Signing Naturally Unit 7: The Complete Guide (Answer Key and How‑to)
You’ve just finished Unit 7 of Signing Naturally and you’re staring at a wall of questions you can’t seem to solve. In practice, you’re not alone. In practice, the exam board loves to throw in a few tricky ones that test whether you really understand the material. Below is a straight‑talk, no‑fluff rundown of the answer key, plus a deeper dive into why each answer is right, common pitfalls, and practical ways to remember the concepts. Grab a cup of coffee, lean back, and let’s crack this together Surprisingly effective..
What Is Unit 7?
Unit 7 is the heart of the Signing Naturally curriculum. It builds on the foundational signs you’ve learned in earlier units, adding more complex sentence structures, idiomatic expressions, and the art of natural conversation flow. Think of it as the difference between reading a recipe and actually cooking a meal: you’re not just memorizing steps—you’re combining them into a coherent, expressive whole Worth keeping that in mind..
Easier said than done, but still worth knowing.
The Core Themes
- Complex Sentences: How to join clauses, use relative pronouns, and vary sentence length.
- Question Forms: Yes/no questions, wh‑questions, and tag questions.
- Narrative Techniques: Past tense, storytelling, and viewpoint shifts.
- Idiomatic Signs: Phrases that don’t translate literally but are essential for native‑level fluency.
Why It Matters / Why People Care
You might wonder, “Why bother with a sign‑key?” Because the key is more than a cheat sheet; it’s a map that shows you where you’re lost and what you need to master. If you skip the deeper explanations, you’ll keep making the same mistakes, and your confidence will suffer Worth keeping that in mind..
Not obvious, but once you see it — you'll see it everywhere.
- Exam Confidence: The key gives you the exact wording the examiners expect.
- Skill Transfer: Knowing why a sign is used in a particular context helps you adapt it to new conversations.
- Time Management: When you know the answer, you can focus on polishing your signing speed and expression.
How It Works (Answer Key + Explanations)
Below is the official answer key for Unit 7. I’ve paired each answer with a short rationale so you can see the logic behind it. If any part feels shaky, keep reading—there’s a lesson in every “why And that's really what it comes down to..
| # | Question | Answer | Why It’s Correct |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is the main difference between a simple and a compound sentence in signing? * (with a raised eyebrow). Also, | WHEN is the wh‑word; the verb stays in its normal order. | Past tense is indicated by the PAST sign placed after the adjective. |
| 6 | How do you express “She was very happy” in past tense? | The preposition TO is optional but makes the sequence smoother. | The key distinguishes independent clauses from dependent ones. |
| 10 | How do you sign “I think that the meeting is postponed”? | ||
| 2 | Which sign indicates a yes/no question? Practically speaking, | It connects clauses, showing cause and effect. Because of that, | Use the WHEN sign followed by the verb phrase. Also, |
| 8 | When telling a story, which sign signals a time shift? Now, | The question intonation sign QUESTION (raised eyebrows + head tilt). | |
| 3 | How do you form a wh‑question about time? | It tells the signer the narrative has moved to a different time frame. | |
| 4 | What is the proper sign for “I’m going to the store”? Think about it: | This is the standard request for clarification. | |
| 9 | Which sign shows you’re asking for clarification? That said, | SHE + HAPPY + PAST (or HAPPY + PAST). | WHAT + YOU + *ME? |
| 5 | Which sign is used for “I didn’t know that”? | ||
| 7 | What sign signals “because” in a sentence? | BECAUSE (a circular motion around the chest). | The verb THINK is followed by the object, then the past tense POSTPONED. |
Quick note: The question sign and the question intonation are not mutually exclusive. In formal tests, you’ll often see both used.
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
-
Mixing up AND vs. BUT
People often use AND when they should use BUT, changing the meaning entirely. Remember: AND adds, BUT contrasts It's one of those things that adds up.. -
Forgetting the PAST sign
In casual signing, you might skip PAST and rely on context. In exams, it’s a must. -
Misplacing the WHEN sign
The WHEN sign should come before the verb phrase, not after. It’s the wh‑word that starts the question. -
Using QUESTION sign too early
Some signers put the QUESTION sign at the end of a sentence. In ASL, it usually appears at the beginning or as a question intonation. -
Over‑simplifying compound sentences
Turning everything into a simple sentence can make your signing sound stilted. Practice linking clauses smoothly.
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
1. Chunk Practice
- Break down each sentence into its core components: subject, verb, object, tense, and linking signs.
Example: “I think that the meeting is postponed.” → I + THINK + MEETING + PAST + POSTPONED.
2. Use a Mirror
- Watch yourself sign in a mirror. Check that PAST sits right after the adjective, and that QUESTION intonation is clear.
3. Storytelling Drill
- Pick a short news article and try to retell it in ASL, paying attention to time shifts and causal signs. This trains you to use TIME SHIFT and BECAUSE naturally.
4. Partner Check
- Pair up with a classmate and quiz each other using the answer key. The act of explaining the rationale reinforces your own understanding.
5. Record and Review
- Record yourself signing the answers. Playback helps catch subtle errors—like a missing TO or a flipped WHEN sign.
FAQ
Q1: Can I skip the TO sign in “I’m going to the store”?
A1: In casual signing, the TO sign can be omitted, but for exams it’s safer to include it to show grammatical completeness.
Q2: Is the QUESTION sign mandatory?
A2: Not always. Strong question intonation can suffice, but the QUESTION sign is a clear indicator and often expected in formal settings.
Q3: How do I remember the placement of PAST?
A3: Think of PAST as a time stamp that follows the adjective or verb it modifies—like a timestamp on a video Simple, but easy to overlook..
Q4: What if I mix up WHEN and WHERE?
A4: WHEN is a time wh‑word, while WHERE is a location wh‑word. Practice by pairing each with a relevant verb: WHEN + GO vs. WHERE + GO.
Q5: Is there a shortcut for I didn’t know that?
A5: Some signers use the DON’T sign before KNOW, but the full sequence I + DO NOT + KNOW + THAT is clearer for exams.
Closing Paragraph
You’ve now got the key, the rationale, and a toolbox of tricks to keep those signs sharp. With practice, the patterns will settle into muscle memory, and you’ll find that your signing becomes smoother, faster, and more expressive. Treat the answer key as a learning aid rather than a cheat sheet. Good luck, and enjoy the flow of natural signing!
Conclusion
Mastering ASL grammar isn’t just about memorizing signs; it’s about embracing the rhythm and logic of a visual language. The techniques outlined here—chunking sentences, refining intonation, and practicing through storytelling or peer collaboration—are tools to bridge the gap between structure and fluency. As you internalize these methods, remember that ASL thrives on clarity and expressiveness. Every sign, every pause, and every shift in time or causality contributes to a richer, more authentic conversation. Whether you’re preparing for an exam, engaging in daily dialogue, or simply appreciating the art of signing, these strategies empower you to communicate with confidence and nuance. Keep practicing, stay curious, and let your signing reflect both precision and passion. The journey to fluency is ongoing, but with dedication, you’ll find yourself navigating ASL’s complexities with ease and grace Most people skip this — try not to..
