Writing 101

Key Parts of Speech

Learning Objectives

To understand the roles of words called Parts of Speech in a sentence.

To recognise the key Parts of Speech in a sentence.

Introduction A movie has many people working to make it

happen. There are some who play more important roles

like the Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor and Actress.

The same applies in a sentence too. There are many words but some are more

important than others as they provide key ideas.

Introduction A part of speech describe the function or role a

word plays in a sentence. Let's take the simplest sentence for a start:

John wept. 'John' is a name and is called a Noun whereas

'wept' is an action and is called a Verb. A Noun and a Verb form a complete sentence. Hence, they are the key words in a sentence

giving the key ideas.

Simple Sentence

The simplest simple sentence has only got a Noun and a Verb.

1)David stopped. 2)He shouted.3)Angel sighed. It is used for dramatic or exciting moments in a

story.

Learning Activity Say what drama could have come before or

after these simple sentences: 1) He paused. 2) She ate. 3) He ran. 4) She dived. These sentences have only a Noun and a Verb.

Do you think they are less meaningful?

Learning Activity AnswersSay what drama could have come before or after

these simple sentences: 1) He paused. The sound seemed to come from the

bushes. 2) She ate. Finally, she had her fill after three days

wandering in the forest. 3) When the guards did not look this way, David

took action. He ran. 4) She dived. Though she did not know how to swim,

it was now or never as his sister was drowning.

Enhancing Simple Sentences Simple sentences can be enhanced through the

use of other words. Those describing Nouns are called Adjectives. 1) Poor John wept. 2) Little Angel sighed. Those describing Verbs are called Adverbs. 1) John wept loudly. 2) Angel sighed bitterly.

Enhancing Simple Sentences Simple sentences can be enhanced through the use

of phrases too. Phrases are made up of two or more words without

a noun or a verb. Adjectival PhrasesPoor, poor Alex wept. The little Angel sighed. Adverbial PhrasesAlex wept at night. Angel sighed in the room.

Key Parts of Speech Together, Noun, Verb, Adjective and Adverb form

the key parts of speech in a sentence. They give the key ideas in a sentence. To help you remember them easily, these 4 key

Parts of Speech are called NAVA. N – Noun (name) A – Adjective/Adjectival Phrase (describes noun) V – Verb (action) A – Adverb/Adverbial Phrase (describes action)

Learning Activity

Refer to your Learning Guide and read the following nursery rhyme.

Jack and Jill went up the hill To fetch a pail of water Jack fell down and broke his crown And Jill came tumbling after.

What's the most common and important Parts of Speech?

Discussion

What are Parts of Speech? What are the 4 Key Parts of Speech? Why are they the most important words in a

sentence?

In Summary

Parts of Speech describe the functions or roles a word plays in a sentence.

The 4 key Parts of Speech are Noun, Verb, Adjective and Adverb.

They describe the key ideas in a sentence.