Punctuation Panic Room
A _____________ is a punctuation mark that separates two closely related independent clauses.
semicolon
_________ is the art of using language effectively to persuade, inform, or influence an audience.
rhetoric
The central idea is what a text is mainly about. It summarizes the key point or message of the text.
The _________ is the deeper message or lesson the author wants the reader to understand about life or human nature.
theme
Is this sentence parallel?
The committee aimed to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and that employee morale would increase.
No, it is not parallel.
Is this sentence written in the active or passive voice?
The proposal was carefully reviewed by the committee before it was approved by the board.
passive voice
Fill in the blank with the correct punctuation mark:
I told Anthony to leave his sister alone ___ and I warned him that he would be in trouble if he bothered her again.
, (comma)
Pathos appeals to emotions. _________ focuses on credibility or trust. Logos appeals to logic, facts, or reasoning.
ethos
Pretend you read a passage about improving students' grades. Is the following sentence an example of a Central Idea or a Theme?
Local high school students improved their test scores dramatically when they received targeted support and practiced consistently.
central idea
colon (:)
A thesis statement is the main idea of an essay. It is the "road map" a reader uses to point them in the direction the essay will take. Thesis statements should be included in the introduction of an informational (expository) essay.
A _________ is the specific position the writer takes on the issue. It should be included in the introduction of an argumentative essay.
claim
Fill in the blank with the correct punctuation mark:
Elizabeth had finally gotten everything she desired ___ a loving spouse, a comfortable home, and a stable job.
: (colon)
The ______________/____________ is when a speaker explains the opponent's argument and then points out the flaws in order to weaken it.
counterclaim/rebuttal
[1] ___________ is feeling the reader gets from the text. [2] ___________ is the author's attitude toward the subject or audience.
Fill in the blanks in order.
[1] mood
[2] tone
Which is the BEST choice to fill in the blank: a colon or a semicolon?
He finally understood the truth ___ he had been wrong all along.
colon (:)
Look at the following sentence:
He had a strong, muscular physique and an even stronger will.
Is this an example of direct or indirect characterization?
direct characterization
Fill in the blank with the correct punctuation mark:
After Amelia finished eating her dinner ___ she cleaned the dishes and worked on her homework.
, (comma)
Which rhetorical appeal is being used when a writer includes the following sentence in a persuasive speech?
"The facts are clear: over 80% of Earth's land species live in rainforests, and millions of people rely on them for food, medicine, and shelter (Smith 9)."
Read this excerpt:
[1] As Maya slowly pushed open the door to the abandoned house, the floorboards creaked beneath her feet. [2] She was certain no one else had been inside for years. [3] From deep within the darkness, she heard a faint sound—like something moving, just out of sight.
Which sentence BEST contributes to a feeling of suspense?
sentence [3]
[1] As Maya slowly pushed open the door to the abandoned house, the floorboards creaked beneath her feet. [2] She was certain no one else had been inside for years. [3] From deep within the darkness, she heard a faint sound—like something moving, just out of sight.
What needs to be changed in order to make this sentence correct?
The presentation was nearly complete; but the final slides still needed revision.
The conjunction "but" should not directly follow the semicolon. You can fix this sentence two ways: you can change the semicolon to a comma, or you can replace the word "but" with "however,".
The presentation was nearly complete; but the final slides still needed revision.
Which of the following options is a PHRASE?
[1] During the girl's birthday party
[2] While Maria ate
[1] During the girl's birthday party
What is the error in this sentence? (You must be specific in your response to earn the points! You must note the error AND explain why it's wrong.)
The experiment produced unexpected results, because the control variables were not properly maintained.
The use of the comma is incorrect. In a complex sentence, the comma comes after the dependent clause if that clause introduces the sentence. In this case the dependent clause came at the end of the sentence, so a comma was not needed.
The experiment produced unexpected results, because the control variables were not properly maintained.
Which rhetorical appeal AND which rhetorical device are being used in the following two sentences?
[1] As a firefighter with over 15 years of experience responding to emergencies, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly a small kitchen fire can turn dangerous. [2] How many warnings do we need before we finally start taking fire safety seriously in our homes?
[1] ethos
[2] rhetorical question
Read this excerpt:
[1] As Maya slowly pushed open the door to the abandoned house, the floorboards creaked beneath her feet. [2] She was certain no one else had been inside for years. [3] From deep within the darkness, she heard a faint sound—like something moving, just out of sight.
What type of indirect characterization is being used in the first sentence?
indirect characterization via ACTIONS
What is the error in this sentence? (You must be specific in your response to earn the points!)
She is more interested in learning new languages than to practice the ones she already knows.
error in parallel structure ("learning" vs. "to practice")
Pretend you get this writing prompt on the
Subpart 1 essay exam:
You have just read two passages about the challenges students face transitioning from middle to high school. Write an essay explaining the strategies students can use to be successful in high school.
Based on the expectations of this prompt...
[1] Which type of essay would you have to write?
[2] Would you need a thesis statement or a claim in your first paragraph?
[1] informative (expository) essay
[2] thesis statement