Peter Horton - Educator

Unit 15: Prescriptive Grammar, Descriptive Grammar, and Nine Parts of Speech

Prescriptive Grammar:

Definition: This approach focuses on teaching the rules and norms of language usage. Specifically, it prescribes how language should be used and often emphasizes correct forms and structures.
Model: For instance, in a classroom setting, teachers might explicitly teach grammar rules and expect students to apply them in writing and speaking. For example, students might learn rules such as “Do not split infinitives” or “Do not end a sentence with a preposition,” and then practice correcting sentences that break these rules.

Descriptive Grammar:

Definition: On the other hand, this approach involves understanding and analyzing language as it is naturally used. Instead of imposing rules of correctness, it describes the language and often focuses on patterns and usage found in real-life communications.
Model: In this case, teachers might encourage students to read extensively and write freely, allowing them to develop a feel for grammar through exposure and practice. For example, rather than correcting every grammatical mistake, a teacher might highlight patterns in students’ writing to help them notice and self-correct their language use over time.

Comparison:

These approaches reflect broader theories of grammar learning, where one emphasizes structured learning of rules, and the other relies on innate learning abilities and natural acquisition of language through use. Therefore, both have their place in language education, and it is crucial to strike a balance between them to provide a comprehensive approach to learning grammar. One major way to do this is to get a book or something you enjoy reading. Then, copy the text—it can be a paragraph, essay, story, or pages in a book.

Both ways are essential. Prescriptive grammar helps you learn the rules to write clearly and correctly. Meanwhile, descriptive grammar enables you to understand how language works in the real world. Consequently, it helps you see beyond the rules and understand the nuances of language use, fostering creativity and expressiveness. By using both approaches, you become a grammar superstar, ready to write and speak brilliantly!

Personal Reflection:

For this program, or in my way of thinking, I show and explain both theories of grammar. When I was in China, the teacher only taught grammar with rules, so students could pass grammar tests. However, they could not read, write, or speak English effectively because they did not learn how to use English for speaking, listening, or writing. Now, in America, teachers focus primarily on how to speak, read, and listen. Yet, they often do not teach the nine parts of speech with rules, which creates a major gap in learning how to write. Therefore, I always teach both grammar methods.

Word Class or Nine Parts of Speech:

In grammar, “word class” is a term that groups words based on their job in a sentence. These groups, also known as the parts of speech, each follow their own rules in sentences. The main ones include nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Additionally, there are smaller groups such as prepositions, pronouns, conjunctions, and interjections.

Explanation:

Let’s break it down. Firstly, a noun is a label for a person, place, thing, or idea. Secondly, a verb is all about doing something or being something. Then, an adjective is a describing word for a noun, making it more interesting. Moreover, an adverb adds flavor to a verb, an adjective, or even another adverb, telling us more about the action or description.

Importance:

Knowing about word classes helps you put words together correctly to make sentences that make sense. When you’re diving into the nine parts of speech, you’re really getting to know these word classes and figuring out how to use them to express your thoughts clearly when you write or talk.

The Nine Parts of Speech:

The nine parts of speech are categories of words with different functions and meanings in a sentence. Specifically, they are:

Nouns: Words that name people, places, things, or ideas—for example, teacher, school, book, love.

Pronouns: Words that take the place of nouns, such as he, she, it, they.

Verbs: Words that show actions or states of being, e.g., run, jump, is, are.

Adjectives: Words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns, e.g., big, small, red, beautiful.

Adverbs: Words that describe or modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

Prepositions: Words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word, e.g., in, on, under, with.

Conjunctions: Words that join two or more words, phrases, or clauses, such as FANBOYS— for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Interjections: Words that express emotions or feelings, e.g., wow, ouch, yay, oh.

Determiners: Words that clarify nouns, indicating aspects like quantity, ownership, or specificity. These include articles (“a,” “an,” “the”), demonstratives (“this,” “that”), possessives (“my,” “your”), quantifiers (“some,” “many”), and numbers (“one,” “two”).

Conclusion:

Grammar is the set of rules and conventions governing how we use language to communicate. Consequently, it is vital for many reasons: it helps avoid misunderstandings and confusion, shows respect and courtesy to others, and demonstrates our knowledge and skills. Moreover, grammar benefits us by enabling us to communicate effectively, impress others, and enjoy language more. Furthermore, grammar is applied in spoken language, written language, and in listening and reading. Overall, grammar consists of nine parts of speech, each with different functions and meanings in a sentence.

Encouragement:

7th graders! Now, let’s embark on an exciting journey into the world of grammar. Imagine grammar as a game, where the rules are like the rules of a video game—they help us play the language game correctly! Additionally, there are nine notable players in this game: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections, and determiners. Each one has a unique role in making our sentences awesome.