Noun Phrases: Meaning, Identification and Functions 

Subject: 

ENGLISH STUDIES

Term:

FIRST TERM

Week:

WEEK 3

Class:

SS 2

Topic:

(i) Comprehension: Reading to Follow Writer’s Ideas; Unit 2: Insurance, pg 33
(ii) Vocabulary Development: Words Associated with Health e.g. diagnosis, contagious etc.
(iii) Structure: Noun Phrases: Meaning, Identification and Functions

Previous lesson: 

The pupils have previous knowledge of

 Comprehension – Learning about Main Ideas and Supporting Details on Insurance Vocabulary Development Words Associated with the Human Body System and Functions Speech Work Cluster of Two, Three and Four Consonants Writing (Expository) Meaning, Features and Examples

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES :

At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to

• (i)Read Comprehension: Reading to Follow Writer’s Ideas; Unit 2: Insurance, pg 33
• (ii)Understand Vocabulary Development: Words Associated with Health e.g. diagnosis, contagious etc.
• (iii) Learn Structure: Noun Phrases: Meaning, Identification and Functions

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS :

• Wall charts
• Pictures
• Related Online Video
• Flash Cards

Methods of Teaching:

• Class Discussion
• Group Discussion
• Asking Questions
• Explanation
• Role Modelling
• Role Delegation

REFERENCE MATERIALS :

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• Education Curriculum

CONTENT 

Noun Phrases.

Content: Definition, Identification and Functions.

Recall that a phrase is a group of words without a finite verb and is used as a single part of a speech or sentence.

A noun phrase is a phrase that has the noun as its headword and which performs any of the six functions of a noun – subject, object, complement, etc.

Examples

1. The fat woman with a tiny voice took ill shortly after the exercise.
2. The new English teacher called John a lazy student.
3. She is a woman of virtue.

To identify a noun phrase, look for the noun that acts as the headword and check if it is performing any of the noun functions.

Examples of noun phrases include “the tall oak tree,” “a bowl of soup,” and “her best friend.”

Noun phrases can function as subjects, objects, possessives, or complements in a sentence.

In the sentence “I saw the tall oak tree,” “the tall oak tree” is functioning as the object of the verb “saw.”

In the sentence “The bowl of soup smells delicious,” “a bowl of soup” is functioning as the subject of the verb “smells.”

In the sentence “Her best friend always supports her,” “her best friend” is functioning as a possessive determiner and the object of the verb “supports.”

Noun phrases add detail and specificity to our language, making it more descriptive and interesting. They also allow us to efficiently communicate complex ideas without having to use multiple sentences or overly long strings of wordsIn addition, noun phrases can act as modifiers to other nouns, adding further description. For example, in the phrase “the tall oak tree,” “tall” and “oak” modify the noun “tree.”

Overall, using noun phrases helps make our language clearer and more precise.

Evaluation

1. How do you identify a noun phrase?

2. Can a noun phrase act as more than one function in a sentence?

3. Can a single noun phrase modify multiple nouns in a sentence?

4. Are all phrases that contain a noun automatically considered noun phrases?

5. What are some examples of noun phrases?

Marking Guide

1. To identify a noun phrase, look for the noun that acts as the headword and check if it is performing any of the noun functions.

2. Yes, a noun phrase can act as multiple functions in a sentence.

3. No, a single noun phrase can only modify one noun in a sentence.

4. No, a phrase must also fulfill the function of a noun in order to be considered a noun phrase.

5. Examples of noun phrases include “the tall oak tree,” “a bowl of soup,” and “her best friend.”

Other Types of Noun phrases.

1. Gerundial Phrase.

This is a phrase introduced by a gerundial (verb ending in –ing).

Example: Running across the field, she saw her dog.

Infinitival Phrase

This is a phrase introduced by an infinitive (to + verb).

Example: She wanted to jump over the fence.

Participial Phrase

This is a phrase introduced by a participle (verb ending in –ed or –en).

Example: Screaming with fear, the girl ran away.

Prepositional Phrase

This is a phrase introduced by a preposition.

Example: The cat jumped off of the fence.

Appositive Phrase

This is a phrase that renames or explains the noun before it.

Example: My neighbor, a doctor, just moved in next door.

Examples

1. The government has banned smoking in public.
2. Fixing that computer should not be a problem for him.

1. Infinitive Phrase

This phrase is identified by an infinitive (i.e the basic form of verb preceded by to)

Examples:

1. It is an offence to smoke in public.
2. To fixthat computer should not be a problem.

Functions of Noun Phrases

1. Subject of the verb The young woman in pink gown is watching us.
2. Object of the verb The girl bought a big brown bag (direct)
3. Noun phrase as subject complement. Our principal is a hard-working woman.
4. Noun phrase as object complement. The infamous leader calls himself an evil genius.
5. Noun phrase as complement of preposition The man died after a prolonged illness.
6. Noun in apposition Roberts’s fiancée hails from Ondo, a town in the west of Nigeria.
7. Noun phrase as modifier The lady wearing a blue dress is my sister.
8. Possessive determiner Jeffrey’s new car is very expensive.
9. Possessive pronoun That book is mine.
10. Adjectival complement The candidate for mayor proved to be inexperienced.

Evaluation

1. How do you identify a noun phrase?

– Look for the noun that acts as the headword and see if it is performing any of the noun functions (subject, object, possessor, etc.)

2. Can a noun phrase act as more than one function in a sentence?

– Yes, a noun phrase can act as multiple functions in a sentence.

3. Can a single noun phrase modify multiple nouns in a sentence?

– No, a single noun phrase can only modify one noun in a sentence.

4. Are all phrases that contain a noun automatically considered noun phrases?

– No, the phrase must also fulfill the function of a noun in order to be considered a noun phrase.

5. What are some examples of other types of noun phrases?

– Gerundial phrases (introduced by a gerund), infinitival phrases (introduced by an infinitive), participial phrases (introduced by a participle), prepositional phrases (introduced by a pre

position), and appositive phrases (renaming or explaining the noun before it) are all examples of other types of noun phrases.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Countdown in English,Page 211.

Topic: Comprehension: Peptic Ulcer, Effective English, page 48.

Content: Review

This passage deals with peptic ulcer, which happens when parts of the stomach lining the duodenum are attacked by protein – digesting enzymes, pepsin and hydrochloric acid.The acid of these enzymes give rise to internal bleeding and pain which can only be relieved by taking food in small quantities at frequent intervals.

There are several causes of peptic ulcer, but the main one is infection by a bacterium called helicobacter pylori. Other potential factors include excessive intake of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), smoking, stress, and genetics.

The symptoms of peptic ulcer include upper abdominal pain, weight loss, feeling full after eating small meals, vomiting, and dark blood in vomit or stool.

Treatment for peptic ulcer includes antibiotics to kill the H. pylori bacteria, acid blockers to reduce stomach acid production, and antacids to neutralize stomach acid. Surgery may also be necessary in severe cases. Prevention measures include avoiding NSAIDs, smoking, and stress, as well as maintaining a balanced diet.

In conclusion, peptic ulcer can be a painful and potentially serious condition, but it is also preventable and treatable with proper medical care. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and potential causes in order to seek treatment promptly before the ulcer becomes worse.

Evaluation

1. What is a peptic ulcer?

2. How does a peptic ulcer develop?

3. What are some potential causes of peptic ulcers?

4. What are the symptoms of a peptic ulcer?

5. How is a peptic ulcer treated?

6. Is there any way to prevent peptic ulcers?

7. Is H. pylori the only potential cause of a peptic ulcer?

8. Can a peptic ulcer become severe enough to require surgery?

9. How does stomach acid play a role in the development of peptic ulcers?

10. Are there any long-term effects of having a peptic ulcer?

Marking Guide

1. A peptic ulcer is a condition where parts of the stomach lining and duodenum are attacked by digestive enzymes and stomach acid, leading to internal bleeding and pain.

2. Peptic ulcers can develop due to infection with the bacterium H. pylori, as well as factors such as excessive use of NSAIDs, smoking, stress, and genetics.

3. In addition to H. pylori infection, potential causes of peptic ulcers include excessive use of NSAIDs, smoking, stress, and genetics.

4. Symptoms of a peptic ulcer can include upper abdominal pain, weight loss, feeling full after eating small meals, vomiting, and dark blood in vomit or stool.

5. Treatment for peptic ulcers may include antibiotics to kill H. pylori, acid blockers to reduce stomach acid production, antacids to neutralize stomach acid, and in severe cases, surgery.

6. Preventive measures for peptic ulcers include avoiding NSAIDs, smoking, and stress, as well as maintaining a balanced diet.

7. H. pylori infection is the most common cause of peptic ulcers, but it is not the only potential cause.

8. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a peptic ulcer.

9. Excess stomach acid can contribute to the development of peptic ulcers.

10. Potential long-term effects of a peptic ulcer can include internal bleeding and an increased risk of stomach cancer.

Vocabulary Development: Words Associate with Health.

Contract – To get a disease or to be infected.

A syndrome – A pattern of illness that go together.

Chronic – Long lasting disease or illness.

Convalescence – A resting period after recovery from an illness.

Transfusion(Blood)  – This is giving a person blood that has been supplied by someone else.

Viruses – Tiny organisms, smaller than bacteria which cause disease.

Contagious – Spread by having contact with a patient suffering it (disease).

Coma – State of unconsciousness.

Anesthesia – This is given when an operation is about to be carried out.

Intravenous – Given through the vein.

Debilitating – Weakening.

Relapse – Fall back into the illness after recovery.

Remission – Temporary lessening or disappearance of symptoms.

Immunization – Receiving a vaccination to prevent a disease.

Prognosis – A prediction about the outcome of an illness.

Malignant – Cancerous, harmful and life threatening.

Benign – Not cancerous, not harmful and possibly curable.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISON

1. Explain the duties of the following in a hospital setting;

a pathologist, a dermatologist, an obstetrician, a gynecologist, a physician.

1. What is the function of each underlined noun phrase in the sentences below:

1. Mr. Kola needed to see the principal
2. To err is human.
3. He remembered to clean his shoes.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT 

SECTION A

1. I saw my car __ from the parkA. been drivenB. driving C. being driven
2. I saw ten naira note __ ta my feet A. laying B. lying C.lieing
3. It is too expensive; we had better __ A. not buying B. not bought it C. not buying it
4. Oil is a(n) __resourceA. finished B. infinite C. finite
5. He did apply for the job?      A. isn’t it B. didn’t he C. hadn’t he

SECTION B

Complete the sentence in section A, page 32