AP Language and
Composition/English III, 2015-16
Ms. Leaphart
Tone Vocabulary Routine (35 pts possible)
Our next set of vocabulary words will be words that can be used to describe a writer or
speaker's tone. On Mondays, you will do the following with these words:
1) Write the dictionary definitions of the words (5pts). The word list is also on Quizlet,
but remember that Quizlet is meant to be used as a studying tool, not as a dictionary;
you can join my class with the following link https://quizlet.com/join/sHU34HYH4.
2) Write 2 sentences using each word. One sentence should be a TELLING sentence that
simply uses the word correctly. The other sentence should be a SHOWING sentence that
illustrates using action, imagery, dialogue etc. what the vocabulary word means. (20 pts)
For example, if the word is adoring, you might write


My mother spoke adoringly about her grandson. (TELLING)
She gushed about his accomplishments and fawned over his photos as if he were
the first baby she'd ever laid eyes on. (SHOWING)
3) Finally, you will use these vocabulary sentences to practice varying your syntax
(sentence structure). Each week, I will assign you to write a different kind of sentences
for your vocabulary sentences. We will go over a new sentence type each Monday and
that Monday, at least one of your 2 sentences for each word must be the kind of sentence
that we're focusing on that week. Underline the sentence that fits the sentence structure
of the week. (10 pts)
Week 1: A simple sentence contains one subject and one verb: The singer bowed to her
adoring audience.
Week 2: A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a
coordinating conjunction (and, but, or nor, for, so, yet) or by a semicolon: The singer
bowed to the audience, but she sang no encores.
Week 3: A complex sentence contains an independent clause and one or more
subordinate clauses: You said that you would tell the truth.
Week 4: A compound-complex sentence contains two or more principal clauses and
one or more subordinate clauses: The singer bowed while the audience applauded, but
she sang no encores.
Week 5: A loose/cumulative sentence makes sense if brought to a close before the
actual ending: We reached Edmonton/that morning/after a turbulent flight/and some
exciting experiences.
Week 6: A periodic sentence makes sense only when the end of the sentence is reached:
That morning, after a turbulent flight and some exciting experiences, we reached
Edmonton.
AP Language and
Composition/English III, 2015-16
Ms. Leaphart
Week 7: In a balanced sentence, the phrases and clauses balance each other by virtue of
their likeness of structure, meaning or length: He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Week 8: In a natural sentence (in English) the order is subject + verb: Oranges grow
in California.
Week 9: In an inverted sentence, the word order is somehow reversed to create an
emphatic or rhythmic effect: In California, oranges grow.
Week 10: In an active voice sentence, the subject of the sentence performs the action
of the sentence: Carly smacked the table with the palm of her hand.
Week 11: In a passive voice sentence, the subject of the sentence receives the action of
the sentence: Carly was smacked by the closing door.