The Wapiti (Elk)

The Indians called the American elk the Wapiti. Today the name "Wapiti" is still commonly used. Wapiti are mountain dwellers. During the winter they often move to the valleys to find food.

Their winter coats of long, gray hair protect them from the cold. The American elk are herd animals. They graze on grasses. Their keen hearing and sense of smell help detect the coming of an enemy. Their huge branching antlers make excellent weapons. The elk are good swimmers. When troubled by summer insects, the elk often stand in water.

Today laws protect the animal which once wandered freely over the land. The elk's numbers have been greatly reduced by civilization.

Test Your Knowledge (Spelling counts!):

21. The Indian name for elk is _____ .


22. Elk are _____ dwellers.


23. What is the elks weapon?


24. To ward off insects, the elk stands in _____ .


25. What has reduced the number of elk?


26. The Elks _____ protects them from the cold.

Plural Nouns

A singular noun is a noun that names one person, place, or idea.

A plural noun is made up of all the words in the subject part of a sentence, and means more than one.

To make most singular nouns plural, add -s.

If a singular noun ends with s, ss, x, z, ch, or sh,add -es to form the plural.

If a singular noun ends with a consonant and y, change the y to i and add -es to form the plural.

If a singular noun ends with a vowel and y, add -s to form the plural.

Many singular nouns ending in f add -s to form the plural in the usual way. Some singular nouns ending in f or fe change the f to v and add -s or -es to form the plural.

Write the plural for each word listed below!

1. daisy
2. wife
3. amateur
4. pony
5. foot
6. error
7. ray
8. bush
9. officer
10. goose
11. child
12. news
13. city
14. woman
15. liberty
16. bookshelf
17. church
18. loaf
19. hero
20. cuff