Chapter 6 CHAPTER 6 Theme: Dragons The Tale of a Dragon Oh-Oh is right. The man in the photo might follow this interjection with a warning to his neighbors. He ll need plenty of prepositions to describe where the dragon is and some conjunctions to join his thoughts. In this chapter, you will learn how to use prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. Let s hope you don t have to use them to warn your neighbors about any dragons. Write Away: If Dragons Could Talk If dragons could talk, this one might be saying, I want you in my belly! What might the man reply? Write a few sentences answering the dragon s threat. Tell the dragon what you will do or where you will hide. Express your fear or your bravery! Save the response in your Working Portfolio. 146
Diagnostic Test: What Do You Know? Choose the letter of the term that correctly identifies each underlined item. A dragon is a monster of legends. Most dragons have the claws of a lion and the tail of a serpent. Their character can be kind (1) (2) and generous or evil and greedy. In Western myths, a fierce firebreathing dragon is common, but Asian myths usually portray a (3) (4) (5) (6) kindly dragon. Chinese dragons have five toes on each claw. (7) Dragons appear with different numbers of legs and with or without wings. According to legend, you cannot always tell when (8) you will meet a dragon. Yikes! Look behind you! (9) (10) 1. A. conjunction 2. A. preposition B. object of a preposition D. conjunction 6. A. conjunction C. object of a preposition 7. A. conjunction B. object of a preposition PREPOSITIONS 3. A. conjunction 8. A. conjunction D. object of a preposition 4. A. conjunction C. object of a preposition 9. A. conjunction 5. A. conjunction 10. A. conjunction Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections 147
1 Here s the Idea A preposition is a word that shows a relationship between a noun or pronoun and some other word in the sentence. The knight on the dragon called for help. PREPOSITION Here, the preposition on shows the relationship between knight and dragon. In the sentences below, notice how each preposition expresses a different relationship between the knight and the dragon. The knight is under the dragon. CHAPTER 6 The knight is above the dragon. The knight is beside the dragon. The knight is in the dragon. Common Prepositions about at despite like to above before down near toward across behind during of under after below except off until against beneath for on up along beside from out with among between in over within around beyond inside past without as by into through 148 Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
Prepositional Phrases A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its object, and any modifiers of the object. The object of the preposition is the noun or pronoun following the preposition. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE A Chinese New Year dragon is a symbol of strength. PREPOSITION OBJECT People drape silk over a bamboo dragon. PREPOSITION MODIFIER OBJECT Fifty people walk under the enormous dragon. Use between when the object of the preposition refers to two people or things. Use among when speaking of three or more. The dragon weaved between two boys. PREPOSITIONS The dragon weaved among the crowd. Preposition or Adverb? Sometimes the same word can be used as a preposition or as an adverb. If the word has no object, then it is an adverb. PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE The bamboo dragon toppled over a curb. PREPOSITION The bamboo dragon toppled over. For more on adverbs, see p. 130. ADVERB OBJECT Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections 149
2 Why It Matters in Writing Writers often use prepositions to describe where characters and objects are located in relation to one another. Notice how the prepositions in this dialogue tell the location of the character, the doorstep, and the entrance. Bilbo (holding script off and reading it).... I am now sitting on the very doorstep of the secret entrance to the dragon s cave. J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, dramatized by Patricia Gray CHAPTER 6 3 Practice and Apply A. CONCEPT CHECK: What Is a Preposition? Write the preposition and its object for each sentence. Dragon Tales 1. Dragons from different cultures have their own characteristics. 2. The Eastern female dragon holds a fan with her tail. 3. The Chinese show most dragons without wings. 4. Swallows are among the Chinese dragons favorite foods. 5. In Chinese mythology, nine dragons keep the Kowloon waters safe from harm. 6. Japanese dragons have three toes on each claw. 7. Western dragons are usually associated with evil. 8. Many tales pit brave knights against fierce dragons. 9. Two batlike wings lift the dragon above its victim. 10. Some breeds of Western dragons can change their shapes. For a SELF-CHECK and more practice, see the EXERCISE BANK, p. 284. B. WRITING: Using Prepositions 150 Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics Think back to the response you wrote to the dragon in your Write Away on page 146. Write the dragon s answer to your response using five prepositions from the following list: at, behind, below, by, for, in, into, off, on, out, to, up, with, without
1 Here s the Idea A prepositional phrase is always related to another word in a sentence. It modifies the word in the same way an adjective or adverb would. Adjective Phrases An adjective phrase is a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or a pronoun. Like an adjective, a prepositional phrase can tell which one, how many, or what kind. WHICH ONE? Adverb Phrases The dragon in the water is really a lizard. NOUN ADJECTIVE PHRASE WHAT KIND? The Komodo dragon is a type of monitor lizard. PREPOSITIONS An adverb phrase is a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. Like an adverb, a prepositional phrase can tell where, when, how, why, or to what extent. WHERE? Desert lizards lie under the sand. VERB ADVERB PHRASE HOW? Their body temperatures are lower without sunlight. ADJECTIVE This cooling method works well for a simple system. ADVERB HOW? Several prepositional phrases can work together. Each phrase after the first often modifies the object of the phrase before it. A flying dragon glides with flaps of skin like wings. Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections 151
Placement of Prepositional Phrases When you write, try to place each prepositional phrase as close as possible to the word it modifies. Otherwise, you may confuse or unintentionally amuse your readers. CONFUSING With fiery breath, we surprised a dragon. (Who has fiery breath?) CHAPTER 6 CLEAR We surprised a dragon with fiery breath. (Now the reader knows who has fiery breath.) 2 Why It Matters in Writing When you write about science, you can use prepositional phrases to describe which one and what kind. Notice how the prepositional phrases in the model describe what kind of lizard. The Komodo dragon is a lizard of the species Varanus komodoensis. It is a prehistoric relic from an earlier era. Rudy J. Goldstein What kind of lizard What kind of relic 152 Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
3 Practice and Apply A. CONCEPT CHECK: Using Prepositional Phrases Write the prepositional phrase and the word it modifies for each of the following sentences. The Largest Lizard 1. The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard in the world. 2. Komodos live on a few Indonesian islands. 3. The Komodo s yellow forked tongue, over a foot long, can taste the air. 4. Its saliva has bacteria with no known antidotes. 5. The Komodo s teeth are dangerous to everyone. 6. The Komodo s teeth can shred a large animal in 20 minutes. 7. The Komodo can run 12 1 2 miles an hour, fast for its 300- pound weight. 8. The residents of Komodo Island call this creature the ora. 9. Villagers tell tall tales about the ora. 10. The ora does not interest poachers around the island. For a SELF-CHECK and more practice, see the EXERCISE BANK, p. 284. PREPOSITIONS B. PROOFREADING: What Kind? or Which One? Choose the prepositional phrase that most likely belongs in the numbered blank in the paragraph below. a. from an earlier era d. in Indonesia b. with picture maps e. with iron jaws c. about huge lizards Touring Komodo Island We took a tour of Komodo Island. (1) On the island, we found a tour guide. (2) The guide told us a story (3) that live on Komodo Island. The Komodo dragons look like lizards. (4) They are dangerous predators. (5) Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections 153
1 Here s the Idea A conjunction is a word used to join words or groups of words. Joining Words and Groups of Words Conjunctions often join words used in the same way. The words joined by a conjunction can be subjects, predicates, or any other kind of sentence parts. SUBJECTS Alligators and crocodiles live mainly in the water. CONJUNCTION CHAPTER 6 OBJECTS Crocodiles live in salt water or fresh water. Common Conjunctions and but or nor CONJUNCTION Use and to connect similar ideas. Use but to contrast ideas. Crocodiles have a long jaw and sharp teeth. (And connects two parts of a crocodile s mouth.) A young crocodile is small but powerful. (But contrasts this crocodile s small size with its great power.) Use or and nor to show choices. Some crocodiles can live in salt water or fresh water. (Or connects the choices salt water and fresh water.) 154 Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
Joining Whole Thoughts Conjunctions also can join whole thoughts, such as two sentences that are closely related. Crocodiles are aggressive. Alligators are passive. Crocodiles are aggressive, and alligators are passive. (And joins two sentences about personality.) CONJUNCTION The crocodile s snout is narrow. It has biting power. The crocodile s snout is narrow, but it has biting power. CONJUNCTION Use a comma before the conjunction when joining two complete sentences. Do not use a comma when joining two subjects or two verbs. Alligators can live in 65-degrees-Fahrenheit water, but crocodiles drown at that temperature. CONJUNCTIONS In 65-degrees-Fahrenheit water, crocodiles sink and drown. 2 Why It Matters in Writing When you are writing science material, the right conjunctions can help the reader know how features and habits relate to each other. Notice how the conjunctions in the model show the relationship between the newborn crocodile and its mother. Newborn crocodiles float in water with their eyes and snouts above the surface. They swim alone, but their mother is always nearby.the young crocodiles must stay warm, or they will die. And connects two similar features. But joins two whole thoughts that contrast. Or joins two whole thoughts that contrast. Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections 155
3 Practice and Apply A. CONCEPT CHECK: Conjunctions Write the conjunction in each sentence, along with the words or groups of words that it joins. CHAPTER 6 Crocodiles and Alligators 1. There are many ways to tell whether an animal is a crocodile or an alligator. 2. A crocodile s snout is pointy, and an alligator s snout is broad. 3. Both the upper and lower teeth show on the crocodile. 4. Crocodiles often lose their teeth, but they grow new ones. 5. Large crocodiles eat antelope and deer. 6. Cold weather may cause deformity or death to baby crocodiles. 7. The snout usually shows differences, but the Indian Mugger crocodile looks much like an alligator. 8. Alligators do not have an enlarged fourth tooth, nor do they need it. 9. Most crocodiles hunt at night, but hungry ones hunt any time. 10. Never go near an alligator, or you may be badly injured. For a SELF-CHECK and more practice, see the EXERCISE BANK, p. 285. B. REVISING: Changing Conjunctions Rewrite the conjunctions so that the following paragraph makes sense. Crocodile Meals (1) Newly hatched crocodiles feed on bugs like grasshoppers but beetles. (2) Some adult crocs eat mammals like deer but cattle. (3) Crocodile teeth are good for holding prey, or they are not so good at cutting it. (4) A good hunter, the crocodile blends into the background but stays completely still. (5) Suddenly, it pounces but surprises its prey. 156 Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
1 Here s the Idea An interjection is a word or a phrase used to express emotion. Wow, there s a monitor lizard. It s so big! Awesome! It can stand alone or be set off by a comma. 2 Why It Matters in Writing Writers often use interjections to express strong emotions, such as anger, joy, concern, surprise, terror, and disgust. Read the cartoon. What emotion is the poor, misguided worm expressing? INTERJECTIONS 3 Practice and Apply Working Portfolio: Find your Write Away from page 146 or a sample of your most recent work. Add to your writing three interjections that express emotions. Use the interjections in the Student Help Desk on page 163 for ideas. Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections 157
Using Prepositions to Show Location When you write about specific places for social studies, you can use prepositions along with maps to indicate direction and location. Study the map below. Then read the accompanying description of some of the famous places in San Francisco s Chinatown. Notice how prepositions and prepositional phrases help you picture what the area looks like and where different sites are located. CHAPTER 6 The entrance to Chinatown is guarded by a fabulous dragon in the Chinatown Gateway. As you enter from Bush Street, you ll walk under the dragon s coiled body and beautiful, decorated head. From the gateway, you stroll down Grant Street past the shops, restaurants, and gift stores on both sides of the street. 158 Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
ACROSS the CURRICULUM Practice and Apply A. USING PREPOSITIONS S O C I A L S T U D I E S Study this map of today s Chinatown. Then write answers to the questions that follow, using prepositions and prepositional phrases in each of your sentences. BROADWAY CHINESE CULTURAL CENTER WASHINGTON STREET PORTSMOUTH SQUARE SACRAMENTO STREET KEARNY ST. GRANT ST. CALIFORNIA STREET STOCKTON ST. POWELL ST. ST. MARY'S SQUARE CHINATOWN GATEWAY BUSH STREET MARKET STREET N TIEN HOU TEMPLE FOURTH STREET PREPOSITIONS 1. What route would you walk to go from the Chinatown Gateway to St. Mary s Square? 2. How would you get from St. Mary s Square to the Tien Hou Temple? 3. What is the best way to get from the Chinese Cultural Center to the Chinatown Gateway? B. DRAWING A MAP Draw a map of a park, a playground, or a gymnasium in your community or school. Then write a brief description, similar to the one on page 158, to accompany your map. Circle the prepositions that you use to explain the location of different landmarks. Finally, share your work with classmates. Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections 159
Mixed Review A. Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections Choose the correct word in parentheses to complete each sentence. Then identify the word as a preposition, a conjunction, or an interjection. CHAPTER 6 Famous Dragons 1. Dragons are famous (under, around) the world. 2. The Eastern Spiritual Dragon Shen-Lung controls the wind (but, and) the rain. 3. The Chinese Yellow Dragon gave the knowledge of writing (to, from) Emperor Fu Hsi. 4. People fear (but, or) respect European dragons. 5. The Vikings put dragon figureheads (to, on) their ships. 6. They believed the dragons would give them keen sight (and, or) skill. 7. Beowulf confronted a dragon in the epic poem Beowulf. (Wow! Out!) 8. The dragon has become an official part (by, of) the prince of Wales s armor. 9. Sea serpents are dragons (except, from) the seas. 10. Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, is a sea serpent, (or, but) she lives in a lake in Scotland. B. Prepositional Phrases Read the passage and answer the questions below it. A Komodo Ritual (1) Dominant male Komodo dragons often compete for a female. (2) This ritual between two male Komodo dragons is typical. (3) The dragons wrestle in upright postures. (4) They use their tails for support. (5) They grab each other with their forelegs. (6) The loser of the battle may lie on the ground or run away. 1. What is the prepositional phrase in sentence 1? 2. What is the prepositional phrase in sentence 2? 3. Why is between used instead of among in sentence 2? 4. What is the prepositional phrase in sentence 3? 5. What is the object of the preposition in sentence 3? 6. What is the prepositional phrase in sentence 4? 7. What is the object of the preposition in sentence 4? 8. What is the prepositional phrase in sentence 5? 9. What is the object of the preposition in sentence 5? 10. Which prepositional phrase shows location in sentence 6? 160 Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
Mastery Test: What Did You Learn? Choose the letter of the term that correctly identifies each underlined item. Eastern dragons have one obvious detail that makes them different from one another. Some Chinese people believe that (1) stories about dragons began in China. They say the dragon has (2) (3) always had five toes. A wanderer by nature, the dragon traveled (4) the earth. Legend has it that the farther it wandered from China, (5) the more toes it lost. By the time it got to Korea, it had only four (6) toes, and after it reached Japan it had three. Oh-oh, will it (7) (8) eventually lose all its toes? According to the Japanese, the dragon began in Japan. Their story is the same but reversed. Their dragon (9) (10) grew toes as it traveled. 1. A. conjunction 6. A. conjunction D. object of a preposition PREP. CONJ. 2. A. object of a preposition al phrase C. preposition 3. A. conjunction D. object of a preposition 4. A. conjunction 5. A. conjunction D. object of a preposition 7. A. conjunction 8. A. conjunction B. object of a preposition 9. A. conjunction 10. A. conjunction C. object of a preposition Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections 161
RELATIONSHIP Wow! That lizard on the wall has sharp teeth and a long tongue. Interjections show emotion. Prepositions show relationships. Conjunctions connect. CHAPTER 6 Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections Preposition Examples Shows a relationship. Has an object. RELATIONSHIP lizard on the wall PREPOSITION Conjunction OBJECT Joins words or groups of words. teeth and a tongue with sharp teeth and with a long tongue Summary Joins whole thoughts. Lizards have sharp teeth, but not all lizards are dangerous. Interjection Expresses emotion. Eek! That lizard is huge! 162 Grammar, Conjunctions, and Mechanics
Prepositional Phrases Adjective Phrases What Do They Do? Modify a noun or a pronoun. Tell which one That little lizard on the wall Tell what kind is a member of the reptile family. Adverb Phrases Modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Tell when In April my little brother Tell where bought an iguana at a store. I was Tell why happy for my brother. This pet works Tell how or perfectly for his age. to what extent Interjections! Just a Few Ideas... To express concern oh-oh, oh no, oops To express disgust yuck, ick, gross To express joy awesome, hooray, yea To express surprise wow, what, whoops To draw attention to hey PREP. CONJ. The Bottom Line Checklist for Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Interjections Have I... used prepositions to show relationships between two things? placed prepositional phrases close to the words they modify? used conjunctions to connect words or groups of words? used conjunctions to connect whole thoughts? used interjections to express strong emotion? Prepositions, Conjunctions, Interjections 163