Clause Combination 1
We could study in the library. We could take a break in the coffee shop. (use a coordinating conjunction and proper punctuation)
We could study in the library, or we could take a break in the coffee shop.
[Answers may vary]
Create a compound sentence:
Academic writing is an important skill to learn.
Many students do not enjoy writing papers.
[Answers vary]
Many students do not enjoy writing papers; however, academic writing is an important skill to learn.
Scientists are looking into the effects of pollution on human health.
Replace phrasal verb look into with an appropriate synonym: investigating, researching, studying, observing, etc.
The new mayor brought ____________.
(add an appropriate object/complement)
[Answers vary]
bring is a transitive/ditransitive action verb and therefore requires 1-2 objects
Provide all related word forms for the verb analyze
N=
Adj=
Adv=
Provide all related word forms for the verb analyze
N= analysis / analyst
Adj= analytical
Adv= analytically
We stayed up all night. We are tired today. (use a subordinating conjunction and proper puncutation)
Because we stayed up all night, we are tired today.
[Answers may vary]
Create a complex sentence:
Many actors are shy or introverted people in their personal lives. The public sees them as confident and powerful celebrities.
[Answers vary]
Even though many actors are shy or introverted people in their personal lives, the public sees them as confident and powerful celebrities.
Some, if not all, of your colleagues disagrees with that view.
Subject-verb agreement error:
Some, if not all, of your colleagues disagree with that view.
Findings _________ the increase in conversion rates is statistically significant. (add an appropriate reporting verb)
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indicate, suggest, show, etc.
What type of source is this?
Bailey, N.W. (2012). Evolutionary models of extended phenotypes. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 27(3), 561-569.
An academic journal article
It is expected to rain today. We should carry our umbrellas. (use a sentence connector and proper punctuation)
It is expected to rain today; therefore, we should carry our umbrellas.
[Answers may vary]
Create a complex sentence using a relative clause:
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk introduced many political reforms to Turkey.
[Answers vary]
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who founded the Republic of Turkey in 1923, introduced many political reforms to the country.
A faster decrease in births over deaths leads to a dramatically drop in natural population growth.
Word form error:
A faster decrease in births over deaths leads to a dramatic drop in natural population growth.
The unemployment rate may be high for months after an economic recession. (replace 'be' with an appropriate linking verb)
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remain, stay, become, appear, etc.
How many clauses are in this sentence?
The produce will stay fresh for two weeks if kept refrigerated, although it is better to use it as soon as you can.
(Give # of clauses and clause types)
1. The produce will stay fresh for two weeks (ind.)
2. if kept refrigerated (dep.)
3. although it is better to use it (dep.)
4. as soon as you can (dep.)
Some people read or work during their commutes. This makes the time go faster. (use a relative clause and proper punctuation)
Some people read or work during their commutes, which makes the time go faster.
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Create a complex sentence using an -ing clause:
Everyone stared at me when I arrived to class in the middle of lecture. This made me feel uncomfortable.
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Everyone stared at me when I arrived to class in the middle of lecture, making me feel uncomfortable.
All of the current researches indicates that climate change will have irreversible effects on the environment.
Singular/plural error:
'research' is an uncountable noun
All of the current research indicates that climate change will have irreversible effects on the environment.
Create a complete sentence from this fragment:
the variation of language in society
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Need to include S, V, and appropriate object/complement
Name 3 common features of academic writing style
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Nominalization, lack of phrasal verbs, few personal pronouns, no contractions, mid-position adverbs, formal vocabulary, conciseness, etc.
The NYC subway is always under construction. The construction causes many delays for commuters. (use an -ing clause and proper punctuation)
The NYC subway is always under construction, causing many delays for commuters.
Create a compound-complex sentence:
I am so hungry. I could eat an elephant. I’ll eat a muffin instead.
[Answers vary]
I could eat an elephant because I am so hungry, but I'll eat a muffin instead.
A complicated system may destroy due to a minor change.
Active/passive voice error:
Passive: A complicated system may be destroyed due to a minor change.
Active: A minor change may destroy a complicated system.
Create a complete sentence from this fragment:
who seems distracted
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need to add full independent clause (if using the fragment as a relative clause)
Give an example of both a finite clause and a non-finite clause
[Answers vary]
Finite=has a verb that shows tense
Non-finite=does not show tense; usually -ing and infinitive clauses