Syntax
Superstars
Superstars
Finish the sentence:
I studied for the test so...
I studied for the test so I could get a good grade.
“The desert climate was so arid that very few plants could survive.”
What does arid mean?
Very dry
“I just started playing basketball.”
Continue the coversation with a follow-up question.
Oh cool, what team are you on?
What went wrong in this conversation? Come up with a better reply:
Mia: “I think we should make a slideshow with—”
Jayden: “No, we should do a video. Videos are way better. My idea is better.”
Mia: ...
Interrupting; wait until they are done
I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old.
What am I?
Candle
If you finish your homework...
If you finish your homework, then you can play video games.
“The instructions were vague, leaving students unsure about what to do.”
What does vague mean?
Unclear
“I’m really nervous about my math test.”
Respond with empathy AND a follow-up question.
Aw, math is tough. When is it?
What went wrong in this conversation? Come up with a better reply:
Ava: “Did you get a haircut?”
Liam: “Yeah.”
Ava: “Oh… it looks kind of weird.”
Liam: “…Oh.”
Insulting; give a compliment
I have keys but no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter, but you can’t go outside.
What am I?
Keyboard
Finish the sentence:
Although it was raining...
Although it was raining the soccer game was not cancelled.
“The shy boy was reluctant to volunteer, even though he knew the answer.”
What does reluctant mean?
Not eager, hesitant, resisting
“I went to an amusement park this weekend.”
Respond with an on-topic comment and question.
Oh fun! Which one did you go to?
What went wrong in this conversation? Come up with a better reply:
Noah: “That math test was hard.”
Evan: “Really? I thought it was super easy. I barely studied and still finished first.”
Noah: “Oh… okay.”
Bragging; agree that it was hard
You see me once in June, twice in November, and not at all in May.
What am I?
The letter "E"
Make a sentence using these words:
until, complete, relax
You can't relax until you complete your work.
“The athlete showed great perseverance by continuing to practice even after losing several games.”
What does perseverance mean?
determination, persistance
You want to start up a conversation with a classmate, who is coloring in their notebook.
What can you say?
Oh I like your markers, what are you drawing?
What went wrong in this conversation? Come up with a better reply:
Maya: “I like your shoes.”
Sophie: “Thanks!”
Maya: “How much did they cost? Are your parents rich?”
Sophie: “Um…”
Too personal; ask a different question
The more you take, the more you leave behind.
What are they?
Footsteps
Make a sentence using these words:
unless, determined, improve
Unless you are determined to practice, you won't improve.
“She gave a coherent explanation, clearly connecting all of her ideas.”
What does coherent mean?
logical, well-organized, easy to understand
“I hate science labs. This class is the worst.”
Respond in a way that empathizes but keeps the conversation moving forward.
Yea it's not my favorite. Let's just get the work done. Are you doing anything fun after school today?
What went wrong in this conversation? Come up with a better reply:
Emma: “I worked really hard on this project.”
Ryan: “Wow. That’s… really impressive.” (sarcastic tone)
Emma: “Ok...”
Unkind, not the right time for sarcasm. Give a genuine compliment
I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind.
What am I?
An echo