Unclear Pronouns

Minilesson by:� Rachel Wood

Purpose:�

This lesson should help students make their writing more clear in reference to pronouns.� Oftentimes students get caught up in making their sentences as short as possible through substituting pronouns that could confuse the reader.� Students will look at sentences and see how the overuse of pronouns could be potentially dangerous in their writing.

Time:�

15 minutes

Materials:�

Copies of the example sentences

Objectives:�

NCSCS 7^th Grade

Comptency Goal 6:� The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.

6.02 Continue to identify and edit errors in spoken and written English by:

• Using common spelling rules, applying common spelling patterns, and developing and mastering an individualized list of words that are commonly misspelled.
• Mastering proofreading symbols for editing
• Producing final drafts/presentations that demonstrate accurate spelling and the correct use of punctuation, capitalization, and format.
• Listening and monitoring self to correct errors.

NCTE/IRA 7^th Grade

4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g. conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.

Note:� This lesson should be conducted early in the year so that students can use the worksheet in their writing and proofreading throughout the year.� The class should have already reviewed grammar and should know about pronouns.

Dialogue:�

�Today we are going to look at how pronouns can be used in the wrong places that could confuse the reader.� I am passing out copies of some sentences that use pronouns incorrectly.� We will do this worksheet together and then you can keep it as a reference for your writing and proofreading.� Just to get us started, who can remind the class what a pronoun is?�� Student responds.� �A pronoun takes the place of a specific name.� For example �he� is a pronoun for a boy�s name.� Other pronouns are words like it, him/her, and they.� Let�s look at the first sentence.� Pick out the pronoun.� What makes this sentence confusing?� Why should we change the pronouns?�� Class responds.� �How would we correct this sentence?�� The class goes through each sentence and picks out the pronouns, to what the pronoun is referring, and how the sentence could be improved to make more sense.� �Now you have this sheet as a tool to help you in your writing.� Keep it handy in your notebooks.�

Reference:�

Hariston�s Error Classification Handout, Clouse p.118-119.

Unclear Pronouns

Sentence 1:

When I went to the office, they told me that the principal was in a meeting.

Pronoun used:

Pronoun reference:

Improved sentence:

Explanation:

Sentence 2:

Charlie loves to read books all the time.� Because of it, he reads much faster than the rest of the class.

Pronoun used:

Pronoun reference:

Improved sentence:

Explanation:

Sentence 3:

Marianne and Laura were watching television when she remembered she hadn�t done her project for tomorrow.

Pronoun used:

Pronoun reference:

Improved sentence:

Explanation:

Unclear Pronouns

Sentence1:

When I went to the office, they told me that the principal was in a meeting.

Pronoun used:

Pronoun reference:

Improved sentence:

Explanation:

Sentence 2:����

Charlie loves to read books all the time.� Because of it, he reads much faster than the rest of the class.

Pronoun used:

Pronoun reference:

Improved sentence:

Explanation:

Sentence 3:�

Marianne and Laura were watching television when she remembered she hadn�t done her project for tomorrow.

Pronoun used:

Pronoun reference:

Improved sentence:

Explanation: