An Introduction to Present Participles and Gerunds

Things arent always what they seem. For instance, although weve known for centuries that the sun doesnt move around the earth, we still use the expression rising sun. And even though rise is ordinarily a verb, in this expression (with the -ing ending) it functions more like an adjective, modifying the noun sun. To top things off, we call rising a present participle, yet present participles dont really tell us much about time (past, present, or future). Leaving the astronomical issues to Neil deGrasse Tyson, well stick to English grammar. In particular, the question What is a present participle? In one respect, the present participle is a simple, straightforward construction. Whether rising or setting, eating or drinking, laughing  or  crying, waking or sleeping,  its formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb. No exceptions. After that, however, it gets a little more complicated. For one thing, the label is misleading. Its true that the present participle (in the following example, sleeping)  sometimes seems  to indicate present time: He looks at the sleeping  baby. But when the tense of the main verb changes to the simple past, the time of the present participle appears to change right along with it: He looked at the sleeping  baby. And when the main verb points to the future, the present participle again tags along: He will look at the sleeping  baby. The truth is, the present participle really doesnt mark time at all. That job is reserved for the main verb and its auxiliaries  (looks, looked, will look). And for this reason, among others, many linguists prefer to use the term -ing form rather than present participle. The Multiple Personalities of Present Participles Weve already seen another peculiarity of the present participle (or -ing form): it has multiple personalities. Though based on a verb, the present participle often works as an adjective. In our examples so far, the present participle sleeping  modifies the noun baby.  But thats not always the case. Consider how the -ing words are used in this quotation, variously attributed to Confucius, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Vince Lombardi, and American Idol veteran Clay Aiken: Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall. Both falling and rising function here as nouns — specifically, as objects of the preposition in. When a verb plus -ing does the job of a noun, it reveals its secret identity as a gerund,  or verbal noun. (The term verbal, by the way, refers to any verb form that serves in a sentence as a noun or a modifier,  rather than as a verb).   Then again, when an -ing word is combined with a form of the auxiliary verb to be, it functions (once again) as a verb: The price of oil is rising. This construction is called the progressive, which in fact is the most common use of the present participle in English. The present progressive is made up of a present form of to be plus a present participle (is rising). The past progressive is made up of a past form of to be plus a present participle (was rising). And the future progressive is made up of the verb phrase will be plus a present participle (will be rising).   Source Our Greatest Glory Is Not in Never Falling, But in Rising Every Time We Fall. Quote Investigator, May 27, 2014.

Measuring Student Achievement A Study of Standardized Testing - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 867 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2019/06/24 Category Management Essay Level High school Topics: Standardized Testing Essay Did you like this example? Students can have a sense of achievement after daunting tasks, such as standardized tests. In order to ensure that all students have the same opportunity to have a sense of achievement the No Child Left Behind Act was enacted in 2002. The No Child Left Behind Act supports the idea, students with disabilities generally have to be included in school accountability measures meaning they must be tested and schools are judged on those test results (Rhee). Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Measuring Student Achievement: A Study of Standardized Testing" essay for you Create order The No Child Left Behind Act means that all students must be tested in english and math before the students can be sent to the next grade level, therefore all students are given these tests. Afterwards students will either feel accomplished or defeated by the test. However the National Council of Churches Committee on Public Education and Literacy envisioned that standardized testing is geared toward students without learning disabilities, as the students in special education will have increased difficulty completing the test. This would be analogous to needing to pass a test for a specific class, but not being given the resources or opportunity to successfully complete it. Even though this act is set to be for all students many are still excluded. A better overall assessment of the student is GPA over standardized tests. GPA is more comprehensive of the successes the student had over multiple years rather than just one test date. There is little correlation linked between student success in higher education and how well a student performed on standardized tests which is eminent in a study UC Berkeley conducted. The study looked at all 80,000 students in the California university system, and found that when admission was based on, high school GPA is consistently the strongest predictor of 4-year college outcomes for all academic disciplines, campuses and freshman cohorts in the UC sample (Geiser). This 2007 experiment was looking for the success rate in 4 years of college and compared it to their success in high school. Overall, students that did well on a day to day basis in the classroom had a higher success rate than the ones who only did exceptionally well on standardized tests. Tests are not indicators of ones ability to use skills that are practiced in the classroom, such as creativity, motivati on and self-discipline. When moving into higher education or the workforce there must be a knowledge of more than just academics, but how to operate in society. Skills adapted outside of the classroom are just as important. Colleges and universities look for students coming into college with more than just academic skill. Being a member of society allows students to be well rounded and gives students an opportunity to work of leadership skills, communication and real world scenarios. A Dean of Admissions for Bates College William Hiss has found: evidence that someone has interests that they have brought to a higher level, from a soccer goalie to a debtor to a servant in a community to a linguist. We need to see evidence that the student can bring something to a high level of skill (Sheffer). In order to flourish in higher education or the workforce there must be knowledge and skill in different scenarios than just a school setting. Standardized testing blindly yields students as to whether or not they are college ready, but the scores are not comprehensive enough to capture other successes in high school. Additionally, even though GPA is an important indicator in the college application process anothe r important criteria are experiences and takeaways that can eventually be used in the workplace. A student that lacks common sense and the ability to learn or cooperate does not have the maturity to be sent to college or the workforce, and a test score does not have the ability to represent that either. As for teachers, they take time to study for standardized tests which could be spent on working on other skill sets. Math and english are incredibly important to be taught in schools because these subject areas are widely used outside of school. However, using time that could be spent on learning science or social studies becomes counterproductive. It is important to show up on exam day prepared, but preparing for standardized testing has the potential to take up class time that should be filled with other studies. In elementary and middle schools, standardized tests can hamper the longevity of the careers of teachers. In New York City, last year, pass rates on the reading exam dropped to 42% from 69% the previous year and to 54% from 82% in math. The city has already decided to close a record 27 schools this year because of poor performance (Kolodner). The drastic drop in student performance can cause students and teachers to feel more pressure to do well, thus taking more time out of class to prepare. Later on, a teacher came out to say that his third grade class had been spending 2.5 hours a day on preparing (Kolodner). Not only are teachers jobs on the line if students do not do well, but the students feel responsible. Overall, testing at any age or grade level creates unneeded stress and wasted time. In order to prevent this from happening less emphasis must be put on testing.

Benefits Of Extended Breast Feeding And Link Between...

Aynslie Skye Glendenning Nutrition 101 2/01/2016 The Benefits of Extended Breast Feeding and Link between Chronic Disease â€Å"Breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete form of nutrition for infants, with a range of benefits for infants health, growth, immunity and development.† (Healthy People 2010, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) The nutritional benefits of breastfeeding a newborn are known; however new studies are showing that extended breastfeeding is linked to preventing chronic disease, later in adulthood. These finding are significant because the prevalence of chronic disease worldwide is growing, especially in our nation. I will discuss the main benefits of breastfeeding, define extended breastfeeding,†¦show more content†¦(MD, MPH, IBCLC, Mirriam Labbock. What Is the Definition of Breastfeeding.†) Infants that Predominantly breastfeed, use mostly breast milk as their food source. They can also receive water and non-sugary, water based drinks. These supplementary drinks can be natural fruit juices, oral rehydration salts solution, vitamin and mineral supplements. No food based liquid is allowed. Exclusive and predominant feeding styles combine to define Full breastfeeding. Complementary breastfeeding is exactly how it sounds, the infant receives breast milk and semi-solids foods together. (MD, MPH, IBCLC, Mirriam Labbock. What Is the Definition of Breastfeeding.†) Lactation itself is broken down in stages, but the nutritional benefits can be found in all forms of breast milk. The first stage, is called Colostrum. The production of colostrum occurs during pregnancy and lasts for a few days after birth. Colostrum contains large amounts of proteins, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins. Colostrum is the first form of breast milk that is produced by a mother after their delivery. In the first few days post-delivery, Colostrum is produced in small volumes. It is made to be digested easily and efficiently. Colostrum has a laxative effect which in turn aids the passing of stools and helps in elimination of too much bilirubin, which aids in preventing jaundice in newborns. Like previously mentioned, Colostrum contains high concentrations of immunoglobulins. Some of the

Close examination of afterwards By Thomas Hardy Essay Example For Students

Close examination of afterwards By Thomas Hardy Essay This coursework from www.essaybank. co. uk (http://www. essaybank. co. ukfree_coursework/42. html) Reproduction or retransmission in whole or in part expressly prohibited wwgd gdw esgdgds aygd gdba ngd kcgd gduk! he secretiveness would help explain the distance that seems to be between him and the rest of the human beings around him. This distance is further achieved by the fact that there are never any names mentioned, or any suggestion of family or relationships. For example one may say,which is typically impersonal. Stanza four moves from describing the animals that the narrator identifies with, and is more focussed of the narrator and his idea of the people around him. It is different from the previous stanzas in that there is no movement within it, which is appropriate because Hardy is describing the time when the narrator has been stilled at last. The focus switches from the visual nature the narrator is so utterly familiar with, to the full starred heavens that winter sees. wwef efw esefefs ayef efba nef kcef efuk: Therefore he is thinking about the unknown, and the life that awaits him after he dies. Again there is the use of personification for winter, as there was for spring, which is important as it signifies the end of the seasonal cycle where things wither and die. Continuing this somewhat disconsolate tone, the beginning of the last stanza seems to give up on human nature. It asks, and will any say when my bell of quittance is heard in the gloom. This brings you back to the closure suggested in the first stanza, where he describes the gate closing on his life. The image of the bell contrasts to the silence of the previous stanzas, especially the one immediately preceding it. It describes the sound dying, and then rising again as a new bells boom. The alliteration again helps the line move quickly, suggesting the speed that people rush around. The onomatopoeic word boom suggests the loud noise that people make, contrasting to the peace and tranquility of the nature and animals that he describes. The poem ends by asking if the people will say, he hears it not now but used to notice such things? This sums up the whole poem, which is expressing how people will not ask these questions. from www. essaybank. co. uk wwfg fgw esfgfgs ayfg fgba nfg kcfg fguk!wwaf afw esafafs ayaf afba naf kcaf afuk: The refrains bring in the new voice in each stanza, having the effect of uniting each one. The meaning of each of the final lines never really changes, achieving the realization that the narrator knows that he will never change the views of the people around him. Hardy is criticizing human nature for not stopping long enough to reflect on what is really meaningful in peoples lives. Therefore in conclusion the repetition of the first line, that ends the poem sums up the whole idea that nothing has actually been resolved. It emphasizes the complexity of nature and the amount of things that goes unnoticed every day and night. Hardy employs various techniques to make the poem come alive, which is crucial in showing his appreciation of what is going on around him. He uses extensive imagery, so that it is both visual, such as by describing the colours, and the explicit detail that is in every small thing that he describes. The silence is also transmitted effectively by word choice such as soundless blink. It is also effective in identifying his affinity with animals, as opposed to human beings .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb , .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb .postImageUrl , .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb , .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb:hover , .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb:visited , .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb:active { border:0!important; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb:active , .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u2fa4656584c00557e8de32748cf616eb:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: French and Indian War EssayThis document was downloaded from Coursework. Info The UKs Coursework Database http://www. coursework. info/ This document was downloaded from Coursework. Info The UKs Coursework Database http://www. coursework. info/ This document was downloaded from Coursework. Info The UKs Coursework Database http://www. coursework. info/ This document was downloaded from Coursework. Info The UKs Coursework Database http://www. coursework. info/ This document was downloaded from Coursework. Info The UKs Coursework Database http://www. coursework. info/ This document was downloaded from Coursework. Info The UKs Coursework Database http://www. coursework. info/ Close examination of Afterwards By Thomas HardyTCoursework. Info Coursework http://www. coursework. info/ Redistribution ProhibitedTCoursework. Info Coursework http://www. coursework. info/ Redistribution Prohibitedalexalexi 0Close examination of Afterwards By Thomas HardyUCoursework. Info Coursework http://www. coursework. info/ Redistribution ProhibitedualexewoUCoursework.