Grammar and Punctuation
Grammar and Punctuation
1 — Why Grammar?
Recognize the value in understanding and using proper grammar.
1. Grammar matters because __________.
a.) if one has poor grammar skills, one cannot succeed in life
b.) every language needs structural rules and agreed-upon standards
c.) it dictates the content and depth of any written work
d.) any person who learns a language must learn its grammar first
2. All of the following are benefits of knowing and using correct grammar except __________.
a.) Grammar rules provide structure for language as it evolves.
b.) Mastering the grammar in any language makes you fluent in that language.
c.) Using agreed-upon conventions improves communication.
d.) It’s easier to write when you have a good understanding of grammar rules.
3. A writer who uses incorrect grammar in a professional setting appears __________ than the writer who uses correct grammar.
a.) less rule-driven
b.) more creative
c.) less intelligent
d.) more spontaneous
2 — Modifiers
Given a sentence or its intended meaning, identify the correct placement of the modifier.
The desk lay in pieces on the floor, and Samantha sighed in frustration.
4. Choose the correct placement for the modifier “unable to understand the instructions” in the sentence.
a.) Unable to understand the instructions, the desk lay in pieces on the floor, and Samantha sighed in frustration.
b.) The desk lay in pieces on the floor, unable to understand the instructions, and Samantha sighed in frustration.
c.) The desk lay in pieces on the floor, and Samantha, unable to understand the instructions, sighed in frustration.
d.) The desk, unable to understand the instructions, lay in pieces on the floor, and Samantha sighed in frustration.
5. After she got ready for bed, Olivia lifted the heavy book down from the shelf.
Choose the best placement for the modifier “carefully” in the sentence.
a.) After she got ready for bed, carefully, Olivia lifted the heavy book down from the shelf.
b.) After she got ready for bed, Olivia carefully lifted the heavy book down from the shelf.
c.) After she got ready for bed, Olivia lifted the heavy book down from the shelf carefully.
d.) Carefully, after she got ready for bed, Olivia lifted the heavy book down from the shelf.
6. Choose the sentence that shows the correct placement of the modifier “only” to tell the reader that Tony doesn’t like vanilla ice cream unless it is on apple pie.
a.) Tony likes vanilla ice cream only on apple pie.
b.) Tony only likes vanilla ice cream on apple pie.
c.) Only Tony likes vanilla ice cream on apple pie.
d.) Tony likes only vanilla ice cream on apple pie.
3 — Commonly Confused Words
Recognize the correct usage of commonly confused words in sentences.
7. Choose the option that uses the correct form of its/it’s, than/then, and your/you’re.
a.) It’s been three years since I joined the soccer team. I am much better now then I used to be. Our coach always says, “The most important thing is that you try you’re best!”
b.) It’s been three years since I joined the soccer team. I am much better now than I used to be. Our coach always says, “The most important thing is that you try you’re best!”
c.) It’s been three years since I joined the soccer team. I am much better now than I used to be. Our coach always says, “The most important thing is that you try your best!”
d.) It’s been three years since I joined the soccer team. I am much better now then I used to be. Our coach always says, “The most important thing is that you try your best!”
8. Choose the option that correctly uses too/two/to and sight/site/cite.
a.) I have loved to play soccer since I was very young. All of my friends have played that long too. My mom says that it is quite a sight to see my team go crazy every time we score a goal.
b.) I have loved too play soccer since I was very young. All of my friends have played that long two. My mom says that it is quite a sight to see my team go crazy every time we score a goal.
c.) I have loved two play soccer since I was very young. All of my friends have played that long too. My mom says that it is quite a site to see my team go crazy every time we score a goal.
d.) I have loved too play soccer since I was very young. All of my friends have played that long to. My mom says that it is quite a cite to see my team go crazy every time we score a goal
.
9. Choose the option that correctly uses their/there/they’re and affect/effect.
a.)
They’re are 20 girls on my soccer team. Their all very talented. Playing soccer on a team has had a positive affect on my life.
b.) There are 20 girls on my soccer team. They’re all very talented. Playing soccer on a team has had a positive effect on my life.
c.)
Their are 20 girls on my soccer team. There all very talented. Playing soccer on a team has had a positive effect on my life.
d.) There are 20 girls on my soccer team. They’re all very talented. Playing soccer on a team has had a positive affect on my life.
4 — Pronoun Choice and Pronoun Reference
Identify or correct errors in pronoun choice and reference.
10. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mayor Filson must regretfully reschedule this month’s city council meeting. Her and her family have been unexpectedly called out of town next week. The meeting will take place this Thursday evening, January 24, in her office. Please contact the mayor or I with questions or concerns.
Choose the option that corrects all pronoun errors in this email.
a.) She and her family have been unexpectedly called out of town next week. The meeting will take place this Thursday evening, January 24, in her office. Please contact the mayor or I with questions or concerns.
b.) Her family and her have been unexpectedly called out of town next week. The meeting will take place this Thursday evening, January 24, in her office. Please contact the mayor or me with questions or concerns.
c.) She and her family have been unexpectedly called out of town next week. The meeting will take place this Thursday evening, January 24, in her’s office. Please contact the mayor or I with questions or concerns.
d.) She and her family have been unexpectedly called out of town next week. The meeting will take place this Thursday evening, January 24, in her office. Please contact the mayor or me with questions or concerns.
11. An apology from us members of the mayor’s staff for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson, whomever serves on the governor’s task force, has been summoned to take part in a legislative session at the state capital. She and her team will be out of town for the week. Please let me know if you have questions or concerns.
Choose the option that corrects all the pronoun errors in this email.
a.)
An apology from we members of the mayor’s staff for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson, who serves on the governor’s task force, has been summoned to take part in a legislative session at the state capital. She and her team will be out of town for the week.
b.)
An apology from we members of the mayor’s staff for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson, whom serves on the governor’s task force, has been summoned to take part in a legislative session at the state capital. She and her team will be out of town for the week.
c.)
An apology from us members of the mayor’s staff for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson, whom serves on the governor’s task force, has been summoned to take part in a legislative session at the state capital. They will be out of town for the week.
d.)
An apology from us members of the mayor’s staff for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson, whom serves on the governor’s task force, has been summoned to take part in a legislative session at the state capital. Her and her team will be out of town for the week.
12. The mayor and myself send our apologies for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson has been called to jury duty and feels strongly about meeting her civic responsibility. Her and I discussed the matter and made a decision to hold the city council meeting on Thursday, January 24, in her office. Please contact me if you have questions.
Choose the option that corrects all the pronoun errors in this email.
a.)
The mayor and myself send our apologies for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson has been called to jury duty and feels strongly about meeting its civic responsibility. Her and me discussed the matter and made a decision to hold the city council meeting on Thursday, January 24, in her office.
b.)
The mayor and I send our apologies for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson has been called to jury duty and feels strongly about meeting its civic responsibility. Her and I discussed the matter and made a decision to hold the city council meeting on Thursday, January 24, in her office.
c.)
The mayor and I send our apologies for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson has been called to jury duty and feels strongly about meeting her civic responsibility. She and I discussed the matter and made a decision to hold the city council meeting on Thursday, January 24, in her office.
d.)
The mayor and me send our apologies for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson has been called to jury duty and feels strongly about meeting her civic responsibility. She and I discussed the matter and made a decision to hold the city council meeting on Thursday, January 24, in her office.
5 — Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Given a sentence, identify the pronoun that agrees with its antecedent.
13. If anyone disagrees with my plan, __________ should speak up now.
Choose the pronoun that agrees with its antecedent to fill the blank in this sentence.
a.) us
b.) he
c.) we
d.) he or she
14. The audience voiced __________ approval by rising in one motion to applaud and cheer.
Choose the pronoun that agrees with its antecedent to fill the blank in this sentence.
a.) their
b.) his or her
c.) its
d.) my
15. All of the students should take __________ seats immediately upon entering the room.
Choose the pronoun that agrees with its antecedent to fill the blank in this sentence.
a.) our
b.) his or her
c.) your
d.) their
6 — Verb Tense Consistency
Demonstrate an understanding of verb tense consistency.
16. Choose the sentence that maintains verb tense consistency.
a.) Every year we visit a new national monument when we have taken a summer vacation.
b.) Every year we visited a new national monument when we take a summer vacation.
c.) Every year we visit a new national monument when we took a summer vacation.
d.) Every year we visit a new national monument when we take a summer vacation.
17. Choose the sentence that maintains verb tense consistency.
a.) The movie started at 6:00 and we eat popcorn for two solid hours.
b.) The movie started at 6:00 and we ate popcorn for two solid hours.
c.) The movie will start at 6:00 and we ate popcorn for two solid hours.
d.) The movie starts at 6:00 and we are eating popcorn for two solid hours.
18. Choose the sentence that maintains verb tense consistency.
a.) The new library will be built when the public funds were released.
b.) The new library was built when the public funds were released.
c.) The new library is built when the public funds are being released.
d.) The new library has been built when the public funds are released.
7 — Identifying Errors In Subject-Verb Agreement
Identify errors in subject-verb agreement.
19. Choose the sentence that has an error in subject-verb agreement.
a.) Neither the teacher nor her student know how to answer that question.
b.) Each of the children has a different flavor of ice cream cone.
c.) The baby sitter, surrounded by his charges, reads a book.
d.) None of the people present sit in their assigned seats.
20. Choose the sentence that has an error in subject-verb agreement.
a.) Your shoes have mud on them.
b.) There was dozens of cookies to choose from.
c.) Both of my sons are interested in computer programming.
d.) The man with the yellow coat lives next door to me.
21. Choose the sentence that has an error in subject-verb agreement.
a.) Oil and water does not mix.
b.) One of my friends is flying to Spain.
c.) The scissors are in the cabinet.
d.) He and I attend the same school.
8 — Correcting Errors In Subject-Verb Agreement
Correct errors in subject-verb agreement.
22. Choose the change that corrects the error in subject-verb agreement in this sentence.
Bob and Kim prefers riding on the roller coaster over the ferris wheel.
a.) Change “riding” to “rode”
b.) Change “riding” to “rides”
c.) Change “prefers” to “prefer”
d.) Change “prefers” to “preferring”
23. Choose the change that corrects the error in subject-verb agreement in this sentence.
The gorilla at the zoo, along with the chimpanzees, are allowed to play in the new-fallen snow.
a.) Change “play” to “plays”
b.) Change “are” to “is”
c.) Change “are” to “were”
d.) Change “play” to “playing”
24. Choose the change that corrects the error in subject-verb agreement in this sentence.
“Lying on the table is the car keys and the map for our destination,” Marilyn reminded her husband.
a.) Changed “reminded” to “remind”
b.) Change “is” to “are”
c.) Change “reminded” to “reminds”
d.) Change “is” to “was”
Steps in the Writing Process
1 — The Writing Process
Recognize the specific activities involved in the different stages of the writing process.
25. Which of the following statements describes the prewriting stage of the writing process?
a.) In this stage, you will physically write your essay and further develop your ideas.
b.) In this stage, you will improve aspects such as sentence structure, word choice, flow, clarity of ideas, and style.
c.) In this stage, you will brainstorm ideas prior to writing the essay.
d.) In this stage, you will identify and fix spelling and grammar errors.
26. Which of the following statements describes the proofreading stage of the writing process?
a.) In this stage, you will look for and correct errors in spelling and grammar.
b.) In this stage, you will make adjustments to word choice and sentence structure to enhance the essay.
c.) In this stage, you will begin to write out your ideas in the form of an essay.
d.) In this stage you will focus on large-scale issues and rethink aspects such as organization and support.
26. Which of the following statements describes the drafting stage of the writing process?
a.) In this stage, you will use your ideas to begin composing the first copy of your essay.
b.) In this stage, you will focus on language and word choice to improve clarity.
c.) In this stage, you might adjust your thesis statement or rearrange your body paragraphs to improve flow.
d.) In this stage, you will start generating ideas for your essay and possibly construct an outline.
2 — Brainstorming
Understand the techniques and objectives of brainstorming.
27. One way to __________ is to brainstorm new ideas.
a.) combat writer’s block
b.) improve your style
c.) find evidence for your claims
d.) summarize in a conclusion
28. Which of these is NOT a goal of brainstorming?
a.) To find a topic of a suitable size/scope
b.) To explore possible aspects of a topic
c.) To craft a focused thesis statement
d.) To reflect on your own thinking
29. __________ is a brainstorming technique that uses boxes, circles, or arrows to show how ideas connect.
a.) The 5 W’s
b.) Clustering
c.) Freewriting
d.) Listing
3 — Prewriting
Understand the techniques and objectives of the pre-writing stage of the writing process.
30. A major goal of prewriting is to help the writer __________.
a.) discover the appropriate mode in which to write
b.) reveal flaws in a potential argument
c.) determine a topic
d.) narrow [her] focus
31. Which of the following is NOT included in prewriting?
a.) narrowing the focus
b.) creating citations
c.) planning the essay
d.) outlining
32. Choose the FALSE statement about prewriting
a.) Prewriting may take a little extra time in the beginning, but can help to save time in the long run.
b.) prewriting involves planning and organizing ideas before actually writing
c.) Prewriting includes creating an outline of the piece of writing, which serves as a plan for what to write.
d.) Prewriting eliminates the need to revise a piece of writing later on.
4 — Outlines and Drafting
Understand how outlines can be used in drafting.
33. How does preparing an outline help a writer to avoid plagiarizing?
a.) In an outline, a writer can paraphrase another writer’s words without citing them.
b.) Source materials are not considered until the essay is drafted.
c.) Outlines are brief but should cover all the main points a writer wants to make.
d.) The writer creates a thesis statement and writing plan in his or her own words.
34. Choose the false statement about using an outline while drafting.
a.) An outline can help a writer get past writer’s block.
b.) An outline can help a writer draft without being sure of her main points.
c.) An outline can help a writer control his own writing process.
d.) An outline can help a writer avoid plagiarism.
