Peter Horton - Educator

Unit 15: Grammar; Prescriptive and Descriptive

Grammar is the system of rules governing language use. Therefore, learning grammar is crucial for clear communication, understanding, and constructing sentences. In particular, it helps students write correctly, read with comprehension, and express ideas effectively in English class.

The nine parts of speech

The nine parts of speech are the building blocks of language: nouns name things, pronouns replace nouns, verbs show action, adjectives describe nouns, adverbs modify verbs, prepositions link words, conjunctions connect clauses, interjections express emotion, and articles define nouns. Together, they structure our sentences and convey meaning.

The Importance of Grammar: A Guide for 8th Grade English Arts Students

Grammar is like the GPS for language—it guides us in communicating clearly and effectively. Indeed, it’s super important because it helps us avoid mix-ups, show respect, and demonstrate what we know.

Speaking & Listening:

Grammar keeps our sentences running smoothly when we chat or tune in to someone else. It’s like a traffic light making sure everything flows without a hitch. For example, saying “She is happy” instead of “She happy” keeps the communication clear because it follows the rules—just like driving on the right side of the road.

Reading & Writing:

While reading or writing, grammar is like a blueprint that helps us build our sentences correctly. As a result, our message is as clear as a sunny day. For instance, if a fairy tale starts all jumbled, like “Once upon a time, there was a princess who beautiful and kind was,” we’d be lost. However, with grammar, it’s “Once upon a time, there was a beautiful and kind princess,” and the story unfolds just right.

Language Usage:

Grammar lets us pick the perfect words and line them up just right, like pieces in a puzzle. Otherwise, our message might look like a puzzle with all the wrong pieces forced together.

Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Grammar

Now, let’s break down the two ways people think about grammar: descriptive and prescriptive.

Descriptive Grammar:

This is like watching people talk and writing down how they do it. It’s not about right or wrong; it’s about what’s actually happening. For instance, many folks say “I’m good” instead of “I’m well,” and that’s just how it is.

Prescriptive Grammar:

This one’s like a coach giving you the playbook. It’s all about the rules and following them to the letter. In other words, it’s like being told to say, “Whom did you see?” instead of “Who did you see?”

Differences in Writing and Speaking:

In writing, we usually follow the rules because it’s more formal. Conversely, when we’re talking, we go with the flow and use the language as it comes naturally.

Teaching Grammar:

Teachers start with the rulebook, showing us the dos and don’ts. Gradually, as we get the hang of it, we learn how people bend the rules in real life.

Importance in Learning English:

Both ways of thinking about grammar are super important. The rules give us the basics, like learning to dribble a basketball. Meanwhile, seeing how people talk helps us play the game in the real world.

So, 8th graders, remember that grammar is like a trusty sidekick. It helps you say what you mean and understand what you read or hear, whether writing an epic essay, diving into a book, chatting with pals, or jamming to tunes. Just like in sports, knowing the rules makes you a better player in the game of language!

Grammar Around the World

Now, about learning grammar worldwide: In China, students might know all the grammar rules but find it hard to speak English because they don’t practice talking much. On the other hand, in the USA, students might chat and listen in English a lot, but they might not learn all the parts of speech, like adjectives, action verbs, and the rest. Clearly, knowing these parts is like knowing the players on a team—you need to know who they are to play the game well.

So, let’s get to know these players and become language champions.

How Grammar Helps Us

Grammar is like the secret sauce that makes our words tasty and easy to digest. Therefore, it’s super important because it helps us chat, write, and share ideas without making a jumble of word salad. Mastering grammar is like having a powerful tool in your communication arsenal, making you competent and skilled in expressing your thoughts.

Here’s how grammar can be a game-changer:

• Explicit Chat: Grammar is like a traffic cop for our sentences. It keeps our words from crashing into each other. For example, if you text “Let’s eat, Grandma” with a comma, you’re inviting your grandma to dinner. Forget the comma, and “Let’s eat Grandma” sounds like you’re serving grandma for dinner! Yikes!
• Making a Splash: Using grammar right is like dressing up for a fancy event—it shows you’ve got style and smarts. Thus, when writing something important, like a job application, nailing the grammar not only shows you’re the real deal but also gives you confidence.
• Fun with Words: Grammar lets us play with language like LEGO bricks. We can build all sorts of cool stuff—stories, jokes, and poems. Consequently, it sparks imagination and inspires creativity.

Why Both Grammar Approaches Matter

• Descriptive Grammar: This is like being a language detective. It’s all about how people really talk and write, even if they bend the rules.
• Prescriptive Grammar: This one’s like the language police. It’s all about following the traditional rules, even if they sound a bit formal.

Why Both Matter:

• Writing: When we write, especially for school or work, we usually stick to the prescriptive rules to keep it polished.
• Speaking: Meanwhile, when hanging out with friends, we go with the descriptive flow, talking just like everyone else.
• The Big Picture: Both ways of looking at grammar are like two sides of the same coin. To put it another way, knowing the rules is like learning the moves in a dance. And seeing how people really talk is like freestyling to your favorite tune.

Final Thoughts

So, 9th graders, think of grammar as your language toolkit. It’s there to help you make sense, sound wise, and have fun with words. Above all, remember that whether you’re writing an epic story or texting a friend, grammar has got your back!