The grammar pretest is administered with the understanding that the student has not had prior instruction, (this academic year), in order to prepare. The test is designed to gauge how much the student knows about basic parts of speech and frankly the initial results of the test scores often leave an unflattering perspective on how much students value grammar instruction and/or how well previous instruction has impressed upon the student. Nevertheless this fundamental starting point is the premise of our grammar instruction.
All the words in English can be divided into eight groups according to their function in the language. These groups are traditionally called parts of speech, and are today also referred to as lexical categories or word classes. The names of each part of speech comprise the most basic grammar terminology every English user must be familiar with in order to understand how the language works to create meaning.
Learning the names of the parts of speech probably won’t make you witty, wealthy, or wise. In fact, learning just the names of the parts of speech won’t even make you a better writer. But you will gain a basic understanding of the English language, which will help you to follow the other lessons in Grammar and Composition. And those lessons will help you to improve your writing.
The grammar pretest will count! However, the post-test administered on DAY 18 will replace the pretest score, provided that the post-test is an improved grade to the pretest. In the meantime the student will complete a number of review activities designed to support the foundation of knowledge that they should have at this point in their English learning. Believe me, the initial results are humbling for both student and instructor alike.