesson 6Infinitive PhrasesJournal Entry 6PART 1Lesson 6Infinitive PhrasesWhat is one goal you have for the future, why is it important to you, and how doyou plan to achieve it?Introductioncomplete its meaning.An infinitive phrase is made up of an infinitive and the words that An infinitive phrase may include nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and other wordsand phrases. In the sentence below, the infinitive phrase is made up of the infinitive totravel and the prepositional phrase to other planets.For years, people have wanted to travel to other planets. Like an infinitive, an infinitive phrase can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.FunctionNoun as subjectNoun as direct objectNoun as predicate nominativeAdjective modifying nounAdverb modifying an adjectiveExampleTo reach even the nearest planet requires traveling forseveral years.Still, many people would love to go there .One of the oldest dreams is to understand the universe .Unmanned spacecraft have given us a tool to exploredistant parts of our Solar System .Someday it may be possible to go to Mars .Underline the infinitive phrase in each sentence. Write subject, directGuided Practiceobject, predicate nominative, adjective, or adverb to tell how the infinitive phrase functions.HintRemember: An adjective tells“what kind.” An adverb tells“how” or “why.” A predicatenominative followsa linking verb. A direct objectfollows an actionverb.My goal for the futureis to because Iwould like to .1 In 1865, Jules Verne wrote a novel to tell a funny story aboutspace travel.2 Verne liked to imagine what would happen in the future.Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 622 Curriculum Associates, LLC223 Verne predicted that the United States would be the firstcountry to send people to the moon.4 One effect of space travel would be to experience a type ofweightlessness.5 To splash down in the ocean was a way that astronauts mightreturn from the moon.L9: ComparativeL6:Infinitive Phrasesand Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Guided Practice:1. to tell a funny story about spacetravel: adverb2. to imagine what would happenin the future: direct object3. to send people to the moon:adjective4. to experience a type ofweightlessness: predicatenominative5. To splash down in the ocean:subjectCopying is not permitted.251 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Independent Practice:1. D2. B3. D4. BGrade 8 Packet 34
Table of ContentsGrade 8 Writing and Language Activities (Cont.)Entry7Writing PromptPart 1ResourcePart 2Grade 8 ReadyLanguage Handbook,Lesson 12Using Verbs for EffectJournal Entry 7PART 1Lesson 12Using Verbs for EffectImagine you’ve signed up to be one of the first tourists to travel into space. Writea narrative describing your preparation and take off. Use language that connectsto the five senses as you describe your experience.IntroductionWriters think carefully about the verb mood and voice that they use.Each choice provides a different effect.Effect Use the active voice to emphasize theperson doing the action.Example Molly the Collie ran through the obstaclecourse with no problem. Use the passive voice when the doerof the action is not important or known. Use the subjunctive mood to express awish, a suggestion, or something contraryto fact. She was defeated at the last minute. Use the conditional mood to expressuncertainty or possibility. If Molly had been faster, she might have won. I wish Molly were a faster dog. That other dogran as though he were a pup. I suggested thatthe owner keep him on a leash. Without more practice, Molly would probablylose again.Rewrite the sentences in the voice or mood shown in parentheses.Guided PracticeDiscuss with a partner the effect of changing the construction and mood of each sentence.HintWhen a sentence is inthe passive voice, thedoer of the action maybe the object of apreposition.A sentence in theconditional moodoften includes verbssuch as were andwould, could, or might.As I prepare to ,I first .1 The dogs were lined up by the trainers. (active)2 My dog was afraid, and I wish he wasn’t. (subjunctive)3 Another dog pushed him off the course. (passive)4 This competition was suggested by a friend. (active)5 She thought my dog had the ability to do well. (conditional)263L9: ComparativeL12:Using Verbs forandEffectSuperlative Adjectives and Adverbs 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.8Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 725Part 1 Curriculum Associates, LLCCopying is not permitted.Part 2Grade 8 ReadyLanguage Handbook,Lesson 15Using a Dictionary orGlossaryJournal Entry 8PART 1Lesson 15Using a Dictionary or GlossaryWhat makes a good friend? Describe the most important traits of a friend usingexamples to support your opinion.IntroductionMany words have multiple definitions and more than one part ofspeech. When you are reading or writing, use a dictionary to check the precise meaning of a word. A dictionary lists words in alphabetical order. Each entry includes the pronunciation, thepart of speech, and the meaning of the word.Pronunciations are inconvert (kәn vûrt') v. 1. to change the use or function ofsomething: Rigo converted the railway car into a restaurant.2. to exchange one thing for something of equal value3. to change one’s beliefs convert (kŏn' vûrt') n. 4. aperson who has changed his or her beliefsplague (plāg) v. 1. to pester or harass constantly: Fansplague famous athletes with requests for autographs. 2. tocause severe distress or affliction n. 3. a widespreaddisaster 4. an epidemic disease that is often fatal A glossary is an alphabetical list of special words used ina book. Each entry defines a word as used in the book.parentheses. A stress mark (')shows which syllable to stress.Pronunciations often dependon the part of speech.Abbreviations show the partof speech: v. stands for verband n. stands for noun.This sample sentence clarifiesthe first meaning of the word.Each definition is numbered.Read the paragraph. Use the entries above and your own dictionary toGuided Practiceanswer the questions about the underlined words. Write your answers.HintIdentify how a word isused in a sentencebefore you use thedictionary. If the wordis used as a verb, readthe definitions givenfor a verb. After youchoose a definition,use context to see ifthe definition youchose makes sense.Someone who is agood friend isbecause they are .In the early 1900s, farmers in the United States began toconvert millions of acres of prairie grasslands into wheat fields.During the 1930s, a severe drought plagued the Great Plains.Intolerant of the drought, crops failed and exposed the dry topsoilto the elements. That enabled high winds to lift the dusty soil intothe air and create vast dust storms.1 Which definition helps you understand the meaning of theword convert as used in the paragraph?2 What part of speech is the word convert?3 Which definition helps you understand plagued?4 Use your own dictionary to find the meaning and part ofspeech of the words intolerant, exposed, elements, and enabledas used in the paragraph. Write your answers on a separatepiece of paper.L9: ComparativeL15:Using a Dictionaryand Superlativeor GlossaryAdjectives and Adverbs 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 828 Curriculum Associates, LLCCopying is not permitted.269 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Answer KeyPageGuided Practice: Responses willvary. Sample answers:1. The trainers lined up the dogs.2. I wish my dog were not afraid.3. My dog was pushed off thecourse by another dog.4. A friend suggested thiscompetition.5. She thought my dog wouldhave done well.25Independent Practice:1. A2. D3. CGuided Practice:1. Definition 12. Verb3. Definition 24. intolerant: adjective; unable tosurvive under certain conditions5. exposed: verb; lay it open tosomething harmful6. elements: noun; the forces ofweather7. enabled: verb; made possible orallowed28Independent Practice:1. D2. A3. B4. CGrade 8 Packet 35
Table of ContentsGrade 8 Writing and Language Activities (Cont.)Entry9Writing PromptPart 1ResourcePart 2Grade 8 ReadyLanguage Handbook,Lesson 16Using a ThesaurusJournal Entry 9PART 1Lesson 16Using a ThesaurusIs it important to take risks in life? Why or why not? Use reasons and examples tosupport your position on whether or not risks are worth taking.IntroductionA thesaurus is an excellent resource for finding words that will makeyour writing clearer and livelier. Words in a thesaurus appear in alphabetical order. Each entry gives the part of speech,the definition, and synonyms. Antonyms, if any, are also included.decline v. 1. to refuse: 2. to slope in a downward direction:The hill declines steeply. descend, slope, drop Antonyms: rise, climb3. to become fewer or less: The number of songbirds declines in the fall.decrease, diminish, lessen, wane Antonyms: increase, improve,grow n. 4. a reduction: The decline in our income is worrisome.reduction, dip, slump, fall Antonyms: increase, growthpursue v. 1. to go after in order to capture: The cat pursuedthe mouse. chase, follow, hunt, stalk 2. to strive to achievesomething: Nell is pursuing a career in nursing. strive for, seek,undertake 3. to be bothered by something: Thoughts of failurepursued him. haunt, torment, plague, worry When you write, use a thesaurus to replace inexact words with moreprecise or interesting ones and to avoid repeating the same words.Some wordshave morethan one partof speech.When there ismore than onemeaning, eachdefinition isnumbered.Answer KeyPageGuided Practice:1. strive for, seek2. Definition 23. decrease, diminish, lessen, wane4. increase, improve, grow31Independent Practice:1. B2. C3. DA samplesentenceclarifies themeaning ofthe word.Read the paragraph. Use the thesaurus entries above to answerGuided Practicethe questions about the underlined words. Write your answers.HintWhen you replace aword with a synonym,check that it conveysthe same meaning asthe original word andfits in the sentence.Use the dictionary asneeded to check theprecise meaning of thelisted synonyms.One reason risks(are/are not) worth takingis because .In 1849, James Sutter discovered gold in California. Soon goldfever gripped people around the world, and hundreds ofthousands of people migrated to California to find gold andpursue a better life for themselves. By 1853, gold production hadreached its peak and begun to decline.1 Which synonyms of the word pursue would best fit in theparagraph?2 Which definition helps you understand the meaning of pursue?3 Which words are synonyms of the word decline as used in theparagraph?4 Which words are antonyms of the word decline?271L9: ComparativeL16:Using a Thesaurusand Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.1031Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 9Part 1 Curriculum Associates, LLCCopying is not permitted.Part 2Grade 8 ReadyLanguage Handbook,Lesson 19Denotation andConnotationJournal Entry 10PART 1Lesson 19Denotation and ConnotationWrite about a time someone changed your mind about something. How did theychange your mind? How did this new perspective affect you?Introduction Words can have two kinds of meanings that convey very different ideasor images. A word’s denotation is its basic meaning, or dictionary definition. A word’sconnotation is the feeling or impression that people associate with the word. A word can have a positive, negative, or neutral connotation. When you write, thinkabout the connotations of the words you choose and the effect they will have onyour readers.Positive ConnotationNeutral ConnotationSeveral people lingered in Several people stayed inthe theater after auditions. the theater after auditions.My aunt picked me up inMy aunt picked me up inher compact two-door car. her small two-door car.Negative ConnotationSeveral people loitered inthe theater after auditions.My aunt picked me up inher cramped two-door car. To say that a car is small is a neutral statement about the car. A car that is compact,however, can fit everything you need into just a small space. This word has a positiveconnotation. A cramped car, on the other hand, conjures images of tightly squeezedpassengers and belongings. The connotation is negative.Read each sentence. Each underlined word has a neutral or a positiveGuided Practiceconnotation. Write a word that has a negative connotation to replace each underlined word.HintWords that have thesame, or a similar,denotation aresynonyms. You can usea thesaurus to find thesynonyms for eachunderlined word. Thenchoose and write thesynonym that has anegative connotation.1 It was adventurous of me to try out for the role of villain.2 I’m quiet and shy, and the character is powerful.3 My best friend was surprised that I was so firm in my decision.4 I nervously held the script as I read my first lines.5 My right leg shook as I faced the hero.6 When offered the part, I deliberated for a while.7 But then I decided that I had spent too much time being shy.I’ve changed my mindabout because .8 Sometimes, I wonder what kind of silliness I’ll try next.L9: ComparativeL19:Denotation andandConnotationSuperlative Adjectives and Adverbs 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 1034 Curriculum Associates, LLCCopying is not permitted.277 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Guided Practice: Responses willvary. Sample answers:1. Reckless2. Pushy, dominating3. Stubborn, obstinate4. Clutched5. Wobbled, trembled6. Agonized, worried7. Wasted, squandered8. Antics, escapades34Independent Practice:1. B2. D3. A4. C5. AGrade 8 Packet 36
Journal Entry 1PART 1Describe an activity or a hobby that is important to you. How did you begindoing this activity? What do you enjoy about it, and why is it important to you?An activity that’simportant to me isbecause it . 2020 Curriculum Associates, LLC. All rights reserved.Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 17
PART 2Lesson 1GerundsIntroductionA verbal is a word that is formed from a verb but is used in a sentenceas a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. A gerund is one kind of verbal. It is a verbal that functions as a noun. Like a noun, a gerundcan be a subject, a predicate nominative, a direct object, or the object of a preposition. Toform a gerund, add -ing to a verb.SubjectSinging is very important to Roberto.Predicate Nominative His main interest is singing.Direct ObjectRoberto loves singing.Object of Preposition Without singing, Roberto’s life would be a lot duller. Not all verbs with the -ing ending are gerunds. Most often, a verbthat ends in -ing is just that—a verb. It is part of a verb phrase thatincludes words such as is and are. Don’t confuse gerunds with verbs.A gerund looks like a verb but functions as a noun.GerundVerb PhraseRoberto is excited about performing.He is performing next week.object of thepreposition aboutverb phrase thattells what thesubject, He, isdoingFind and underline each gerund. Write S for subject, PN for predicateGuided Practicenominative, DO for direct object, or OP for object of a preposition to tell how the gerund is used.Write none if a sentence has no gerund.HintSometimes a gerund isa predicate nominative.Remember, a predicatenominative comes aftera linking verb.1 Roberto’s chorus finds pleasure in performing.2 Planning began months ago for their concert.3 Now the chorus is practicing daily.4 They practice harmonizing over and over.5 Their other important job is advertising.6 Singing is something the whole community can enjoy!L9: GerundsL1:Comparative and Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs 2020Curriculum Curriculum Associates, LLCCopyingis notAssociates,permitted. LLC. All rights reserved.241Grade 8 Packet 3, Entry 18
PART 2Independent PracticeAnswer Form1 A B C D2 A B C D3 A B C D4 A B C D Number5 A B C D CorrectFor numbers 1–3, which word in each sentenceis a gerund?1Ms. Santos is directing the chorus, andshe loves teaching.AdirectingBchorusClovesDteachingFor numbers 4 and 5, read each sentence. Whatis the function of the underlined gerund?42Conducting is something she reallyenjoys, even when she is working longhours.During practice, Ms. Santos teaches usabout breathing.AsubjectBpredicate nominativeAConductingCdirect objectBsomethingDobject of a prepositionCenjoysDworking53We are learning about composing, andMs. Santos’s favorite composer of choralmus
Grade 8 Writing and Language Activities Cont.) Entry Writing Prompt Resource Answer Key Page 3 Part 1 Part 2 Grade 8 Ready Language Handbook, Lesson 3 Participles Guided Practice: 1. singing, arrow to “competition” 2. wrinkled, arrow to “sheet” 3. seated, a
