Sample Response: In the first passage, lexicographers are described as diligent and accomplished; they have a number of difficult and complex tasks to do. In the second passage, however, the word lexicographer seems to have a negative connotation, and a dictionary writer is compared unfavorably with a poet. This shift is likely because Johnson had to adjust his plan as he wrote his dictionary and thought that he had not met his lofty goals.
Compare your response to the sample response. What did you include in your response? Check all that apply.
a discussion of how lexicographers are described in the first passage
a discussion of how lexicographers are described in the second passage
an explanation of the differences between the passages
In the first passage, lexicographers are described as diligent and accomplished; they have a number of difficult and complex tasks to do. In the second passage, however, the word lexicographer seems to have a negative connotation, and a dictionary writer is compared unfavorably with a poet. This shift is likely because Johnson had to adjust his plan as he wrote his dictionary and thought that he had not met his lofty goals.
In English grammar, this kind of imaginary sentence is called a conditional sentence. We use conditionals to talk about imaginary situations in the past, present and future. We use conditionals for situations that might happen in the future, or situations that might never happen.
