Commas
The museum is known for its unparalleled exhibits, knowledgable staff, and modern architecture.
Are the commas properly placed?
Semi-colons
When do you use a semicolon?
To connect 2 complete sentences.
The shortest, simplest answer is often the correct answer.
True
AVOID long, wordy answers
Among v Between
Rob is the oldest among his brothers.
Is this correct
Yes!
He has more than one brother
Among is many
Between is two
Name a scoring category in the ACT writing rubric (there are four)
Ideas and analysis
development and support
organization
language use
Mrs. Smith offers tutoring after school, her students benefit greatly.
Is this sentence correct?
No.
Run-on or comma splice
Comma rule #2 requires a comma with a conjunction (FANBOYS)
Colon
The four states bordering Mexico are: Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico.
Is this correct? Why?
No!
What comes before the colon must be a complete sentence.
lots of other drivers, not just me, still make this detour to hear the tune.
This sentence violates simple and concise. Why?
lots of other drivers
Lots is an informal word choice. Never choose an answer with a casual tone.
Then v Than
The smoked provolone is tastier than the medium cheddar.
Correct!
Than = comparison
Then = next
What is the minimum number of perspectives that you should discuss on the ACT writing?
TWO
When I was little, I wanted to take a trip to the moon.
Is this sentence correct?
Yes.
It follows comma rule #3 where we connect excess information to the sentence with a comma. Excess: "When I was little"
The woman was desperate to return to her home--Ireland.
Is this dash correct?
Yes!
What comes after a dash is excess information much like comma rule #3.
Each year, the organization holds a ceremony annually, to recognize members who have contributed time and resources.
Is this an example of simple and concise? Why or why not?
No.
You must delete "annually" as it is repetitive with "each year".
Affect v Effect
Smoking can negatively effect your health.
False!
Affect = verb
Effect = noun
An effect of smoking is increased risk of lung cancer.
I can use personal pronouns in an example
YES! In fact, you must!
The shiny, silver pole stuck out of the ground.
Is this sentence correct?
Yes!
According to comma rule #4, shiny and silver may be switched and therefore require a comma. Words that cannot be switched do not require a comma.
Dashes and Commas
While flying is a more convenient way to travel, although usually more expensive--my mother is still too afraid to board a plane.
Is this correct?
No!
You cannot mix commas and dashes! If there is a dash, ACT wants you to use another dash.
Braiden is a very friendly and amicable guy.
What is wrong with this sentence?
Pick one! Braiden is friendly or Braiden is amicable. Both mean the same thing. Remove one.
Fewer v Less
Sara ate less cookies than Sam did.
Is this correct?
Incorrect
Fewer = can be counted
Less = cannot be counted
Sara ate less pudding than Sam did.
Where does the ACT recommend the writer place the counter argument?
First body paragraph after the introduction and thesis statement.
Which two comma rules are tested most frequently?
Comma rule #3 Connecting excess information with a comma
RECAP BIG MONEY BABY!
Is there an error below?
Complete; complete.
Complete: explaination.
Complete--excess information.
Complete--excess information--sentence.
NO! BIG MONEY, BABY (comma rule 3)
The teacher became increasingly frustrated with the rowdy student who acted in a wild, disorderly manner.
What do you delete in order to make this simple and concise?
who acted in a wild and disorderly manner is the same as rowdy--delete one
BIG MONEY!
Farther v Further
Ivy needs to discuss the matter further with Jaiden.
Correct!
Further = Cannot be measured
Farther = Can be measured
Ivy lives farther from the school than Jaiden does.
Articulate how a student demonstrates mastery on the ACT writing.
Clear thesis
Strong academic diction
specific examples that illustrate the point
objectivity and a willingness to discuss the nuances of the issue
Strong organization with internal transitions that connect ideas