Independent Learning: Using vocabulary in various syntactical constructions
Due Dates: 8/25, 9/22, 11/3, 12/1, 1/26, 2/23, 4/6 and 5/4
Approximate time for completion: 1-1.5 hours
You will never be a good writer until you can write a great sentence. This is a writing assignment, and an
assessment grade. Understand here that a sentence should stand on its own—and carry weight. Length, diction
choices, structure and punctuation are among the considerations. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always
write for clarity. A writing teacher once told me that every good sentence has a theme. Think about it.
Writing Directions (see specific assignments on the next page):
 MLA formatting
o Title: Vocabulary Log #?
 Sentences should be numbered, 1-10
 Sentences should be labeled as directed
 All vocabulary words, in each sentence, should be bolded.
 The first five sentences must contain verbs from your vocabulary logs
 Proper grammar expected (no passive voice, S/V agreement, antecedent agreement, etc.)
 Use of the words used in proper context (PC)
 Sentences must be uploaded to turnitin.com
Assessment: Holistic/50 points (assessment)
Point Deductions may be attributed to:
 failure to follow above directions or label sentences correctly
 sentences are not numbered, or words are not identified
 one or more vocabulary words used incorrectly, awkwardly, out of context or as the wrong part of
speech in the sentence
 structural, grammatical and/or convention issues
 failure to use verbs in first five sentences
 missing sentences
 not correctly utilizing the required structure/punctuation assignment
 failure to upload to tii (credit will be given with a 5 point penalty when receipt is turned in)
Writing directions for each assignment are listed on the next page.
1st Semester Writing Directions:
Sentence Set # 1: Due Date: 8/25
 The first five sentences must contain verbs from your log.
 All sentences must utilize parallel structure; higher scoring sentences will use structures more
complicated than parallel words (e.g. phrases, clauses, etc.). Italicize your parallel structures.
Sentence Set # 2: Due Date: 9/22
 The first five sentences must contain verbs from your log.
 You must utilize each of the classifications listed on page 1000 of your textbook at least twice.
 Every sentence must utilize a subordinating conjunction—italicize these.
Sentence Set # 3 (continue to try to implement advanced punctuation, when possible): Due Date: 11/3
 The first five sentences must contain verbs from your log.
 Write ten compound sentences
Sentence Set # 4 (continue to try to implement advanced punctuation, when possible): Due Date: 12/1
 The first five sentences must contain verbs from your log.
 4 cumulative, 4 periodic and 2 inverted sentences. Label the sentences accordingly.
2nd Semester Writing Directions:
Sentence Set # 5: Due Date: 1/26
 The first five sentences must contain verbs from your log.
 All ten sentences must contain an appositive.
Sentence Set # 6: Due Date: 2/23
 The first five sentences must contain verbs from your log.
 Six sentences should contain a pronoun—italicize both the pronoun, and its antecedent.
 (see pgs. 58 & 59 in your text) These four sentences should be labeled.
o 1 sentence employing asyndeton
o 1 sentence employing polysyndeton
o 1 sentence employing antimetabole
o 1 sentence employing anaphora
Sentence Set # 7: Due Date: 4/6
 The first five sentences must contain verbs from your log.
 Modifiers italicize your modifiers.
o 2 sentences employing a one word adjective
o 2 sentences employing a one-word adverb
o 3 sentences employing a phrase as a modifier
o 3 sentences employing a clause as a modifier
Narrative # 8: Due Date: 5/4
 Class Evaluation—a short narrative
o Using at least 5 words from your vocabulary log, write a short narrative about your year in
this classroom. You may write in any form (Satire? Letter? Anecdotes?).