Identifying Interjections

GOAL:: To recognize and correctly use interjections in sentence construction.

Objectives:: The student will be able to:; 1. Describe the grammatical function of interjections.; 2. Identify interjections in simple sentences.; 3. Use interjections correctly in the construction of simple sentences.

Energy Objectives:: The student will be able to:; 1. Discuss ways to save energy and money on hot water.

Lesson Information:: Interjections are words that express sudden or strong emotions. Interjections are usually used as a greeting, an expression of surprise, or an expression of anger or pain. Interjections are usually followed by an exclamation point. See EXAMPLE 1.

EXAMPLE 1:: Wow! Water heating can consume 20% of a family's home energy budget.

Activity D-1:: Circle the interjections in the following sentences. In the space provided, place a "+" if the interjection is used properly and a "-" if it is used improperly or not needed.; _____1. Welcome! In our energy efficient home the temperature setting on the water heater remains between 120° and 140°. It is unnecessary and wasteful to set the thermostat higher than this.; _____2. A flow restrictor can be used in showers to save water, and, hey, this can reduce water waste.; _____3. One leaking hot water faucet can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water a year and can send the home energy bill soaring. Help!; _____4. Take shorter baths and showers, run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full, and do not leave the water running while shaving or brushing your teeth. Hey! Every little bit helps!; _____5. Using a blanket or insulation kit around the hot water heater can help reduce heat loss from the water heater into the room. Aha! This also saves energy dollars.; As stated, interjections are used for emphasis, to show surprise, and to express strong emotion. Many words may be considered interjections when used to fulfill the function of an interjection. See EXAMPLE 2.

EXAMPLE 2:: No! I will not use newspaper to insulate my water heater. Newspaper is flammable.; Great! Reducing our use of hot water has saved $7.50 on this month's utility bill.

Activity R-1:: Rewrite the following sentences using interjections. You may change the wording, but not the meaning, of the sentence.; 1. Water heaters set at too high a temperature not only waste energy but could also cause burns.; _______________________________________________________; _______________________________________________________; 2. It is best to avoid placing a water heater in the air conditioned portion of the home. Any heat escaping from the water heater will warm the room and cause the air conditioning unit to work harder.; _______________________________________________________; _______________________________________________________; _______________________________________________________; _______________________________________________________; 3. Sediment collects in the bottom of the water heater. Not only could this cause residue in the water, it may also reduce the efficiency of the unit.; ________________________________________; ________________________________________; ________________________________________; ________________________________________

INFORMATION CHECK: 1. What is the function of interjections.; 2. Try to think of 5 words, NOT USED IN THIS LESSON, that used in the proper context could be considered interjections. Write a sentence with each.; a.; b.; c.; d.; e.; 3. Write a 5-6 sentence paragraph explaining how reducing hot water use can save energy and energy dollars. Use at least three interjections in the paragraph. Circle them.

TEACHER'S NOTES
Activity D-1:: 1. Welcome! +; 2. hey - (not used correctly and not really needed here); 3. Help! +; 4. Hey! +; 5. Aha! - (not needed)

Activity R-1:: Answers will vary; examples follow:; 1. Yipes! Setting the water heater at too high a temperature not only wastes energy; it can also burn you!; 2. It is best to avoid placing a water heater in the air conditioned portion of the home. Heat will escape into the home making the unit work harder. Whew! It will really feel hot in the house!; 3. Sediment can collect at the bottom of water heaters. Yuk! This causes residue and reduces the efficiency of the unit.

Answers to Information Check:: 1. Interjections are words that express sudden or strong emotions. They may be used as a greeting, to show surprise, or to express anger or pain.; 2. Answers will vary. Some examples follow:; a. Yes! That is the best news I have heard all day.; b. Ouch! The water heater must be set too high because that water burned my hand.; 3. Answers will vary. An example follows:; I just found out that 20% of my utility bill is spent on water heating. Wow! That is much more than I expected. I can think of several ways, however, that I can reduce this bill. First, I will turn the thermostat down on the heating unit. Presently the unit is set at 160°. Ouch! Water that hot can really burn. I will also use warm or cold water when possible. Aha! My washing machine manual suggests warm or cold water anyway. I hope to save $10 to $15 a month by conserving hot water.

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