Lesson 1 How Others See Me

Task 9. Identifying Kernels
Get a dictionary and look up the meaning of the word, kernel. Listen as your
teacher discuss the nature of kernel sentences. Keep in mind the definition below.
A kernel sentence is a simple sentence that presents only one piece of
information. This means that a kernel does not have any unnecessary information. It is
positive or affirmative, that is, it does not contain any negation marker such as the
words no or not. Kernel sentences or kernels are also in the active form. This means
that the subject of such sentences is the doer of the presented action.
Exercise 9.1
Read the text below. Identify whether the numbered sentences are kernels by
writing K (kernel) and NK (not kernel) for every item. Transform those you have marked
‗NK‘ into kernel sentences. Write your answers on a sheet of paper.
Supporting Someone Who Is Grieving 2
(1) Grief is a natural process that affects people when they experience a loss—of
a relative or friend; human or animal. (2) Grieving people most often need others. (3) If
you are trying to be supportive to someone who is grieving, remember the depth of his
emotions. (4) Grieving people cannot be rushed. (5) You can nevertheless ease another
person‘s pain.
Exercise 9.2
Read the given text. Some sentences here are kernels and some are not. Identify
any five sentences that could be rewritten as kernels. Copy these five sentences on a
sheet of paper and give their corresponding kernel transformations. You could use
context clues in giving kernel equivalents.
Tips for Helping Someone Who Is Grieving 3
Mention the person who has died, and acknowledge your awareness of the loss.
Continue to do this as time goes on, not just right after the death. Many people avoid
mentioning the person who has died, fearing it will remind the grieving person of his or
her pain. Often, people avoid the topic because they feel uncomfortable or helpless, but
behaving as if you don‘t remember or are unaware of your loved one‘s pain often leaves
him or her feeling very alone.
Listen to your loved one. A grieving person may need to tell his or her story again
and again as part of the grieving process. The most important thing you can offer
someone who is grieving is your ability to listen without judgment.
2 A LifeCare® Guide to Helping Others Cope With Grief
3 A LifeCare® Guide to Helping Others Cope With Grief
Grade 7 English Learning Package 69