Farmers in the 1800s did not have an easy job. Farming required a great deal of hard, physical labor. A harvest might provide just enough food for the farmer's family with very little surplus. Today, new technology helps make farming more efficient. Using mechanical farm equipment can result in less physical labor and a surplus of crops. Because a farmer's identity is closely linked to the success of his or her farm, many farmers are eager to take courses in agriculture. These courses can help them to learn how to improve their farms. To find the right courses, they can visit a college counselor who knows about the courses that are being offered.

Vocabulary 

physical: of or relating to the body as opposed to the mind.

surplus: an amount of something left over when requirements have been met; an excess of production or supply over demand.

identity: the fact of being who or what a person or thing is.

agriculture: the science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.

counselor: a person trained to give guidance on personal, social, or psychological problems.

Vocabulary Exercise: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. ___________ fitness is required.
2. Without __________________, we would not have any food on our tables.
3. You must speak to a _____________ to help you with your problems.
4. She revealed her ___________ when she told us her name.
5. The final figure will be the net _________ or deficit for the period.

Grammar Point: 
A verb is the main word in the predicate of a sentence. The verb tells what the subject of the sentence is or does.
An action verb tells what the subject does.
A linking verb links, or joins, the subject with a word or words in the predicate that tell what the subject is or is like.

Grammar Exercise: Write A if the underlined word is an action verb. Write L if the underlined word is a linking verb.

1. The apples were crunchy. ___
2. We serve the bread with fresh butter. ___
3. Matthew is hungry, and supper smells delicious. ___
4. Hot coals heat the iron. ____
5. Erika became impatient with the boys. _____