Weeks: (1&2)
a. Listeners role in the communication process
b. Listening effectively
c. Three main purposes for listening
1. To gain information for main ideas and major details
2. To solve problems
3. To ask question for clarification of problems so as to fine solution
4. To enjoy and appreciate artistic elements such as rhyme, imagery, and
descriptive language
The Listener’s Role
Listeners should show an interest in the writing and be respectful to the writer.
Listen carefully and take brief notes so that you can make helpful comments. Also
make sure that you look for what is good about the writing; give positive
comments and be sincere about your writing. Be polite, but don’t be afraid to give
an honest opinion. In the event where you don’t understand or are confused about
something or want to know more, ask questions. Do not hesitate; furthermore,
make helpful suggestions so as to help the writer improve his/her writing or
work.
Listening effectively
In order to become a good listener, one must get involved in what he or she is
hearing. One must concentrate on the speaker’s words. Listen for the main points
and then evaluate what he or she is saying. Listening is a two-step process
consisting of identifying and then evaluating a speaker’s message. Active listening
means getting involved in what you hear.
Three Main Purposes for Listening:
Ø To gain information: Listen for main ideas and major details
Ø To solve problems: Listen and ask questions to clarify problems so a
solution can be found
Ø To enjoy and appreciate: Listen for article elements, such as rhyme, imagery
and descriptive language.
There is a need to remove or eliminate barriers, so as to make way for effective
listening. Objects such as books, magazines, home work, etc… must be avoided
so as to enhance effective listening.
It is noteworthy that one should not just accept all that he or she hears at face
value. Analyze and evaluate as you listen to draw your own conclusion about a
speaker’s message.
Weeks: (3-4)
Basic Parts of Sentences
Subject
All sentences have two basic parts – the subject and the predicate. The subject is
the part of a sentence that does something or is talked about. In the expression
“our smart instructor” “our instructor” is the complete subject, and instructor” is
the simple subject (the simple subject consists of the subject without the words
that modify it).
The subject is usually built around a pronoun and the predicate is built around a
complete verb. For further clarification, the subject of a sentence is a noun or a
pronoun about which the predicate asserts or asks something.
It may also include modifiers (usually adjectives) of the noun /pronoun: Example:
The dusty, summer-smelling rain fell. Some sentences, such as instruction or
commands, begin with an understood subject: [You] fold the papers into halves.
Sentence Agreement/ Subject –Verb Agreement
Always ascertain that the part of speech of your sentences “agree” with one
another. If you use a singular subject, use a singular verb. If you use a plural
subject, use a plural verb.
One subject: In most basic sentences, a single subject is followed by the verb.
INCORRECT: Suakollie work in the garden daily. (Suakollie is singular’ work is
plural) CORRECT: Suakollie works in the garden daily. (Both Suakollie and
works are singular).
· The following chart shows additional sentences with one subject. (The verb
agrees with the subject in each sentence).
Singular subjects Plural Subjects
1. Garnoleh loves the outdoors. 3. The men love the outdoors
2. She takes him fishing. 4. They take him fishing.
Compound Subjects Connected by “OR”
If a sentence has a compound subject connected by “OR” the verb must agree in
number with the subject nearer to it.
Compound subjects Connected by “AND”
If a sentence contains a compound subject connected by “AND”, it need a plural
verb. Example: Baryogar and Yusaywele wait for their friend.
Usual word order- When the subject is separated from the verb by words to
phrases, check carefully to see that the subject agrees with the verb.
Example: Suomie, along with his cousins, works for a messenger service. (Suomie,
not cousins, is the subject, so the singular verb WORKS is used). Example 2: The
Sonkarlays, a new family, are from Nimba County.
· When the subject comes after the verb (or part of the verb), you must check
carefully to see that the subject agrees with the verb as in the following
examples:
1. From the back of the bus comes a loud laugh.
2. From the back of the bus come two voices.
3. Has your friend returned the video?
4. Have your friends retuned the video?
