Vague Pronouns
What is a vague pronoun?
a pronoun that is unclear because it is not obvious which noun it is referring to
(examples: he, she, it, they, this, that)
Which sentence best shows variety and correct verb tense?
A. The coach explains the drill, and the players followed it carefully.
B. The coach explained the drill, and the players followed it carefully.
B. The coach explained the drill, and the players followed it carefully.
What does connotation mean?
the feelings or ideas a word suggests
Use your knowledge of morphology to determine the meaning of the word below.
perimeter
peri- means “around,” and -meter means “measure”, so perimeter means “the measurement around something.”
What is syntax?
the study of the way sentences are formed, and how the words go together
Which sentence has a vague pronoun?
A. Maya told Anna that she would help with homework.
B. Maya and Anna studied together after school.
A. Maya told Anna that she would help with homework.
Combine the sentences into one clear sentence and maintain consistent verb tense.
The scientist collected data. She analyzed the results. She wrote a report.
The scientist collected data, analyzed the results, and wrote a report.
What does denotation mean?
the exact dictionary meaning of a word
Use your knowledge of morphology to determine the meaning of the word below.
prosperous
prosper- means “success,” and -ous means “full of”, so prosperous means someone who is very successful
“The sirens blared. Windows rattled. Smoke curled under the door. We had minutes—maybe seconds—to decide.”
How does the author’s use of syntax affect the reader’s understanding?
A. It slows the pacing so the author can provide detailed background information.
B. It heightens the urgency and tension by presenting each event quickly and clearly.
B. It heightens the urgency and tension by presenting each event quickly and clearly.
Which word in the sentence is a vague pronoun?
“Tyler told Ethan that he should bring his book tomorrow.”
he
Which answer best combines the ideas to create the most clear and concise meaning?
The rain started. The game continued. The players got wet.
A. The rain started, but the game continued, and the players got wet.
B. The rain starting and the game continuing and the players getting wet.
A. The rain started, but the game continued, and the players got wet.
Which word has the most positive connotation?
A. Frugal
B. Cheap
C. Stingy
D. Tightfisted
A. Frugal
Use your knowledge of morphology to determine the meaning of the word below.
microscope
micro- means “small,” and -scope means “to look or see,” so microscope means “a tool used to see very small things.”
“The lights flickered. The floor shook. Something was coming closer.”
How does the author’s use of syntax affect the reader’s understanding?
A. It creates a calm mood by using long descriptions.
B. It builds suspense by using short, choppy sentences.
B. It builds suspense by using short, choppy sentences.
Identify the vague pronoun in the sentence and explain why it is unclear:
“When Mrs. Lee met with Ms. Carter about the schedule, she decided to change it.”
she, the pronoun “she” is unclear because it could refer to either Mrs. Lee or Ms. Carter. The reader does not know who decided to change the schedule, so the meaning is confusing.
Which sentence is a correct compound sentence?
A. The students studied for the test, they reviewed their notes.
B. The students studied for the test and reviewed their notes.
C. The students studied for the test, and they reviewed their notes.
C. The students studied for the test, and they reviewed their notes.
What is the denotation of the word assertive?
A. Rude and bossy
B. Confidently stating opinions or needs
C. Always arguing with others
D. Aggressively demanding attention
B. Confidently stating opinions or needs
Use your knowledge of morphology to determine the meaning of the word below.
autograph
auto- means “self,” and -graph means “writing,” so autograph means “a person’s own signature.”
“Run. Don’t stop. Don’t look back.”
How does the author’s syntax affect the reader?
A. It creates urgency and tension through short commands.
B.It slows the action to build suspense.
A. It creates urgency and tension through short commands.
Identify the vague pronoun in the sentence and explain why it is unclear:
“After Jordan spoke to Alex about the project, he said it needed more work before submitting it.”
he, it is unclear because “he” could refer to Jordan or Alex, so the reader does not know who said the project needed more work.
Which sentence is a correct compound sentence that uses a conjunction to combine detailed ideas?
A. The students worked carefully on their science projects, they also checked their data multiple times.
B. The students worked carefully on their science projects, and they also checked their data multiple times to make sure their results were accurate.
B. The students worked carefully on their science projects, and they also checked their data multiple times to make sure their results were accurate.
The word determined most closely has which connotation?
A. Stubborn in a negative way
B. Focused and persistent
C. Unwilling to change ideas
D. Confused but trying
B. Focused and persistent
Use your knowledge of morphology to determine the meaning of the word below.
export
ex- means “out,” and port means “carry,” so export means “to carry goods out to another place.”
“The sun rose slowly over the mountains, painting the sky in soft shades of pink and gold.”
How does the syntax affect the reader?
A. It speeds up the action to create excitement.
B. It slows the pace to create a calm, peaceful mood.
B. It slows the pace to create a calm, peaceful mood.