Spelling Safari   Turning adjectives into nouns.

 

The Rules:

Rules	Examples
Rule 1 - Some nouns are made by adding -ness to an adjective.  If the adjective ends in 'y,' be sure to turn that y into an i before adding -ness.	white --becomes-->whiteness shallow --becomes-->shallowness sloppy --becomes-->sloppiness
Rule 2 - Some nouns are made by adding -ity to an adjective.  Usually the spelling of the word changes slightly, so look out!	curious --becomes-->curiosity reliable --becomes-->reliability able --becomes-->ability
Rule 3 - Some nouns are made by clipping the last few letters of an adjective off, often a -tic.  Do you need to get out your scissors to snip, snip, snip away?	traumatic --becomes-->trauma sympathetic --becomes-->sympathy taciturn --becomes-->tacit
Rule 4 - Often the ending needs to be slightly clipped, then sort of tweaked.  Sound out similar sounding words to find the missing noun!	independent --becomes-->independence angry --becomes-->anger deviant --becomes-->deviance

Your Assignments:

1. Adjective List

Make a list of 12 adjectives. Include 3 words for each of the rules. Next, convert your adjectives into nouns. If you need help thinking of adjectives, check out the "excellent adjective" box at http://writingfix.com/leftbrain/start_and_end_with_adjective.htm#lesson.

2. Sentences:

Next, write one sentence for each noun. Be sure to make up your own sentences, don't use the examples that you find in a dictionary. If you need to remeber what a noun is, play the Grammar Blast Noun Game at http://www.eduplace.com/cgi-bin/hme-quiz-directions6-8.cgi?Grade=6&Unit=2&Topic=Nouns.

 

3. Spelling Test:

Be ready for a test at the end of the week. Be sure that you know the four spelling rules.

4. Turn in your work by Friday. Your packet should include your adjective/noun word list, sentences, and spelling test.