Cut the Clutter
Which word is redundant in this sentence? “He returned back to the village.”
“Back”
Who says, “I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff-necked people to me”?
Reverend Parris
Where does the play take place?
Salem, Massachusetts
What’s redundant in this sentence? “She smiled happily at her friend.”
“Happily” — smiling already shows happiness.
What is Ms. Herbert Favorite Color?
Yellow
Fix this sentence: “In my opinion, I personally believe that witches are not real.”
“I believe that witches are not real.”
Who first accuses Tituba of witchcraft?
Abigail Williams
Why is Reverend Parris worried at the beginning?
His daughter Betty won’t wake up.
Fix: “We returned back to the classroom.”
“We returned to the classroom.”
What is Ms. Herbert Favorite Class period?
5th Period
Identify the wordy part: “The reason why Abigail lied was because she wanted attention.”
“The reason why” → change to “Abigail lied because…”
Who says, “There be no blush about my name”?
Abigail Williams
What were the girls doing in the woods?
Dancing and possibly conjuring spirits.
Find the redundancy: “The reason why he was late was because his car broke down.”
“The reason why” → “He was late because his car broke down.”
What sport did Ms. Herbert participate in during high school?
Cheerleading
Revise: “Reverend Parris shouted loudly at the congregation.”
“Reverend Parris shouted at the congregation.”
Who is worried about losing his position as minister?
Reverend Parris
What is Abigail’s relationship to Parris?
She is his niece.
Simplify: “Each and every student must complete the assignment.”
“Every student must complete the assignment.”
What College did Ms. Herbert attend?
University of Illinois in Springfield (UIS)
Which version is better? A) “John Proctor was honest and truthful.” B) “John Proctor was honest.”
B — “Honest” and “truthful” are redundant.
Who has not attended church often and is criticized for it?
John Proctor
What secret about Abigail and Proctor is revealed?
They had an affair.
Identify the extra phrase: “In my personal opinion, the play was too long.”
“Personal” — “In my opinion” is enough.
How many siblings does Ms. Herbert have?
5