Using Participles as Adjectives

S.3 English Language

on

17-4-2001

Background

This lesson is the first in a series teaching S.3 students to use participles as adjectives.

In order not to confuse students and give them sufficient examples, only the present participle is taught in this lesson. It aims to make sure that students are familiar with the form and use of the present participle before going on to the past participle.

The class is of mixed ability with some having very weak foundation in grammar, so it is designed to give students a brief revision on the spelling rules for –ing form of verbs.

Tools

  1. A PowerPoint presentation, “Using Participles as Adjectives”
  2. An Internet browser

Scheme of Work

  1. Motivation

Revise briefly the function of adjectives --describing the size, shape, colour, quality, etc. of a noun, pronoun or gerund --by asking students to give more information about certain persons or objects. At the same time, introduce to students that a participle is a verbal adjective– describing a noun, pronoun or gerund by mentioning an activity which is done by or to that noun, pronoun or gerund.

(5 minutes)

  1. The PowerPoint Presentation

i)revise the spelling rules of –ing form of verbs by going to the website and practise with examples

ii)help students understand how to use present participles as adjectives

(15 minutes)

  1. Further Practice

Ask students to go to the website or where additional exercises are available.

(15 minutes)

  1. Round-off

Ask students to carry out some internet searching activities so that they can explore more websites which are related to the topic.

(5 minutes)

Rationale of Using IT

  1. Arousing students’ interest in learning grammar is a tough job. It’s hoped that with the aid of a set of PowerPoint slides (with sounds and colourful images), students’ attention can be captured and the effectiveness of teaching can be enhanced.
  1. Students get free and easy access to some grammar exercises that can be done on line.

Reflective Statement

  1. IT provides students with not only explanation of the grammar form but also interactive on-line practice, thus, helping them foster a self-learning attitude.
  1. The production of PowerPoint presentation is far too time-consuming. The existing heavy workload makes it impossible for English teachers to make PowerPoint presentation for every grammar topic they have to teach. An IT technician whose sole duty is to oversee the production of PowerPoint materials should be made available in school.