MASTERY LEARNING IN PREPOSITIONS

The most difficult parts of speech in the English language are the prepositions. The problem is that there are so many prepositions that have to be learned off by heart.

There is no reason for a particular preposition and this gives problems to students learning English as a second language.

As an English teacher in Papua New Guinea, I found that the only way to teach was to drill the sentences until the students found that the correct preposition popped up in their minds as they made the sentence.

It was like teaching poetry. Practice makes perfect. Reading books drills the poetry of connectors.

Students can not escape from single sentence baby talk until they have mastered connectors for the complex sentences.

Are you interested in the work?
I am not aware of this.
Are you sure of your facts?
I am confused by all the detail.
The picture was hung on the wall.
He was hanged by the neck from a rope as punishment for his crime.
She was frightened by the attack on her village.
He received a medal in recognition of bravery in saving the child from the fire.
They prepared to leave the house.
He was not prepared for what happened next.
He was sincere in his belief.
But he was in error.
I am happy for you.
He was happy in the news that he had passed the exam.
It was a fight over ownership of a pig.
She was skilled at writing essays.
Are you skilled in this work?
I bought a shirt on credit from a man at the market.
He was assured about the quality of the work.
The car was insured for twelve months.
Are you interested in doing the work?
The work was perfect in every way.
The child was delivered from this evil.
There was delivery to every house in the street of the town.
He was tired of going to school.
They proposed to open a store.
He was prevented from addressing the meeting.
She was opposed to the proposal.
He fought against a fierce enemy.
They fought for their country.
I believe in God.
He was gaoled for six months.
They were immunized against cholera.
The show was organized by the teachers.
He spoke on behalf of the parents.
It was a preparation for the final test.
They held an investigation into the robbery.
They were in fear of their lives.
I am grateful for your help.
He was an expert in Biology.
She was born into a rich family.


(More to come.)