Simplicity, directness, and thoroughness are the ideals which have been kept constantly in view in the preparation of this book. The pupil is given no information before he is prepared to digest it, no definition until he is able to appreciate its need. By proceeding from the example to the principle, instead of in the reverse order, the pupil learns naturally and without great effort. At the same time there is constant progress, and it is believed that a class which has gone through this book with a faithful teacher will have a higher average of knowledge of the elements of English than has been found usually in the grades for which this book is intended. The examples furnished for the application of principles are taken from well known and standard authors; while the illustrations will aid in fixing the attention of the learner upon the subject matter. There is no royal road to learning, but the path herein presented leads to the desired result directly and, it is believed, more easily than any hitherto accessible. The first group of words makes complete sense. It expresses a thought. It tells something about the violet. A group of words that makes complete sense is called a sentence. The first word of a sentence should always begin with a capital letter. A period should be placed after a sentence that states or tells something. Is each of the other groups a sentence? Why? How does each begin and end? By which sense do we tell the color of violets? where they grow? the odor of violets? What is the meaning of modest, wild? Add other sentences to those in the exercise to make a story about violets. Down in a green and shady bed 11 |