Punctuation
Identify the punctuation error (if any) and correct the sentence: "She said 'I'll arrive by noon', but she didn't show up."
She said, "I'll arrive by noon," but she didn't show up.
Choose the correct verb: "Neither the teacher nor the students (was / were) ready for the surprise fire drill."
"Neither the teacher nor the students were ready for the surprise fire drill."
Add the correct punctuation after this introductory phrase: "After finishing the packet ____ we went to lunch."
Corrected: "After finishing the packet, we went to lunch."
Rewrite the wordy sentence concisely: "At this point in time, we are unable to determine the cause."
Concise: "Currently, we cannot determine the cause." or "We cannot determine the cause at this time."
Choose a transition that best fits: "She studied all night. ____ she still failed the test." (Options: Therefore / In contrast / For example)
Therefore
Explain when to use a semicolon instead of a comma with a coordinating conjunction; give a brief example.
Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction or when clauses contain internal commas
I wanted to go to the play; my brother preferred the movie.
Correct the agreement error: "The list of recommended readings are on the syllabus."
Corrected: "The list of recommended readings is on the syllabus."
Revise this sentence to correct a misplaced modifier in the introductory phrase: "Walking down the hall, the exam schedule was posted on the bulletin board."
Corrected: "Walking down the hall, I saw the exam schedule posted on the bulletin board." (or "As I was walking down the hall, I saw the exam schedule posted on the bulletin board.")
Identify the redundancy and revise: "Each and every student must submit their own individual report."
Concise: "Each student must submit an individual report." or simply "Each student must submit a report."
Identify the rhetorical purpose of this transition: "Nevertheless, the committee proceeded with the vote." What does "nevertheless" signal?
"Nevertheless" signals contrast or concession; it indicates that despite previous expectations or obstacles, the committee proceeded.
Revise the sentence to correct colon usage: "There were many causes of the conflict: greed, jealousy and miscommunication; none of which were addressed."
There were many causes of the conflict: greed, jealousy, and miscommunication — none of which were addressed.
Explain which verb agrees in this sentence and why: "Either the coach or the players (has / have) to give a statement after the game."
Correct: "Either the coach or the players have to give a statement after the game."
Explain how to punctuate a long introductory adverbial clause and correct the sentence: "Because the committee had reviewed the proposal thoroughly the board approved it unanimously."
Corrected: "Because the committee had reviewed the proposal thoroughly, the board approved it unanimously."
Condense without changing meaning: "Due to the fact that the library was closed, many students were unable to access the research materials they needed."
Concise: "Because the library was closed, many students could not access necessary research materials."
Improve coherence by adding a transitional sentence between these two ideas: "The data showed increasing temperatures. The report recommends planting more trees."
Because rising temperatures increase heat stress on plants, the report recommends planting more trees to mitigate these effects."
Place commas correctly in this sentence and explain the rule: "If however you miss the bus you will need to call me immediately."
If, however, you miss the bus, you will need to call me immediately.
Rewrite to fix agreement: "Ten dollars were too much for the locker
Corrected: "Ten dollars was too much for the locker fee." or better: "Ten dollars was too much for the locker fee."
Combine the two sentences using an introductory participial phrase: "The committee read the report. They recommended immediate action."
Combined: "Having read the report, the committee recommended immediate action." or "The committee, having read the report, recommended immediate action."
Edit the sentence to remove unnecessary filler while preserving tone: "It is important to note that the policy will be effective starting next semester."
Concise: "The policy will take effect next semester."
Revise to strengthen the logical flow using an appropriate transition for a counterargument: "The policy could increase costs. It may also improve long-term outcomes."
"Although the policy could increase costs, it may improve long-term outcomes."
Edit the following sentence for correct punctuation of a complex quoted passage: He asked, "Are you aware of the policy that says, 'Students must submit work on time' and if not, what will you do?"
He asked, "Are you aware of the policy that says, 'Students must submit work on time,' and if not, what will you do?"
Identify and correct the agreement issue in this sentence with intervening phrases: "The growth of the city's suburbs, along with its parks and rivers, (require / requires) a new zoning plan."
Corrected: "The growth of the city's suburbs, along with its parks and rivers, requires a new zoning plan."
Revise for clarity and correct punctuation (introductory element + sentence): "To address the concerns raised by parents the superintendent held three forums across the district and listened carefully."
Corrected: "To address the concerns raised by parents, the superintendent held three forums across the district and listened carefully."
Shorten this sentence to a succinct academic statement: "There are many different factors which contribute to the decline in biodiversity in urban areas that must be taken into account when planning conservation efforts."
Concise: "Multiple factors contribute to the decline in urban biodiversity and must be considered in conservation planning."
Analyze and revise this paragraph-opening sentence to provide a stronger rhetorical link to a preceding paragraph about economic decline: "On the other hand, schools in the district face budget cuts." Provide the revised opening sentence.
"Despite the district's economic decline, schools now face further strain from proposed budget cuts."