Living in 2020

It has been difficult living in the year 2020. There is so much sadness and divisiveness in the United States right now. It feels as if everyone is arguing with one another--whether it's regarding COVID protocols, the election, or the multitude of protests occurring. Many of these issues have been ongoing since March and it is now November. It has been over six months of chaos, confusion, and anger. Going on social media is no longer fun because people are only criticizing one another for their opinions. Being so close to the holidays, I'm hopeful that things will take a turn for the better. Our country needs more positivity, kindness, and empathy. The holidays usually put people in a joyful mood and the year 2020 can definitely use more of that!

Vocabulary

Difficult- hard to do

Divisiveness- disagreement/hostility between people

Multitude- a large number

Protests- an action expressing disapproval or objection or something

Chaos- complete disorder and confusion

Social Media- electronic communication through websites for social networking

Criticizing- to find fault with

Positivity- hopeful and confident in attitude

Vocabulary Exercise

Match the corresponding letter for the definition of each vocabulary word. 

1. Difficult                                                    A. Hopeful and confident in attitude 

2. Chaos                                                        B. To find fault with

3. Protests                                                     C. Electronic communication through websites for social                                                                                networking

4. Divisiveness                                             D.  Hard to do

5. Multitude                                                  E. Complete disorder and confusion

6. Divisiveness                                             F. An action expressing disapproval or objection or                                                                                           something

7. Positivity                                                  G. A large number

8. Criticizing                                                H. Disagreement/hostility between people

Grammar Point

The Oxford Comma is the last comma in a list. It's usually used right before "and" or "or." For example, the oxford comma is bolded in the sentence below.

Today for lunch I ate a sandwich, an apple, and broccoli.

You can read more about the oxford comma and when to use it at https://7esl.com/oxford-comma/#:~:text=Oxford%20Comma%20Definition,Kate%20to%20her%20birthday%20party. 

Grammar Exercises:

1. Find two places in the above paragraph where the oxford comma is used.

2. Which comma in the sentence below is the oxford comma?

    

    John, Mary, and Kate went to the mall together.

3. Create your own sentence using the oxford comma.

Picture credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/550213279478091073/