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ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL): CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISHCIP CODE: 131499
SAMPLES OF SOME BASIC CLASSROOM EXERCISESINTRODUCTION
BASIC ENGLISH
TOPICS COVERED
SECTION I (TOPICS): Prepositions, Pre-positional Phrases, Pre-positional Substitutes, Subordinating Conjunctions, Verbs, Sentence Tense Consistency, Basic Grammar
SECTION II (TOPICS): Punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, appositives, objects, parallel ideas, basic grammar
SECTION III(TOPICS): Sentence subjects, verbs, prepositional phrases, complete and incomplete sentences, fragments, punctuation and main ideas
SECTION IV (TOPICS): Standard Verbs, Non-Standard Verbs, basic grammar
SECTION V (TOPICS): Subjects, Verbs, Sentence Fragments, Sentence Run-ons, Pre-positional Phrases, Punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, basic grammar
BASIC ENGLISH
SECTION I (TOPICS): Prepositions, Pre-positional Phrases, Pre-positional Substitutes, Subordinating Conjunctions, Verbs, Sentence Tense Consistency, Basic Grammar
Definitions:
Prepositions: Prepositions have basically 2 functions. The 1st function of the preposition is to connect the noun (all types of nouns) to the rest of the sentence The 2nd function of the preposition is to specify the position of the nouns (person or object)There are basically 3 types of prepositions:
(a) Time Prepositions - Time prepositions are used to clarify the time of that something or someone of an action. An example of time prepositions are at, on, in, while, during etc.
(b) Place Propositions- specify the place of someone or somebody.
(c) Direction Prepositions - Direction prepositions are used to clarify the direction of someone or something. Examples of direction prepositions are: under, over, right, left etc.
Prepositional Phrase: A prepositional phrase is a group of words made up of a preposition, its object, and any of the object's modifiers. Acting like adjectives and adverbs, prepositional phrases add meaning to the nouns and verbs in a sentence. noun Grammar . a phrase consisting of a preposition, its object , which is usually a noun or a pronoun, and any modifiers of the object, as in the gray desk I use
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Prepositional Substitutes: Substitute adverbs for prepositional phrases. Rather than writing "The writer's novels were of critical acclaim," state "The writer's novels were critically acclaimed”.
Subject: The subject is the part of a sentence or clause that commonly indicates (a) what it is about, or (b) who or what performs the action. subject definition. A part of every sentence. The subject tells what the sentence is about; it contains the main noun or noun phrase: “The car crashed into the ...
Verb: A word that represents an action or a state of being. Go, strike, travel, and exist are examples of verbs. A verb is a kind of word (part of speech) that usually tells about an action or a state and is the main part of a sentence. Every sentence has a verb.
Conjunction: Conjunctions are used in a sentence and part of grammar and punctuation. (a) Any member of a small class of words distinguished in many languages by their function as connectors between words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, as and, because, but, however. (b) any other word or expression of similar function, as in any case. (c) the act of conjoining; combination. (d) the state of being conjoined; union; association: The police, in conjunction with the army, established order. (e) a combination of events or circumstances.
Also, a compound preposition that is true if and only if all of its component prepositions are true. The relation among the components of such a preposition, usually expressed by AND or & or ·.
Subordinating Conjunction:Common Subordinating Conjunctions:Cause: as, because, in order that, since, so that
Concession and Comparison: although, as, as though, even though, just as, though, whereas, while
Condition: even if, if, in case, provided that, unless
Place: Where, wherever
Time: After, as soon as, as long as, before, once, still, till, until, When, whenever, while
Examples and Observations:•"English has a wide range of subordinate conjunctions: that, if, though, although, because, when, while, after, before, and so forth. . . . They are placed before a complete sentence or independent clause to make that clause dependent. This dependent clause now needs to attach to another clause that is independent. Otherwise, a sentence fragment results: *When Doris bought the cake.(Mark Honegger, English Grammar for Writing. Houghton Mifflin, 2005)
Examples:•"While the State exists, there can be no freedom. When there is freedom there will be no State." (Vladimir Lenin)
•"If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there would be peace."2
(John Lennon)
•"I can believe anything, provided that it is quite incredible." (Oscar Wilde)•"Every man, wherever he goes, is encompassed by a cloud of comforting convictions, which move with him like flies on a summer day." (Bertrand Russell)
•"A platitude is simply a truth repeated until people get tired of hearing it." (Stanley Baldwin)
•"I had a funny feeling as I saw the house disappear, as though I had written a poem and it was very good and I had lost it and would never remember it again." (Raymond Chandler, The High Window, 1942)
•"Most subordinate clauses are signalled by the use of a subordinating conjunction. There are three main types:
(a) simple subordinators consist of one word: although, if, since, that, unless, until, whereas, while, etc.
(b) complex subordinators consist of more than one word: in order that, such that, granted (that), assuming (that), so (that), as long as, insofar as, in case, etc.
(c) correlative subordinators consist of 'pairs' of words which relate two parts of the sentence: as, so, scarcely, when,
if, then, etc. (David Crystal, Rediscover Grammar, 3rd ed. Longman, 2004)
Examples:
•"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it." (Pablo Picasso)
•"If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner." (Tallulah Bankhead)
•"These are white-looking figures, whereas the men who are about to spar have on dark headguards that close grimly around the face like an executioner's hood." (Edward Hoagland, "Heart's Desire," 1973)
Sentence Combining With Subordinating Conjunctions (1908)
Combine the following pairs of sentences by means of the conjunctions if, because, although, or while. Notice that each new sentence has two clauses, one independent and one dependent, and is therefore complex. Notice also that the dependent clause often comes first.
1. I will help the man. He deserves it. 2. Mary came up. We were talking about her. 3. I admire Mr. Brown. He is my enemy. 4. I came. You sent for me. 5. Evelyn will come to school. She is able. 6. He knows he is wrong. He will not admit it. 7. The man is rich. He is unhappy. 8. The Mexican War came on. Polk was President. 9. I shall come tomorrow. You send for me. 10. You wish to be believed. You must tell the truth. 11. The dog bites. He ought to be muzzled.
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12. It would be foolish to set out. It is raining. 13. Call at my office. You happen to be in town. 14. The cat ran up a tree. She was chased by a dog. 15. The sun shines brightly. It is very cold. 16. Boston became a large city. It has a good harbor. (Henry P. Emerson and Ida C. Bender, English Spoken and Written: Lessons in Language, Literature, and Composition. Macmillan, 1908)
Also Known As: subordinator, subordinate conjunction, complementizer
EXERCISES
PART (A): UNDERLINE the PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES in the following sentences.
1. In extreme cold, shivering produces heat, which can save lives.
ANSWER = PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE UNDERLINED = In extreme cold,
2. A pound of body weight equals 3,500 calories.
ANSWER = PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE UNDERLINED = of body weight
3. Fingernails grow fastest in summer.
ANSWER = PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE UNDERLINED = in summer.
4. Beards grow more rapidly than any other hair on the human body.
ANSWER = PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE UNDERLINED = on the human body.
5. Each of us has a distinguishing odor.
ANSWER = PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE UNDERLINED = of us
6. Most people with an extra rib are men.
ANSWER = PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE UNDERLINED = with an extra rib
7. The human body contains approximately ten pints of blood.
ANSWER = PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE UNDERLINED = of blood.
8. Human eyesight is sharpest at midday.
ANSWER = PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE UNDERLINED = at midday.
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9. One of every ten people is left-handed.
ANSWER = PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE UNDERLINED = of every ten people
10. Bill collected some interesting facts about human biology.
ANSWER = PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE UNDERLINED = about human biology. PART (B): FILL-IN the blank with the appropriate PREPOSITION "for place".
11. _______ a separate container, beat the egg whites until they are stiff.
ANSWER = BLANK = In
12. Dissolve the sugar ______ the warm water; then add the corn syrup, lemon juice, and raspberries, and freeze the mixture until the edges are hard.
ANSWER = BLANK = In
13. After folding in the egg whites quickly, place the mixture ________ a shelf ________ your refrigerator freezer until the
sherbet is firm.
ANSWER = BLANK = On, in
14. Lay out all the ingredients you need _______ a counter top: 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 cup warm water, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 container of strained raspberries, and 2 egg whites.
ANSWER = BLANK = On
15. Whip the partly frozen mixture ________ a chilled bowl so that it is smooth but not melted.
ANSWER = BLANK = in
PART (C): FILL-IN the blank with the appropriate PREPOSITIONAL SUBSTITUTE for "similar to" appropriate SUBOR-DINATING CONJUNCTION as needed.
16. Joyce came home _______ I was leaving, but she persuaded me to stay a bit longer.
ANSWER = BLANK WORD(S) = as
17. ________ the weather forecaster predicted, six inches of snow fell overnight.
ANSWER = BLANK WORD(S) = As
18. Mr. Portor acts _________ he is in charge.
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ANSWER = BLANK WORD(S) = as if
19. ________ his friends, Kirk plays basketball at least once a week.
ANSWER = BLANK WORD(S) = Like
20. Penny's voice sounds __________ her mother's.
ANSWER = BLANK WORD(S) = like
PART (D): In the following sentences, CIRCLE the appropriate expressions that make the sentence grammatically and consistently correct.
21. Over the next five years, the Boston team came to (depend on, depend with) his unusual underhand pitching styles.
ANSWER = CIRCLED = depend on
22. Spalding obeyed his mother and (applied for, applied to) a "regular" job.
ANSWER = CIRCLED = applied for
23. At first, his mother did not (approve in, approve of) his playing professional ball.
ANSWER = CIRCLED = approve of
24. Eventually (displeased with, displeased at) the work he found.
ANSWER = CIRCLED = displeased with
25. The amazing career of Albert Goodwill Spalding (consisted of, consisted in) baseball and business success.
ANSWER = CIRCLED = consisted of
PART (E): In the following sentences, UNDERLINE the VERBS, the correct the sentence for any INCONSISTENCIES above the line.
26. My cousins questioned me for hours about my trip. I describe the flight, my impressions of Paris, and every meal I ate.
ANSWER: WORD(S) UNDERLINED = questioned, describe, ate WORD(S) CORRECTION = described
27. Dr. Choi smiled and welcomes the next patient.
ANSWER: WORD(S) UNDERLINED = welcomes WORD(S) CORRECTION = welcomed
28. When we ask the time, the cab driver told us it was after six.
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ANSWER: WORD(S) UNDERLINED = ask, told, was WORD(S) CORRECTION = asked
29. This sweatshirt says "Go to Health" across the front. I wanted to buy it for my son.
ANSWER: WORD(S) UNDERLINED = says, wanted WORD(S) CORRECTION = want
30. They were walking down Main Street when the lights go out.
ANSWER: WORD(S) UNDERLINED = were walking, go WORD(S) CORRECTION = went
31. Whenever Fred practices the trombone, we covered our ears.
ANSWER: WORD(S) UNDERLINED = practices, covered WORD(S) CORRECTION = cover
32. The man behind me was slurping soda and crunching candy. I am getting angrier by the minute.
ANSWER: WORD(S) UNDERLINED = was slurping, crunching, am getting WORD(S) CORRECTION = was
33. The Oklahoma prairie stretches for miles, flat and rusty red. Here and there, an oil rig broke the monotony.
ANSWER: WORD(S) UNDERLINED = stretches, broke WORD(S) CORRECTION = breaks
34. We were walking near the lake when a large moose appears just ahead.
ANSWER: WORD(S) UNDERLINED = were walking, appears WORD(S) CORRECTION = appeared
35. Linda walked in without a word and flops down in front of the TV.
ANSWER: WORD(S) UNDERLINED = walked, flops WORD(S) CORRECTION = flopped
PART (F): PROOFREAD the following paragraph for CONSISTENT TENSE. Correct any inconsistencies by changing the tense of the verbs ONLY. Write your corrections above the line. That is STRIKE OUT the erroneous verb used and REWRITE the corrected verb above the line. If the sentence has no errors then leave it alone.
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(36) Yesterday, we sailed out of Provincetown Harbor aboard the Dolphin IV and headed north toward Stellwagon Bank, a favorite feeding ground of whales.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = NONE WORD(S) CORRECTION = NONE
(37) The thirty passengers are whale watchers who hope to glimpse the largest living mammals in their natural surroundings.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = are, hope WORD(S) CORRECTION = were, hoped (38) After an hour, the first cry came:"Sighting off the starboard bow !"
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = NONE WORD(S) CORRECTION = NONE
(39) As the engines were cut, we rush to the right side of the boat.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = rush WORD(S) CORRECTION = rushed
(40) Twenty yards out, two whales surface, blow their silver spouts, and sink out of sight.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = surface, blow, sink WORD(S) CORRECTION = surfaced, blew, sank
(41) The guide said that they looked like humpback whales, an endangered species.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = NONE WORD(S) CORRECTION = NONE
(42) For long seconds, we held our breath, scanning the calm sea.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = NONE WORD(S) CORRECTION = NONE
(43) Suddenly, a whale rolls out of the water right beside the boat; it was sixty feet long, graceful as a dancer.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = rolls WORD(S) CORRECTION = rolled
(44) We gasp with delight and a little fear as it lifts its huge tail out of the water and disappears under the boat.
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ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = gasp, lifts, disappears WORD(S) CORRECTION = gasped, lifted, disappeared
(45) "Bravo !" shouted one of the passengers, and we break into loud applause.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = break WORD(S) CORRECTION = broke
PART (G): In the following sentences, correct any inconsistencies of person. If necessary, change the verbs to make them agree with any new subjects. Make your corrections above the lines. That is, STRIKE OUT the erroneous word(s) used and REWRITE the corrected word(s) above the line. If the sentence has no errors then leave it alone.
46. A teacher's attitude affects the performance of their students.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = their; WORD(S) CORRECTION = his or her
47. I gave birth to my daughter when I was only seventeen. In many ways, you are still a child yourself.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = you are, yourself WORD(S) CORRECTION = I was, myself
48. Every mechanic should make sure they have a good set of tools.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = they have WORD(S) CORRECTION = he or she has
49. Although I enjoy a day at the beach, you have to be careful about too much sun.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = you; WORD(S) CORRECTION = I
50. When Lee and I ride our bikes to work at 6 a.m., you can see the city waking up.
ANSWER: WORD(S) STRIKE-OUT = you; WORD(S) CORRECTION = we
BASIC ENGLISH
SECTION II (TOPICS): Punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, appositives, objects, parallel ideas, basic grammar
Definitions
Appositives: The definition of appositive refers to two nouns or noun phrases that are together in a sentence and each one gives more information about the other. A word or phrase that clarifies the previous word or phrase and expands meaning. Restrictive appositives define the noun and are essential to its meaning: The body was that of a peasant, the son of the village blacksmith.
EXERCISES
PART (A): REWRITE each sentence, using PARALLELISM to accent the parallel ideas.
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1. Lula is a secretary, a student, and has a child too. ANSWER: REWRITE = Lula is a secretary, a student, and a mother. CORRECTIONS = DROP has, too, child and ADD mother
2. Julian would rather do vacuuming than polish the furniture.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Julian would rather vacuum than polish the furniture. CORRECTIONS = DROP -ing, do
3. He wore a tweed overcoat, and his shirt was bright red. He was wearing white tennis shoes, large.
ANSWER: REWRITE = He wore a tweed overcoat, a bright red shirt, and large white tennis shoes. CORRECTIONS = DROP and, his, was, period(.) comma(,) He was wearing and ADD a, comma(,) and
4. From the window, he could see the barn and the bean field. The distant mountains were visible also.
ANSWER: REWRITE = From the window, he could see the barn, the bean field, and the distant mountains. CORRECTIONS = DROP and, period(.), The, were visible also, and ADD comma(,) comma(,) the
5. Leonardo da Vinci was an engineer. He painted pictures, and he would invent things also.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Leonardo da Vinci was an engineer, a painter, and an inventor. CORRECTIONS = DROP period(.), He painted pictures, He would invent things also and ADD comma (,) a painter, an inventor
6. The work was difficult, and there was danger in it.
ANSWER: REWRITE = The work was difficult and dangerous. CORRECTIONS = DROP comma (,) there was danger in it / and ADD dangerous
7. Always wise and thoughtfully, my mother reminded me that I was once sixteen too.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Always wise and thoughtful, my mother reminded me that I was once sixteen too. CORRECTIONS = DROP thoughtfully and ADD thoughtful TOTALS LINE = 2
8. The subway rumbled, did squeal, shook, and was speeding through the tunnel.
ANSWER: REWRITE = The subway rumbled, squealed, shook, and sped through the tunnel. CORRECTIONS = DROP did squeal, was speeding, and ADD squealed, sped
9. Tillie chose reading, drawing, and to swim as her favorite ways to relax.
ANSWER:10
REWRITE = Tillie chose reading, drawing, and swimming as her favorite ways to relax. CORRECTIONS = DROP to swim, and ADD swimming
10. My son wants to be either a bookkeeper or work as a disc jockey.
ANSWER: REWRITE = My son wants to be either a bookkeeper or a disc jockey. CORRECTIONS = DROP work as
PART (B): Begin and end these sentences properly. REWRITE THE SENTENCES WITH YOUR CORRECTIONS IN THE LINES PROVIDED !
11. she borrowed an atlas from the library
ANSWER: REWRITE = She borrowed an atlas from the library. CORRECTIONS = She and period (.)
12. this practice was easy
ANSWER: REWRITE = This practice was easy. CORRECTIONS = This and period (.)
13. did she borrow an atlas from the library
ANSWER: REWRITE = Did she borrow an atlas from the library ? CORRECTIONS = Did and question mark (?)
14. he loves to ride horses
ANSWER: REWRITE = He loves to ride horses. CORRECTIONS = He and period (.)
15. this novel is about whaling
ANSWER: REWRITE = This novel is about whaling. CORRECTIONS = This and period (.)
16. take your hands off that bike
ANSWER: REWRITE = Take your hands off that bike ! CORRECTIONS = Take and an exclamation (!)
17. where is my toothbrush
ANSWER: REWRITE = Where is my toothbrush ?
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CORRECTIONS = Where and question mark (?)
18. he questioned his final grade
ANSWER: REWRITE = He questioned his final grade. CORRECTIONS = He and period (.)
19. watch your language
ANSWER: REWRITE = Watch your language ! CORRECTIONS = Watch and an exclamation (!)
20. what is this knob for
ANSWER: REWRITE = What is this knob for ? CORRECTIONS = What and question mark (?)
PART (C): CAPITALIZE where necessary (As per text). REWRITE THE SENTENCES WITH YOUR CORRECTIONS IN THE LINES PROVIDED ! 21. Next we walked along constitution avenue to the national museum of american history.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Next we walked along Constitution Avenue to the National Museum of American History. CORRECTIONS = Constitution, Avenue, National, Museum American, History
22. Carl and Luke liked the national air and space museum best.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Carl and Luke liked the National Air and Space Museum best. CORRECTIONS = National, Air, Space, Museum
23. This was the same flag that mrs. pickersgill sewed to fly over Fort McHenry in chesapeake bay during 1812.
ANSWER: REWRITE = This was the same flag that Mrs. Pickersgill sewed to fly over Fort McHenry in Chesapeake Bay during 1812. CORRECTIONS = Mrs. Pickersgill, Chesapeake, Bay
24. We all marveled that charles lindbergh would dare to fly a plane as small as the spirit of saint louis across the atlantic ocean.
ANSWER: REWRITE = We all marveled that Charles Lindbergh would dare to fly a plane as small as the Spirit of Saint Louis across the Atlantic Ocean. CORRECTIONS = Charles, Lindbergh, Spirit, Saint, Louis, Atlantic, Ocean. 25. We spent one full day visiting the museums.
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ANSWER: REWRITE = We spent one full day visiting the museums. CORRECTIONS = NO CORRECTIONS TO BE MADE 26. We also saw the flag that inspired francis scott key to write "the star spangled banner.
ANSWER: REWRITE = We also saw the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner." CORRECTIONS = Francis, Scott, Key, The, Star, Spangled, Banner 27. There was a great difference between those early planes and the model of the voyager spacecraft; this modern spacecraft was designed to explore jupiter, saturn, and uranus.
ANSWER: REWRITE = There was a great difference between those early planes and the model of the Voyager spacecraft; this modern spacecraft was designed to explore Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus.
CORRECTIONS = Voyager, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus
28. They thought that the tiny craft flown by orville and wilbur wright at kitty hawk, north carolina, in 1903, looked like a model plane.
ANSWER: REWRITE = They thought that the tiny craft flown by Orville and Wilbur Wright at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903, looked like a model plane. CORRECTIONS = Orville, Wilbur, Wright, Kitty, Hawk, North, Carolina
29. Judy and I took the children and aunt mae to washington last summer during the week of independence day.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Judy and I took the children and Aunt Mae to Washington last summer during the week of Independence Day. CORRECTIONS = Aunt, Mae, Washington Independence, Day
30. There I saw my favorite car, the 1903 winton that made the first trip across the united states.
ANSWER: REWRITE = There I saw my favorite car, the 1903 Winton that made the first trip across the United States. CORRECTIONS = Winton, United, States PART (D): CIRCLE the person or persons directly addressed, and PUNCTUATE the sentence correctly (As per text). REWRITE THE SENTENCES WITH YOUR CORRECTIONS IN THE LINES PROVIDED !
31. It appears my friend that you have won two tickets to the opera.
ANSWER:13
REWRITE = It appears, my friend, that you have won two tickets to the opera. OBJECT CIRCLED = my friend CORRECTIONS = , my friend, ===> comma(,) my friend comma(,)
32. I am pleased to ammounce ladies and gentlement that the Mambo Kings band will entertain you tonight.
ANSWER: REWRITE = I am pleased to announce, ladies and gentlemen, that the Mambo Kings band will entertain you tonight. OBJECT CIRCLED = ladies and gentlemen CORRECTIONS = , ladies and gentlemen, ===> comma(,) ladies and gentlemen comma(,)
EXTRA CREDIT= Correct typo "ammounce" to "announce" EXTRA = 2 Correct typo "gentlement" to "gentlemen"
33. Get out of my roast you mangy old dog.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Get out of my roast, you mangy old dog. OBJECT CIRCLED = you mangy old dog CORRECTIONS = , you mangy old dog ===> comma(,) you mangy old dog
34. Have you ever ridden an elephant Harold?
ANSWER: REWRITE = Have you ever ridden an elephant, Harold ? OBJECT CIRCLED = Harold ? CORRECTIONS = , Harold ? ===> comma(,) Harold ?
35. Bruce it's time you learned to operate the lawn mower!
ANSWER: REWRITE = Bruce, it's time you learned to operate the lawn mower ! OBJECT CIRCLED = Bruce CORRECTIONS = Bruce, ===> Bruce comma(,)
36. Tom it's probably best that you sell the heap at a loss.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Tom, it's probably best that you sell the heap at a loss. OBJECT CIRCLED = Tom CORRECTIONS = Tom, ===> Tom comma(,)
37. If I were you Hilda I would start my own business.
ANSWER: REWRITE = If I were you, Hilda, I would start my own business. OBJECT CIRCLED = Hilda CORRECTIONS = , Hilda, ===> comma(,) Hilda comma(,)
38. We will meet in an hour Florence.
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ANSWER: REWRITE = We will meet in an hour, Florence. OBJECT CIRCLED = Florence CORRECTIONS = , Florence ===> comma(,) Florence
39. My child there is no Santa Claus.
ANSWER: REWRITE = My child, there is no Santa Claus. OBJECT CIRCLED = My child CORRECTIONS = My child, ===> My child comma(,)
40. I am happy to inform you Mr. Forbes that you are the father of twins.
ANSWER: REWRITE = I am happy to inform you, Mr. Forbes, that you are the father of twins. OBJECT CIRCLED = Mr. Forbes CORRECTIONS = , Mr. Forbes, ===> comma(,) Mr. Forbes comma(,)
PART (E): CIRCLE the APPOSITIVE, and PUNCTUATE correctly. RE-WRITE THE SENTENCES WITH YOUR CORREC-TIONS IN THE LINES PROVIDED !
41. Rudolph Pinderkist a noted expert on penguins will lecture tonight.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Rudolph Pinderkist, a noted expert on penguins, will lecture tonight. APPOSITIVE CIRCLED = a noted expert on penguins CORRECTIONS = , a noted expert on penguins, ===> comma(,) a noted expert on penguins comma(,)
EXTRA CREDIT= Correct typo "mu" to "my" EXTRA = 1
42. Dr. Simpson a specialist in ethnic music always travels with a tape recorder.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Dr. Simpson, a specialist in ethnic music, always travels with a tape recorder. APPOSITIVE CIRCLED = a specialist in ethnic music CORRECTIONS = , a specialist in ethnic music, ===> comma(,) a specialist in ethnic music comma(,)
43. Hassim mu friend from Morocco will be staying with me this week.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Hassim, my friend from Morocco, will be staying with me this week. APPOSITIVE CIRCLED = my friend from Morocco CORRECTIONS = , my friend from Morocco, ===> comma(,) my friend from Morocco comma(,) EXTRA CREDIT= Correct typo "mu" to "my" EXTRA = 1
44. She expects to go to Midvale Technical College a fine institution.
ANSWER: REWRITE = She expects to go to Midvale Technical College, a fine institution. APPOSITIVE CIRCLED = a fine institution CORRECTIONS = , a fine institution ===> comma(,) a fine institution
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45. A very close race the election for mayor wasn't decided until 2 a.m.
ANSWER: REWRITE = A very close race, the election for mayor wasn't decided until 2 a.m. APPOSITIVE CIRCLED = A very close race CORRECTIONS = A very close race, ===> A very close race comma(,)
46. We borrowed Joe's truck a lumbering monster to move my furniture.
ANSWER: REWRITE = We borrowed Joe's truck, a lumbering monster, to move my furniture. APPOSITIVE CIRCLED = a lumbering monster CORRECTIONS = , a lumbering monster, ===> comma(,) a lumbering monster comma(,)
47. A short man he decided not to pick a fight with the basketball player.
ANSWER: REWRITE = A short man, he decided not to pick a fight with the basketball player. APPOSITIVE CIRCLED = A short man CORRECTIONS = A short man, ===> A short man comma(,)
48. Pickles my favorite food make ny mouth pucker.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Pickles, my favorite food, make my mouth pucker. APPOSITIVE CIRCLED = my favorite food CORRECTIONS = , my favorite food, ===> comma(,) my favorite food comma(,)
EXTRA CREDIT= Correct typo "ny" to "my" EXTRA = 1
49. That door the one with the X on it leads backstage.
ANSWER: REWRITE = That door, the one with the X on it, leads backstage. APPOSITIVE CIRCLED = the one with the X on it CORRECTIONS = , the one with the X on it, ===> comma(,) the one with the X on it comma(,)
50. George Eliot a nineteenth-century novelist was a woman.
ANSWER: REWRITE = George Eliot, a nineteenth-century novelist, was a woman. APPOSITIVE CIRCLED = a nineteenth-century novelist CORRECTIONS = , a nineteenth-century novelist, ===> comma(,) a nineteenth-century novelist comma(,)
PART (F): PUNCTUATE CORRECTLY (As per text). REWRITE THE SENTENCES WITH YOUR CORRECTIONS IN THE LINES PROVIDED ! Note that not every sentence requires additional punctuation.
51. Although plastic can also be recycled the average car contains about twenty different kinds of plastic.
ANSWER:
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REWRITE = Although plastic can also be recycled, the average car contains about twenty different kinds of plastic. CORRECTIONS = recycled, ===> recycled comma(,) 52. After these cars are crushed magnets draw the metals out of them.
ANSWER:
REWRITE = After these cars are crushed, magnets draw the metals out of them. CORRECTIONS = crushed, ===> crushed comma(,)
53. Scrapped cars can be easily recycled because they mostly consist of metals.
ANSWER:
REWRITE = Scrapped cars can be easily recycled because they mostly consist of metals. CORRECTIONS = NO CORRECTIONS TO BE MADE
54. However, the big problem in recycling cars is the plastic they contain.
ANSWER:
REWRITE = However, the big problem in recycling cars is the plastic they contain. CORRECTIONS = NO CORRECTIONS TO BE MADE
55. Today new cars are made from many old parts and manufacturers are Trying to increase the use of recycled materials from old cars.
ANSWER:
REWRITE = Today new cars are made from many old parts, and manufacturers are trying to increase the use of recycled materials from old cars. CORRECTIONS = parts, ===> parts comma(,)
BASIC ENGLISH
SECTION III(TOPICS): Sentence subjects, verbs, prepositional phrases, complete and incomplete sentences, fragments, punctuation and main ideas
EXERCISES PART (A)[SECTION I]: Draw one line under the subjects and two lines under the verbs. Cross out prepositional phrases as necessary to help find subjects. Underline all the parts of a verb. You may find more than one subject and verb in a sentence. ALL SENTENCES MUST BE RE-WRITTEN FOR FULL CREDIT !
1. Most breakfast cereals contain sugar.
ANSWER:17
(a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = cereals (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = contain (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = none (d). REWRITE = Most breakfast cereals contain sugar.
2. The drawer of the bureau sticks on rainy days.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = drawer, bureau (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = sticks (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = on rainy days (d). REWRITE = The drawer of the bureau sticks on rainy days.
3. Our local bus company offers special rates for senior citizens.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = Our, company (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = offers (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = for senior citizens (d). REWRITE = Our local bus company offers special rates for senior citizens.
4. Drunk drivers in Norway must spend three weeks in jail at hard labor.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = drivers (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = must spend (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = in Norway, in jail at hard labor (d). REWRITE = Drunk drivers in Norway must spend three weeks in jail at hard labor.
5. On weekends, the campus bookstore closes at five o'clock.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = bookstore (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = closes (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = On weekends, at five o'clock (d). REWRITE = On weekends, the campus bookstore closes at five o'clock.
6. We wrapped and labeled all the Christmas gifts over the weekend.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = We (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = wrapped, labeled (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = over the weekend (d). REWRITE = We wrapped and labeled all the Christmas gifts over the weekend.
7. Motorcycles have been banned from the expressway.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = Motorcycles (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = have been banned (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = from the expressway (d). REWRITE = Motorcycles have been banned from the expressway.
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8. Episodes of this old television series are in black and white.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = Episodes, series (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = are (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = of this old television, in black and white (d). REWRITE = Episodes of this old television series are in black and white.
9. The computer sorted, counted, and recorded the ballots within minutes after the closing of the polls.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = computer, ballots (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = sorted, counted, recorded (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = within minutes, after the closing of the polls (d). REWRITE = The computer sorted, counted, and recorded the ballots within minutes after the closing of the polls.
10. Eddie stepped to the foul line and calmly sank both free throws to Win the basketball games.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = Eddie, free throws (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = stepped, sank (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = to the foul line, to win the basketball game. (d). REWRITE = Eddie stepped to the foul line and calmly sank both free throws to win the basketball game.
PART (B)[SECTION I]: Draw one line under the subjects and two lines under the verbs. Cross out prepositional phrases as necessary to help find subjects. Underline all the parts of a verb. You may find more than one subject and verb in a sentence. ALL SENTENCES MUST BE RE-WRITTEN FOR FULL CREDIT !
1. Gasoline from the broken fuel line dripped onto the floor of the garage.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = Gasoline, fuel line (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = dripped (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = from the broken, onto the floor of The garage (d). REWRITE = Gasoline from the broken fuel line dripped onto the floor of the garage.
2. All the carrot tops in the garden had been eaten by rabbits.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = all, tops (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = had been eaten (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = in the garden, by rabbits (d). REWRITE = All the carrot tops in the garden had been eaten by rabbits.
3. An old man with a plastic trash bag collected aluminum cans along the road.
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ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = man, bag, cans (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = collected (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = with a plastic trash, along the road (d). REWRITE = An old man with a plastic trash bag collected aluminum cans along the road.
4. The majority of people wait until April 15 to file their income tax.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = majority, people (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = wait (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = to file their income tax (d). REWRITE = The majority of people wait until April 15 to file their income tax.
5. My mother became a college freshman at the age of forty-two.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = mother, freshman (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = became (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = at the age of forty-two (d). REWRITE = My mother became a college freshman at the age of forty-two.
6. At the delicatessen, Linda and Paul ate corn beef sandwiches and Drank root beer.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = Linda, Paul (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = ate, drank (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = At the delicatessen (d). REWRITE = At the delicatessen, Linda and Paul ate corn beef sandwiches and drank root beer.
7. The window fan made a clanking sound during the night and kept us From sleeping.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = fan, sound, us (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = made, kept (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = during the night (d). REWRITE = The window fan made a clanking sound during the night and kept us from sleeping.
8. An umbrella tumbled across the street in the gusty wind and landed between two cars.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = umbrella (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = tumbled, landed (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = across the street, in the gusty wind, between two cars (d). REWRITE = An umbrella tumbled across the street in the gusty wind and landed between two cars.
9. Telephones in the mayor's office rang continuously with calls from Angry citizens about the city tax increase.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = telephones, citizens
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(b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = rang (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = in the mayor's office, with calls from angry, about the city tax increase (d). REWRITE = Telephones in the mayor's office rang continuously with calls from angry citizens about the city tax increase.
10. A teenager pushed a woman, grabbed her purse, and ran off through the crowd.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = teenager, woman, purse (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = grabbed, ran (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = off through the crowd (d). REWRITE = A teenager pushed a woman, grabbed her purse, and ran off through the crowd.
PART (A)[SECTION II]: Turn each of the following word groups into a COMPLETE SENTENCE. That is, add word(s) in order to complete the sentence and main idea(s). Add appropriate punctuation as needed. Place your answers on the space provided. ALL SENTENCES MUST BE RE-WRITTEN FOR FULL CREDIT !
1. After we ate dinner
ANSWER:1. FRAGMENT = After we ate dinner REWRITE = We went to the movies after we ate dinner. After we ate dinner, we went to the movies. 2. Whenever the instructor is late
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Whenever the instructor is late REWRITE = Whenever the instructor is late, we don't learn.
3. Under the bed
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Under the bed REWRITE = I found the umbrella under the bed. Under the bed, I found the umbrella.
4. If the weather is bad
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = If the weather is bad REWRITE = If the weather is bad, we don't go out. We don't go out if the weather is bad.
5. Dave, who is not very organized
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Dave, who is not very organized REWRITE = Dave, who is not very organized, completed the paperwork.
6. To get to know each other better21
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = To get to know each other better REWRITE = To get to know each other better, we talked for a long time. We talked for a long time to get to know each other better.
7. Which was inconvenient
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Which was inconvenient REWRITE = My trip to Albany, which was inconvenient, took only two hours.
8. Will meet me later
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Will meet me later REWRITE = Jean and Harry will meet me later.
9. Waiting for the stoplight to change
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Waiting for the stoplight to change REWRITE = I read the headlines, waiting for the stoplight to change. Waiting for the stoplight to change, I read the headlines.
10. While you park the car
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = While you park the car REWRITE = While you park the car, I will order the food. I will order the food while you park the car.
PART (B)[SECTION II]: Underline the FRAGMENT in each of the following sentences. For each item also grammatically correct the fragment. In the space provided, RE-WRITE THE ENTIRE SENTENCE with its corrections, FOR FULL CREDIT !
1. Fascinated, Nina stared at the stranger. Who was standing in the doorway. She wondered if she could convince him they had met before.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Who was standing in the doorway.
REWRITE = Fascinated, Nina stared at the stranger, who was standing in the doorway. She wondered if she could convince him they had met before.
2. Trees can survive on a steep mountain slope if they obey two rules. They must grow low to the ground. And bend with the
wind.
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ANSWER: FRAGMENT = And bend with the wind.
REWRITE = Trees can survive on a steep mountain slope if they obey two rules. They must grow low to the ground, and bend with the wind.
3. While waiting in line at the supermarket. I look in people's baskets. Their food choices give hints about their personalities.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = While waiting in line at the supermarket REWRITE = While waiting in line at the supermarket, I look in people's baskets. Their food choices give hints about their personalities.
4. I saw spectacular twin rainbows through the kitchen window. So I rushed to get my camera. To take a picture before they vanished.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = To take a picture before they vanished.
REWRITE = I saw spectacular twin rainbows through the kitchen window. So I rushed to get my camera to take a picture before they vanished.
5. Whenever you buy cotton clothes, get them one size too large. By Allowing for shrinkage. You will get a longer life out of them.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = By allowing for shrinkage.
REWRITE = Whenever you buy cotton clothes, get them one size too large. By allowing for shrinkage, you will get a longer life out of them.
6. My nutty cousin cuts the address labels off his magazines. Them Paste them on envelopes. This way, he doesn't have to write his return address.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Then pastes them on envelopes.
REWRITE = My nutty cousin cuts the address labels off his magazines, Then he pastes them on envelopes. This way, he doesn't have to write his return address.
7. Marian never has to buy catsup or mustard. Because she saves the
Extra packets that come with fast-food orders.
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ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Because she saves the extra packets that come with fast-food orders.
REWRITE = Marian never has to buy catsup or mustard, because she saves the extra packets that come with fast-food orders.
8. Many maple tree seeds drifted to the ground. Spinning like tiny propellers. With help from the wind, some landed far from the tree.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Spinning like tiny propellers.
REWRITE = Many maple tree seeds drifted to the ground. Spinning like tiny propellers, with help from the wind, some landed far from the tree.
9. My husband climbed his first mountain yesterday. Now he's calling all our friends. To tell them about his peak experience.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = To tell them about his peak experience.
REWRITE = My husband climbed his first mountain yesterday. Now he's calling all our friends, to tell them about his peak experience.
10. The trivia book listed some interesting facts about Babe Ruth. For instance, he spoke German fluently. Also, kept cool on hot days by putting wet cabbage leaves under his cap.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Also, kept cool on hot days by putting wet cabbage leaves under his cap.
REWRITE = The trivia book listed some interesting facts about Babe Ruth. For instance, he spoke German fluently. Also, he kept cool on hot days by putting wet cabbage leaves under his cap.
BASIC ENGLISH
SECTION IV (TOPICS): Standard Verbs, Non-Standard Verbs, basic grammar
EXERCISES
PART I: DIRECTIONS: Underline the standard verb form.
1. A cake in the oven (make, makes) the whole house smell good.
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Answer:CROSS OUT: makeVERB FORM: makes
2. My brother deliberately (wear, wears) socks that clash with his clothes.
Answer:CROSS OUT: wearVERB FORM: wears
3. Our boss (don't, doesn't) want us to take any extra coffee breaks.
Answer:CROSS OUT: don’tVERB FORM: doesn’t
4. When I got home from shopping, I (realize, realized) I had lost a package.
Answer:CROSS OUT: realizeVERB FORM: realized
5. My cheap ballpoint pen (skip, skips) whenever I try to write with it.
Answer:CROSS OUT: skipVERB FORM: skips
6. If they (was, were) my children, I wouldn't let them play near that creek.
Answer:CROSS OUT: wasVERB FORM: were
7. We have to be quiet, because my mother (is, be) studying for her sociology test.Answer:CROSS OUT: beVERB FORM: is
8. Max (watch, watched) the foam slide over the rim of his beer can.
Answer:CROSS OUT: watchVERB FORM: watched
9. When the sculptor (unveil, unveiled) his work, no one could figure
out what it was.Answer:CROSS OUT: unveilVERB FORM: unveiled
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10. Consumer Reports (did, done) a report last month on cars, and mine was the lowest-rated model on the list.Answer:CROSS OUT: doneVERB FORM: didPART II: DIRECTIONS: CROSS OUT the nonstandard verb form in each of the sentences that follow. Then WRITE the standard English verb form in the space at the left.
__________ 1. Making promises be easier than keeping them.Answer:CROSS OUT: beVERB FORM: are
__________ 2. Baked potatoes doesn't have as many calories as I thought.Answer:CROSS OUT: doesn’tVERB FORM: don’t
__________ 3. The game were lost when the other team scored a fourth- Quarter touchdown.Answer:CROSS OUT: wereVERB FORM: was
__________ 4. Our psychology professor ride a motorcycle to school.Answer:CROSS OUT: rideVERB FORM: rides
__________ 5. At the end of the hike, we was covered with mosquito bites.Answer:CROSS OUT: wasVERB FORM: were
__________ 6. Max the Mauler always scowl fiercely when his opponents enter the ring.Answer:CROSS OUT: scowlVERB FORM: scowls
__________ 7. Our cat stay outside the kitchen window all morning and Watched me bake cookies.Answer:CROSS OUT: scowlVERB FORM: scowls
__________ 8. Many childhood diseases, such as scarlet fever and whooping cough, has almost vanished in the United States.Answer:CROSS OUT: hasVERB FORM: have
__________ 9. Stanley turned the television on during the day because the house sound too quiet without it.Answer:CROSS OUT: sound
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VERB FORM: sounded
__________10. That restaurant offers free nonalcoholic drinks to the person who be the driver for a group.Answer:CROSS OUT: beVERB FORM: is
BASIC ENGLISH
SECTION V (TOPICS): Subjects, Verbs, Sentence Fragments, Sentence Run-ons, Pre-positional Phrases, Punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, basic grammar
EXERCISES
PART I: Draw one line under the subjects and two lines under the verbs. Cross out prepositional phrases as necessary to help find subjects. Underline all the parts of a verb. You may find more than one subject and verb in a sentence.
1. Most breakfast cereals contain sugar.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = cereals (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = contain (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = none (d). REWRITE = Most breakfast cereals contain sugar.
2. The drawer of the bureau sticks on rainy days.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = drawer, bureau (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = sticks (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = on rainy days (d). REWRITE = The drawer of the bureau sticks on rainy days. 3. Our local bus company offers special rates for senior citizens.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = Our, company (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = offers (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = for senior citizens (d). REWRITE = Our local bus company offers special rates for senior citizens.
4. Drunk drivers in Norway must spend three weeks in jail at hard labor.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = drivers (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = must spend (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = in Norway, in jail at hard labor (d). REWRITE = Drunk drivers in Norway must spend three weeks in jail at hard labor.
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5. On weekends, the campus bookstore closes at five o'clock.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = bookstore (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = closes (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = On weekends, at five o'clock (d). REWRITE = On weekends, the campus bookstore closes at five o'clock.
6. We wrapped and labeled all the Christmas gifts over the weekend.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = We (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = wrapped, labeled (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = over the weekend (d). REWRITE = We wrapped and labeled all the Christmas gifts over the weekend.
7. Motorcycles have been banned from the expressway.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = Motorcycles (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = have been banned (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = from the expressway (d). REWRITE = Motorcycles have been banned from the expressway.
8. Episodes of this old television series are in black and white.
ANSWER: (a). SUBJECT(S) UNDERLINED(1) = Episodes, series (b). VERB(S) UNDERLINED(2) = are (c). PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES(S) = of this old television, in black and white (d). REWRITE = Episodes of this old television series are in black and white.
PART II: Underline the FRAGMENT in each of the following sentences. For each item also grammatically correct the fragment. In the space provided, RE-WRITE THE ENTIRE SENTENCE with its corrections, FOR FULL CREDIT !
1. Fascinated, Nina stared at the stranger. Who was standing in the doorway. She wondered if she could convince him they had met before.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = Who was standing in the doorway.
REWRITE = Fascinated, Nina stared at the stranger, who was standing in the doorway. She wondered if she could convince him they had met before.
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2. Trees can survive on a steep mountain slope if they obey two rules. They must grow low to the ground. And bend with the wind.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = And bend with the wind.
REWRITE = Trees can survive on a steep mountain slope if they obey two rules. They must grow low to the ground, and bend with the wind.
3. While waiting in line at the supermarket. I look in people's baskets. Their food choices give hints about their personalities.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = While waiting in line at the supermarket
REWRITE = While waiting in line at the supermarket, I look in people's baskets. Their food choices give hints about their personalities.
4. I saw spectacular twin rainbows through the kitchen window. So I rushed to get my camera. To take a picture before they vanished.
ANSWER: FRAGMENT = To take a picture before they vanished.
REWRITE = I saw spectacular twin rainbows through the kitchen window. So I rushed to get my camera to take a picture before they vanished.
PART III: DIRECTIONS: Correct the following run-ons by using either (1) a period and a capital letter or (2) a comma and a joining word {and, but, for, or so}. Do not use the same method of correction for each sentence (Do not repeat).
1. I put fifty cents in the soda machine all I got was an empty cup.
ANSWER: REWRITE = I put fifty cents in the soda machine, and/but all I got was an empty cup.
2. I tore open a catsup packet a bright red streak flew across the front of my new white sweater.
ANSWER: REWRITE = I tore open a catsup packet, and a bright red streak flew across the front of my new white sweater.
3. Some people like to talk Roland just wants to watch TV.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Some people like to talk. Roland just wants to watch TV.
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4. The theater's parking lot was full we missed the first ten minutes of the movie.
ANSWER: REWRITE = The theater's parking lot was full, so we missed the first ten minutes of the movie.
5. Helen bites her nails she tries to keep her hands hidden.
ANSWER: REWRITE = Helen bites her nails. She tries to keep her hands hidden.
PART IV: DIRECTIONS: CROSS OUT the nonstandard verb form in each of the sentences that follow. Then WRITE the standard English verb form in the space at the left.
__________ 1. Making promises be easier than keeping them.
ANSWER: CROSS OUT = be VERB FORM = are
__________ 2. The game were lost when the other team scored a fourth- Quarter touchdown.
ANSWER: CROSS OUT = were VERB FORM = was
__________ 3. Max the Mauler always scowl fiercely when his opponents Enter the ring.
ANSWER: CROSS OUT = scowl VERB FORM = scowls __________ 4. Many childhood diseases, such as scarlet fever and whooping cough, has almost vanished in the United States.
ANSWER: CROSS OUT = has VERB FORM = have
__________ 5. Stanley turned the television on during the day because The house sound too quiet without it.
ANSWER: CROSS OUT = sound VERB FORM = sounded
PART V: DIRECTIONS: CROSS OUT the incorrect verb form in each of the sentences that follow. Then WRITE the correct form of the verb in the space at the left.
__________ 1. The spare key under the mat falled through a crack in the porch floor.
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ANSWER: CROSS OUT = falled VERB FORM = fell
__________ 2. Jim said he could have swam ten more laps if he hadn't gotten leg cramps.
ANSWER: CROSS OUT = swam VERB FORM = swum __________ 3. After he had broke the vase, the little boy hid the pieces under the sofa.ANSWER: CROSS OUT = broke VERB FORM = broken
__________ 4. You should have saw Ann's face when she passed her driving test.ANSWER: CROSS OUT = saw VERB FORM = seen
__________ 5. After I lended Dave money, I remembered he seldom pays people back.ANSWER: CROSS OUT = lended VERB FORM = lent
PART VI: DIRECTIONS: Draw ONE LINE under the subject(s). Then draw TWO LINES under the correct verb in parentheses.
1- The socks from the dryer (crackles, crackle) as I try to roll them into balls.
ANSWER: SUBJECT UNDERLINED (1) = socks VERB FORM UNDERLINED (2) = crackle
2- Nobody (walks, walk) on the streets of this neighborhood at night.
ANSWER: SUBJECT UNDERLINED (1) = nobody VERB FORM UNDERLINED (2) = walks
3- Here (is, are) the keys you need to get into the apartment.
ANSWER: SUBJECT UNDERLINED (1) = keys VERB FORM UNDERLINED (2) = are
4- A talking computerized car and several stunt people (was, were) the true stars of the movie.
ANSWER: 31
SUBJECT UNDERLINED (1) = stars VERB FORM UNDERLINED (2) = were
5- There (is, are) billboards all along the road warning drivers to stay sober.
ANSWER: SUBJECT UNDERLINED (1) = billboards VERB FORM UNDERLINED (2) = are
6- A paper plate fitted over the dog's head (prevents, prevent) the animal from biting its stitches.
ANSWER: SUBJECT UNDERLINED (1) = plate VERB FORM UNDERLINED (2) = protects
7- Since I gained weight, neither my old suits nor my new shirt (fits, fit) me.
ANSWER: SUBJECT UNDERLINED (1) = suits, shirt VERB FORM UNDERLINED (2) = fit
8- What (does, do) my marital status have to do with my qualifications for the job ?
ANSWER: SUBJECT UNDERLINED (1) = marital status VERB FORM UNDERLINED (2) = does
9- Sitting silently off in the distance in the bright moonlight (was, were) the wolf and his mate.
ANSWER: SUBJECT UNDERLINED (1) = wolf, mate VERB FORM UNDERLINED (2) = were
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