K20 LEARN | Knowledge of Language: Mastering the Mechanics

Summary

Unlock the power of language with our comprehensive collection of grammar lessons designed specifically for 8-12th graders. "Knowledge of Language" delves into the core aspects of language knowledge, providing students with the tools they need to write and communicate effectively. From sentence structure and active voice to advanced topics like parallelism consistency and nuanced use of modifiers, each lesson is crafted to build a solid foundation in grammar. Engaging activities, clear explanations, and practical examples ensure that students not only understand the rules but also learn to apply them with confidence in their writing. Whether you're prepping for exams or aiming to enhance your everyday writing skills, this collection is your guide to mastering the art of language.

Resources

5E Lesson

Active or Passive? "The Monkey's Paw"

Grammar/Language Usage

Grade Level

7th - 8th

This grammar lesson will engage students in recognizing, identifying, and creating active or passive voice in their writing. The use of active and passive voice is demonstrated through the short story, "The Monkey's Paw," although any piece of literature could be substituted. This lesson includes optional... Read more »

Created by: Margaret Salesky

Date Updated: May 29th, 2025

5E Lesson

Active or Passive? "The Monkey's Paw"

Grammar/Language Usage

Subject

English/Language Arts

Course

British Literature, Composition

Grade Level

7th - 8th

Standards

8.1.W.2, 8.2.R.1, 8.5.R.2

60 minutes

1-2 class period(s)

5E Lesson

The War of the Words

Grammar and Parts of Speech

Grade Level

9th - 12th

Of all of the amazing skills that students possess, perhaps there is none greater than the ability to argue! Throw a grammar lesson in front of them, and most tune out immediately—the subject matter simply does not get them excited–-but tell your students that the goal for the day is to get into an... Read more »

Created by: K20 Center

Date Updated: August 10th, 2023

5E Lesson

The War of the Words

Grammar and Parts of Speech

Grade Level

9th - 12th

Subject

English/Language Arts

Standards

9.3.W.3, 9.3.W.4, 9.5.W.3

150 minutes

3-4 class period(s)

5E Lesson

A Way With Words

Copy Editing and the Writing Process

Grade Level

7th - 8th

In this lesson about the journalism writing process and the role of a copy editor, students will explore the importance of grammar and style. Students will work in groups to identify the key elements of a news story through a Card Sort. Then, students will work independently to practice editing a paragraph... Read more »

Created by: Margaret Salesky

Date Updated: February 7th, 2025

5E Lesson

A Way With Words

Copy Editing and the Writing Process

Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP)

Subject

English/Language Arts

Course

Composition, Creative Writing

Grade Level

7th - 8th

Standards

7.2.W.1, 7.2.W.2, 7.2.W.4, 7.2.W.5, 7.5.W.1, 8.2.W.1, 8.2.W.2, 8.2.W.4, 8.2.W.5, 8.5.W.1, SST 501, L&C 202

2-3 class periods

150 minutes

5E Lesson

Say It With Style

Syntax and Parallel Structure

Grade Level

9th - 10th

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to new concepts and terminology regarding syntax, focusing mostly on defining new terms and identifying them in both isolation and application. Read more »

Created by: Lisa Loughlin

Date Updated: August 10th, 2023

5E Lesson

Say It With Style

Syntax and Parallel Structure

Subject

English/Language Arts

Grade Level

9th - 10th

Standards

9.5.R.1, 9.5.W.1, 9.5.W.2

5E Lesson

Sentence Structure in Siddhartha

Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex Sentences

Grade Level

9th Grade

Sentence structure adds variety, interest, and impact to a text. Different sentence structures are composed of clauses and combinations of clauses, and these add varied sentence lengths and styles to a text. This lesson asks students to identify and practice writing simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex... Read more »

Created by: Jane Baber

Date Updated: August 29th, 2024

5E Lesson

Sentence Structure in Siddhartha

Simple, Compound, Complex, and Compound-Complex Sentences

Subject

English/Language Arts

Course

A.P. Literature and Composition

Grade Level

9th Grade

Standards

9.5.W.2

Standards

ACT College and Career Readiness Standards - English (6-12)

SST 501: Recognize and correct disturbances in sentence structure (e.g., faulty placement of phrases, faulty coordination and subordination of clauses, lack of parallelism within a simple series of phrases)

Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts (Grade 7)

7.2.W.1: Students will apply components of a recursive writing process for multiple purposes to create a focused, organized, and coherent piece of writing.

7.2.W.2: Students will plan (e.g., outline) and prewrite a first draft as necessary.

7.2.W.4: Students will edit and revise multiple drafts for organization, transitions to improve coherence and meaning, using a consistent point of view.

7.2.W.5: Students will use resources to find correct spellings of words (e.g., word wall, vocabulary notebook, print and electronic dictionaries, and spell-check).

7.5.W.1: Students will write using correct mechanics with a focus on commas, apostrophes, quotation marks, colons, and semi-colons.

Oklahoma Academic Standards for English Language Arts (Grade 8)

8.1.W.2: Students will work effectively and respectfully within diverse groups, show willingness to make necessary compromises to accomplish a goal, share responsibility for collaborative work, and value individual contributions made by each group member.

8.2.R.1: Students will summarize and paraphrase ideas, while maintaining meaning and a logical sequence of events, within and between texts.

8.2.W.1: Students will apply components of a recursive writing process for multiple purposes to create a focused, organized, and coherent piece of writing.

8.2.W.2: Students will plan (e.g., outline) and prewrite a first draft as necessary.

8.2.W.4: Students will edit and revise multiple drafts for organization, transitions to improve coherence and meaning, sentence variety, and use of consistent point of view.

8.2.W.5: Students will use resources to find correct spellings of words (e.g., word wall, vocabulary notebook, print and electronic dictionaries, and spell-check).

8.5.R.2: Students will recognize the use of active and passive voice.

8.5.W.1: Students will write using correct mechanics with a focus on commas, apostrophes, quotation marks, colons, and semi-colons.

Oklahoma Academic Standards: English Language Arts (Grade 9)

9.3.W.3: Compose argumentative essays, reviews, or op-eds that:

introduce precise, informed claims
include a defensible thesis
acknowledge counterclaims or alternate perspectives
organize claims, counterclaims, and evidence in a logical sequence
provide the most relevant evidence to develop balanced arguments, using credible sources
use sentence variety and word choice to create clarity and concision
use style and tone that suits the audience and purpose

9.3.W.4: Blend narrative, informative, and argumentative writing to suit their audience and purpose.

9.5.R.1: Recognize and examine the effect of parallel structure and active and passive voice to convey specific meanings.

9.5.W.1: Use or revise for active/passive voice and parallel structure in words and phrases for effect.

9.5.W.2: Add clarity, variety, and/or style to their writing and presentations with parts of speech and various types of phrases and clauses.

9.5.W.3: Recognize and correct misplaced and dangling modifiers.

act.org (6-12)

L&C 202: A score in this range indicates that the writer is able to: -Compose sentences that sometimes have clear structures -Produce writing that has distracting errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics and only sometimes conveys meaning clearly

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 License.

Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

Summary

Resources

Standards