Introduction: Why Unit 8.7 is a Turning Point in ASL Learning If you are currently enrolled in an American Sign Language (ASL) course using the Signing Naturally curriculum (Level 2, Units 7–12), you have likely encountered Unit 8.7 . For many students, this specific section—focusing on Describing Others (specifically clothing and physical appearance)—is a significant leap in complexity.
Look at the prompt. Who are you describing? (e.g., The woman on the left). signing naturally 8.7 answers
Unit 8.7 builds the foundation for (Making Requests) and Unit 10 (Giving Directions using landmarks). If you cannot describe a shirt , you will struggle to describe a building (e.g., "The bank with the striped awning"). Introduction: Why Unit 8
Note: These answers assume the standard 3rd or 4th edition layout. If your page numbers differ, use the descriptions. Typically, Unit 8.7 presents two or three brief dialogues. You must watch the signers and answer what each person is wearing. Who are you describing
| Clothing Pattern | Classifier/Handshape | Movement | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | CL:1 (index finger) or CL:B (flat hand) | Move finger/hand horizontally or vertically across the chest. | | Plaid | CL:5 (clawed) or both index fingers | Cross lines horizontally and vertically (creating a grid). | | Polka Dots | CL:C (curved hand) | Tap the chest in a scattered pattern. | | Solid | CL:B (flat hand) | Wipe the palm over the shirt to show "plain." | Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Own Answers If you are stuck on a specific image in Unit 8.7 that isn't listed above, use this protocol:
A: Floral is not standard in basic 8.7 (it appears in 8.8 or 8.9). However, if it appears, use CL:5 (claw) opening and closing like petals. The official answer is usually "Flower pattern."
This article will not simply dump a list of one-word answers. Instead, this guide will break down the expected responses for Signing Naturally Unit 8.7, explain the grammatical rules behind them, and show you how to arrive at the correct answers on your own. Unit 8 in Signing Naturally focuses heavily on Describing People and Things . By the time you reach Section 8.7, you have already learned how to describe basic body types and hair. Section 8.7 specifically hones in on Clothing Patterns and Textures .