English Language Class- Parts of speech

Objectives:

 At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

-        - Understand the concept of the term, ‘parts of speech’;

-       -  Explain the lesson in a layman’s understanding;

-        - Define each of the parts of speech, with examples;

-         -Appreciate the Biblical view on the complementary functions of every part in a body (I Corinthians 12:12-22)

Introduction:

The term, ‘speech’ refers to a combination of words and sounds we use whenever we speak, whether in a formal or informal setting. This includes, but not limited to lecture, address, sermon or talk. It can come in form of question, command, an outburst or a mere statement. In whichever case, a speech is made whenever we try to communicate our thoughts, ideas and reactions.

On the other hand, the term, ‘parts’ simply refers to components of an object or entity. Think of human parts-head, leg, hand, eye etc; motor parts- engine, dashboard, headlamp, doors, windscreen etc. With these ongoing illustrations, it becomes easier for every learner of English Language to understand what ‘Parts of Speech’ is.

Parts of Speech are therefore, the components of our day-to-day oral conversations, communications or expressions of our thoughts, ideas and reactions, be it in the simple or complex form.

In English Language grammar, we have basically eight (8) parts of speech. This means that every of our speeches, whether expressed orally or in a written format, must be made up of any of the following:

1.     Noun:  Defined as the name of a person, animal, place or things (be it concrete or abstract). Every thing in life has name- that it, what it is being called; and that name is a noun. Eg, John, boy, Phoebe, woman, London, Asia, Nigeria, Luxembourg, Port Harcourt, Texas, The White House, Aso Rock, goat, bird, stone, pencil, butterfly, table, beauty, laziness etc.

2.     Pronoun: Defined as a word used in place of a noun. The suffix ‘pro’ in ‘pronoun’ means ‘for’. Hence, ‘pro-noun’ is ‘for-noun’.  You wanted to talk about John; instead you decide to use ‘he’ or ‘him’. And no damage is done to your intention. Another word has replaced the noun, ‘John’; that word must be a pronoun. Other examples of pronoun- she, they, we, us, it, you, myself, its, yours, her, his etc.

3.     Verb: Defined as a word that indicates or expresses an action or state in a grammatical structure. Is ‘chair’ an action? No! Is ‘jump’ an action? Guess Yes! Think of other actions and state such as clap, write, eat, run, mould, shake, kill, hate, possess etc. they are all examples of verb.

4.     Adjective: Defined as a word used to modify or describe a noun or pronoun. Think of Jessica, what qualities of her can you describe her with? Maybe beautiful, young, slow, clever, rude, kind, short, intelligent etc. These words are examples of adjective. Others include far, white, strong, industrious, wicked, long, high, fantastic, black, thin etc.

5.     Adverb: Defined as a word used to modify a verb primarily, and secondly, adjectives and fellow adverbs. Most adverbs are extension of adjectives by adding …ly at the end; especially adverbs of manner. Eg, happily, quickly, strongly, hungrily, smartly etc.

6.     Conjunction: Defined as a word used to join words, phrases or clauses together. Conjunction creates a kind of ‘junction’ (ie, a meeting place) for words, phrases and clauses in a grammatical structure.  Examples include: and, but, however, because, yet, unless etc.

7.     Preposition: Defined as a word used to show the relationship between one side of a grammatical structure and the other. It usually comes before the noun or pronoun referred to. That is why it is called ‘pre-position’ (ie, before the positioning of a noun or a pronoun). Eg, on, in, at, by, to, from, for, with, under, over, across, through, before etc.

8.     Exclamation (Interjection): Defined as a short word or phrase used to express sudden surprise, shock, outburst, emotion etc.  Eg, Oh!, Hurray!, Stop!, Hey! etc.

Conclusion:

Parts of Speech form the foundation of English Language learning process. That is why it is imperative that every English Language learner understands this basic aspect of the language, otherwise, much cannot be achieved along the line.

Evaluation:

1.     Write down any 10 examples each of the following:

a.     Noun

b.     Adjective

c.      Verb

d.     Preposition

e.     Pronoun