Language Olympics – Week 3
Rhetorical
Terms
Grammar
Roots
Spelling
Vocabulary
Grammar: Apostrophes


The apostrophe (‘) is used to show possession and in contractions.
Add ‘s to form the possessive of a singular noun.
o The computer’s connection is very slow.
o Write another example below:

Add only an apostrophe to form the possessive of a plural noun that ends in s.
o I can’t wait to celebrate the Cowboys’ winning season.
o Write another example below:

Add ‘s to form the possessive of a plural noun that does not end in s.
o Stalin did not care about people’s rights.
o Write another example below:

If a person’s name ends in s, you can choose between adding ‘s or just the apostrophe.
o Mrs. Mehrens’ preference is to just use the apostrophe, but you could also write Mrs.
Mehrens’s possessive form like that.
o Write another example below:

Some pronouns can be possessive without an apostrophe.
o Yours
 Use in a sentence:
o
Its

Use in a sentence:
o
Whose
 Use in a sentence:
o
His
o
o

Use in a sentence:
Hers

Use in a sentence:
Theirs
 Use in a sentence:

When two people own something, add ‘s to only the last person’s name.
o Bill and Melissa’s cat was really mean.
o Write another example:

Use an apostrophe with the possessive form of a noun that expresses time or amount.
o I love vintage clothing from the 1960’s.
o The assembly ends at one o’ clock.
o There is ten hours’ of work saved on this flash drive.
o Write another example:

Use an apostrophe in a contraction to show where one or more letters have been omitted.
o Can’t = Can not
 Use in a sentence:
o
Should’ve = Should not
 Use in a sentence:
o
It’s = It is
 Use in a sentence:
o
Let’s = Let us
 Use in a sentence:
o
You’re = You are
 Use in a sentence:
o
They’re = They are
 Use in a sentence:
Rhetorical Terms
For help with Rhetorical Terms, refer to “A Working Vocabulary of Fundamental Terms” in the reference section
of your binder or http://www.virtualsalt.com/rhetoric.htm.
1) Define denotation in your own words:
2) Define connotation in your own words:
3) If you look up the word snake in a dictionary, you will discover that one of its denotative
meanings is "any of numerous scaly, legless, sometimes venomous reptiles having a long,
tapering, cylindrical body and found in most tropical and temperate regions." The connotations
for the word snake could include evil or danger.
a. What is the denotation of blood?
b. What are some possible connotations of blood? (Think Macbeth).
Roots: Bell & Hyper
For help with roots, visit http://www.learnthat.org/pages/view/roots.html. For help with definitions, go to
www.dictionary.com, use the FREE dictionary app on your phone, or consult your friendly neighborhood dictionary
in Mrs. Mehrens’ room.
Bell
Definition of root =
Identify a word containing the root bell:
Define that word:
Identify a second word containing the root bell:
Define that word:
Hyper
Definition of root =
Underline the root hyper in the following words. Define each word. In your definition, explain
how the root’s meaning helps you understand the meaning of the word.
Hyperactive
Definition:
Hypercritical
Definition:
Vocabulary:
For help with definitions, go to www.dictionary.com, use the FREE dictionary app on your phone, or consult your
friendly neighborhood dictionary in Mrs. Mehrens’ room.
Define the following words:
1) Valor (noun) =
2) Valorous (adjective) =
3) Clarity (noun) =
4) Clarify (verb) =
5) Elaborate (verb) =
6) Elaborate (adjective) =
7) Imbed (verb) =
8) Imbedded (adjective) =
9) Choose ( verb) =
10) Choice (noun) =
11) Mourn (verb) =
12) Mournful (adjective) =
Spelling:
Know how to spell the following words. You can study them any way you choose. Mrs. Mehrens’
suggests pneumonic devices for those who are auditory learners, repetitive copying for those who are
tactile leaners, or flashcards for those who are visual learners. Whatever you choose, you must practice
spelling these words with a peer, parent, sibling, friend, teacher, anyone. Have your study partner sign
beneath the words once you have spent at least a few minutes time studying with them.
1) Denotation
4) Choose
5) Mournful
Signature of study partner:
2) Connotation
5) Chose
6) Citizen
3) Elaborate
6) Choice
7) Consequence