Table of Contents
Prepositions
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. Prepositions often tell us where, when, or how.
Prepositions of Place (Where?)
Examples:
• The book is on the table.
• The cat is under the chair.
• She is standing between her parents.
Prepositions of Time (When?)
Usage:
• At - specific time (at 3 o'clock, at noon)
• On - days and dates (on Monday, on December 25)
• In - months, years, periods (in January, in 2025, in the morning)
Prepositions of Direction (Which way?)
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, or sentences together.
Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
For
because
And
addition
Nor
not either
But
contrast
Or
choice
Yet
however
So
result
And: I like apples and oranges. (addition)
But: I wanted to play, but it was raining. (contrast)
Or: Do you want rice or bread? (choice)
So: I was tired, so I went to sleep. (result)
Subordinating Conjunctions
Connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Examples:
• I will go outside if it stops raining.
• Because I studied hard, I passed the test.
• She was happy when she received the gift.
Sentence Structure
Simple Sentence
Has ONE independent clause (complete thought).
The dog barks loudly.
Subject: The dog | Predicate: barks loudly
Compound Sentence
Has TWO independent clauses joined by a conjunction.
The dog barks loudly, and the cat runs away.
Two complete thoughts joined by "and"
Complex Sentence
Has ONE independent clause and ONE or more dependent clauses.
When the dog barks, the cat runs away.
Dependent clause: "When the dog barks" | Independent clause: "the cat runs away"
Subject and Predicate Review
Subject
WHO or WHAT the sentence is about
Example: The tall boy runs fast.
Predicate
What the subject DOES or IS
Example: The tall boy runs fast.
Paragraph Writing
A well-organized paragraph has three main parts: a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a closing sentence.
Parts of a Paragraph
1. Topic Sentence
The main idea of the paragraph. Usually the first sentence.
2. Supporting Sentences
Details, examples, and explanations that support the main idea.
3. Closing Sentence
Summarizes the paragraph or restates the main idea.
Example Paragraph
Dogs make wonderful pets. They are loyal companions who love their owners unconditionally. Dogs can be trained to do tricks and follow commands. They also provide protection for the home and family. Playing with a dog is great exercise and helps reduce stress. For these reasons, dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world.
Transition Words
Use transition words to connect ideas smoothly:
Adding Ideas
also, in addition, furthermore, moreover
Sequence
first, next, then, finally
Contrast
however, but, although, yet
Conclusion
therefore, in conclusion, as a result
Story Elements
Every story has key elements that make it complete and interesting.
Characters
The people or animals in the story.
Protagonist: Main character (hero)
Antagonist: Opposes the main character
Setting
Where and when the story takes place.
Place: Location (city, forest, castle)
Time: Era or time period
Plot
The sequence of events in the story.
- • Beginning: Introduction
- • Middle: Conflict/Problem
- • End: Resolution
Conflict
The problem that needs to be solved.
- • Character vs. Character
- • Character vs. Nature
- • Character vs. Self
Theme
The main message or lesson of the story.
Common themes: Friendship, courage, honesty, kindness, perseverance, family
Plot Diagram
Exposition
Introduction
Rising Action
Build-up
Climax
Peak moment
Falling Action
Wrapping up
Resolution
Ending
Poetry
Poetry is a form of writing that uses rhythm, rhyme, and imagery to express ideas and emotions.
Poetry Terms
Rhyme
Words that end with the same sound.
Example: cat / hat, day / play
Rhythm
The beat or pattern of sounds in a poem.
Created by stressed and unstressed syllables
Stanza
A group of lines in a poem (like paragraphs).
Stanzas are separated by blank lines
Verse
A single line in a poem.
Also called a "line of poetry"
Rhyme Scheme
Letters are used to mark rhyming patterns:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, A
How I wonder what you are. A
Up above the world so high, B
Like a diamond in the sky. B
Rhyme Scheme: AABB
Types of Poems
Acrostic
First letters of each line spell a word
Haiku
3 lines: 5, 7, 5 syllables
Free Verse
No set rhyme or rhythm pattern
Limerick
5 lines with AABBA rhyme, humorous
Figurative Language
Figurative language uses words in creative ways to create vivid images or comparisons.
Simile
Compares two things using "like" or "as".
- • She runs like the wind.
- • He is as brave as a lion.
- • Her smile is as bright as the sun.
Metaphor
Says one thing IS another thing (no like/as).
- • Time is money.
- • Life is a journey.
- • Her eyes were diamonds.
Personification
Gives human qualities to non-human things.
- • The wind whispered through the trees.
- • The flowers danced in the breeze.
- • The sun smiled down on us.
Hyperbole
An extreme exaggeration for effect.
- • I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!
- • I've told you a million times!
- • This bag weighs a ton!
Onomatopoeia
Words that imitate sounds.
Alliteration
Repetition of the same beginning sound.
- • Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
- • She sells seashells by the seashore.
Reading Comprehension
Story: The Old Oak Tree
In the center of Maple Town stood an old oak tree. It was over a hundred years old and had seen the town grow from just a few houses to a bustling community. Children would climb its strong branches and play among its leaves. Adults would sit in its shade during hot summer days.
One day, the mayor announced that the tree would be cut down to make room for a new parking lot. The townspeople were upset. A young girl named Mia started a petition to save the tree. She went door to door, explaining how special the oak tree was to everyone.
In the end, over 500 people signed the petition. The mayor was moved by the community's love for the tree and decided to build the parking lot somewhere else. The old oak tree still stands today, more loved than ever.
Comprehension Questions
1. What is the setting of this story?
Answer: Maple Town, centered around an old oak tree.
2. What was the conflict in the story?
Answer: The mayor wanted to cut down the tree for a parking lot.
3. Who is the protagonist? What did she do?
Answer: Mia. She started a petition to save the tree.
4. How was the conflict resolved?
Answer: The mayor decided to build the parking lot somewhere else.
5. What is the theme of this story?
Answer: Community action can make a difference. / Standing up for what you believe in.