Topic Five (1.5): Introduction to Word Classes – Nouns and Adjectives
Introduction
When analysing texts in English Language, you need to be able to identify specific words which create particular effects, but ironically, one of the least helpful terms you can use in this subject is ‘word’. This is because every word belongs to a particular word class, so the term is simply too vague. In the next four topics, you will learn about the eight key word classes in some detail. N.B. You may occasionally see these referred to as ‘parts of speech’; it means exactly the same thing.
In this topic, you will learn more about the first two kinds of word class: nouns and adjectives. You will have heard of these before, but for AS, you need to be prepared to learn the names of the different kinds of each and be able to identify these in texts.
There is a lot to remember in the next four topics, so make sure you work carefully through each worksheet provided and that you complete all the exercises and quizzes before moving on.
Read and Make Notes
Read pages 16 to 17, up to ‘Meaning and Interpretation’ in the textbook and make notes.
Tasks
- Copy down the table of word classes and their definitions into your notes. This is a good basic overview, but we will go into further detail on these important grammatical elements in the remainder of this module.
- Complete Activity 3 in the textbook.
- Read the following document, which introduces you to word classes:
PRINT OUT & READ – Student Grammar Handbook: Overview of Word Classes Download PRINT OUT & READ – Student Grammar Handbook: Overview of Word Classes
The grammar worksheets provided in Modules One and Two form a complete overview of the grammar you need to know for AS – a Student Grammar Handbook – so we recommend that you print each of them out now and put them in your folder so you can annotate them and most importantly, keep returning to them as you work through the course.
Nouns
- Read the following worksheet and add to your notes. We recommend printing these worksheets out and keeping them in your folder so you can refer to them regularly.
PRINT OUT & READ – Student Grammar Handbook: Nouns Worksheet Download PRINT OUT & READ – Student Grammar Handbook: Nouns Worksheet
- Complete the exercise on the worksheet.
- Now check your answers. If you got anything wrong, revisit the worksheet to make sure you understand all of the material covered.
CHECK – Student Grammar Handbook: Nouns Worksheet Answers Download CHECK – Student Grammar Handbook: Nouns Worksheet Answers
Adjectives
- Read the following worksheet and add to your notes. We recommend printing these worksheets out and keeping them in your folder so you can refer to them regularly.
PRINT OUT & READ – Student Grammar Handbook: Adjectives Worksheet Download PRINT OUT & READ – Student Grammar Handbook: Adjectives Worksheet
- Complete the exercise on the worksheet.
- Now check your answers. If you got anything wrong, revisit the worksheet to make sure you understand all of the material covered.
CHECK – Student Grammar Handbook: Adjectives Worksheet Answers Download CHECK – Student Grammar Handbook: Adjectives Worksheet Answers
Quizzes
Complete the following quizzes to test your understanding of what you have covered so far. Please note that these quizzes are compulsory and each one must be completed before you can unlock the assignment for this module.
Your scores will appear in the gradebook on Canvas. We recommend you aim for a score of at least 75% in each one. If you do not achieve this, you should try the quiz again to ensure you have fully understood the material. You may take each quiz as many times as you like.
Terminology
Make sure you understand all the key terms covered in this topic and highlight these on your glossary. You may like to make flashcards of key terms now, to help you with revision later on.