Lesson 3: Expand Sentences with Adjectives and Adverbs

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟢 A. Writing with Structure

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Objective

I can improve my sentences by adding adjectives (describe nouns) and adverbs (describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs) so my ideas are clear, detailed, and interesting.

Materials

Tip: Try the pattern Who/What + did what + where/when + how, then add adjectives and adverbs to sharpen meaning.

Mini-lesson — Adjectives & Adverbs

  1. Adjectives describe nouns: the fluffy puppy, a crowded park.
  2. Adverbs describe verbs/adjectives/adverbs: run quickly, very bright, quite slowly.
  3. Where to place? Adjectives usually come before nouns; adverbs often come after the verb or before adjectives.
  4. Be specific. Replace vague words: went → walked calmly; nice dog → gentle brown dog.
  5. Don’t overstuff. 1–2 sharp adjectives or one well-chosen adverb is often enough.

Guided Practice — Trace & Try It

Trace key words, then write one basic sentence and expand it two ways (add adjectives; add adverbs):

  • Key words: adjective, adverb, modify, vivid
  • Basic: The cat jumped.
  • With adjectives: The curious gray cat jumped.
  • With adverbs: The cat jumped lightly onto the shelf.
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: Test your sentence: remove the adjective/adverb. If the meaning gets weaker, you chose a good one.

Drag & Drop — Add Adjectives & Adverbs

Drag chips to build clear, expanded sentences. Keep punctuation at the end.

Thegentlepuppy barkedloudly.
Mysmallbrother tiptoedquietlydownstairs.
Weatewarm blueberrymuffinsquickly.
Thebrightkite soaredhighabove.
Ourcarefulcoach explainedthenew rulesclearly.
Thenoisybus stoppedsuddenly.
Awideriver rushedrapidlypastus.
Thefriendlylibrarian helpedusgladlytoday.
Thoseheavyboxes slidslowlyacrossthefloor.
Ourexcitedteam cheeredwildlyafterthegoal.
Thetalloaktree swayedgentlyinthewind.
Thecarefulartist paintedverytinystars.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) Which word is an adjective in “The bright sun warmed us.”?

2) Which word is an adverb in “Birds chirped joyfully.”?

3) Choose the sentence that adds a specific adjective.

4) The adverb in “She whispered very softly.” modifies…

5) Pick the best adverb to complete: “The wind howled ____.”

6) Which sentence is overstuffed with adjectives?

7) Best placement for an adjective:

8) Which adds an adverb of manner?

9) Choose the more precise sentence.

10) In “a very tall building,” the word “very” is…

11) Which sentence uses an adjective and an adverb?

12) Best word to describe how someone paints:

13) Which change improves the sentence the most? “The bird sang.”

14) The adverb in “They arrived early” tells…

15) Pick the best pair to expand: “The ______ storm raged ______.”

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

I will practice…

Lesson 4 →