Creating Original Sentences is a subcategory of Sentence Creation in which students are required to write 'new' sentences using their own words in response to a prompt (e.g., defining words).


ACTIVITIES:

1. Write five sentences about U.S. customs or habits that you find surprising. Think about things that Americans do differently from people from other countries. Share your statements with the rest of your class. After making any necessary changes, keep your list in your Grammar Notebook for future reference.

EXAMPLE: In the U.S., few unmarried adults still live with their parents. Many Americans eat ketchup with meat or with fried potatoes.

Byrd, P. and Benson, B. (1992). Applied English Grammar.

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2. Define the following words.

EXAMPLE: A rose . . . /A rose is a flower.

1. Gold...

2. Asia...

3. A carrot...

4. Canada...

5. Chicago...

6. English and German . . .

7. Volleyball and basketball...

8. An elephant and a giraffe...

9. New York and Los Angeles...

10. Christmas and Easter . . .

Elbaum,S. (1996). Grammar in Context, Book 2, 2nd ed.

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3. Work with a partner. Write four questions to ask your teacher about what he or she has done lately. Your teacher will answer.

EXAMPLE: Have you taken a vacation lately (or recently)?

1.
2.
3.
4.

Elbaum, S. (1996). Grammar in Context, Book 3, 2nd ed.

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4. What were the eight most important events in your life? Begin with your birthdate and fill in the chart with information about yourself, arranged in chronological order.

19____ I was born.
19____ ____________
19____ ____________
19____ ____________
19____ ____________
19____ ____________
19____ ____________
19____ ____________

Then, working with a partner or in a small group, take turns asking and answering questions about important events in your partner's life.

Knepler, M. (1990). Grammar with a Purpose.

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5. Work in groups of three. Make a list of three things a good student sometimes does, never does, and always does. Choose a secretary to report to the class. Listen to the other groups. Do you agree?

ALWAYS:

1.
2.
3.

NEVER:

1.
2.
3.

SOMETIMES:

1.
2.
3.

McKay, I. (1996). Grammar Strand 1.

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Return to Table of Contents for the Grammar Activities Inventory