ADVANCED LANGUAGE LESSONS GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION BUTLER, SHELDON & COMPANY, NEW YORK, PHILADELPHIA, CHICAGO. PREFACE. To experienced teachers it has long been evident that pupils trained in old-style grammar too often lack the power of expression. Indeed, it has been charged, that though their heads are full of theory, and though they have hundreds of rules at the end of their tongues, they are unable to write a single clear, strong, smooth English sentence. Sheldon's Language Lessons will be welcomed by all who believe that technical grammar should be developed side by side with practical composition. In the second book of this comprehensive series, rules and principles are accompanied by illustrative extracts from good authors, and followed by attractive problems in construction. In connection with sentence building, punctuation is introduced; and the rules are correlated with the laws of English expression. By easy lessons in synonyms and figures, and occasional reference to the fundamental principles of effective discourse, students are gradually prepared for a systematic view of rhetoric. A method of English work exceedingly valuable in high schools has been simplified, and adapted to the needs of lower grades. Numerous well-defined plans for experiments in narration and description are presented, together with models and suggestions designed to encourage habits of thoughtful observation, and to stimulate a taste for good literature. Every lesson has borne the test of the classroom, and has proved repeatedly the educating power of what has been called "laboratory work in English." The Appendix contains an introductory outline of versification, a complete system of diagrams applied to typical sentences, and a brief sketch of the English language, with ample material for elementary work in the analysis of words. Selections from the works of Lowell, Saxe, Longfellow, Holmes, and Hawthorne, are offered for study by permission of, and by arrangement with, Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin, & Co. Extracts from other copyrighted works are used through the favor of the Century Company and of the publishers of "The Critic." ADVANCED LANGUAGE LESSONS. GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION. 1 LESSON I. THE SENTENCE. Think of some fact, and make a statement. EXAMPLES. Wild flowers are beautiful. Stars shine at night. Think of something you wish to know, and ask a ques tion. EXAMPLES. Have you studied your lessons? Why do clouds float in the air? Think of something you wish done, and give an order or command. EXAMPLES. Let me see your drawing. Ask the teacher to explain the example. Suppose yourself to be very much interested, surprised, or excited, and express your thought by making an exclama tion. EXAMPLES. What beautiful flowers you have! How glad I am to see you! The bell is ringing! We are late! |