Show:
PASSIVE OR ACTIVE (2 possible points)
WRITING 1 REVIEW
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT
MISPLACED MODIFIERS
FIND THE ERROR (1.5 minutes)
100
This book was written by an Irishman.
Passive Active version: An Irishman wrote this book.
100
What is the name for the 'main idea sentence?'
Thesis or thesis statement
100
A high percentage of the people _________ voting for the new school. was OR were
Were is the correct answer: "Percentage" is a mathematical proportion, but here it reflects a countable, therefore plural, quantity.
100
The following sentence has a misplaced modifier. Correct the sentence. She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates.
Correction:She served the children sandwiches on paper plates.
100
Sponsors of the Olympic Games who bought advertising time on United States television includes at least a dozen international firms whose names are familiar to American consumers. (A) who bought (B) includes (C) at least (D) whose (E) No error
The correct answer is B Explanation: This sentence illustrates a subject-verb agreement error. The subject, "Sponsors of the Olympic Games who bought advertising time on United States television," is plural; the word underlined at choice B should be "include," to match the number of the subject. The correct sentence reads: Sponsors of the Olympic Games who bought advertising time on United States television include at least a dozen international firms whose names are familiar to American consumers.
200
The people elected the president.
Active passive version: The president was elected by the people.
200
True or False Transitions in essays help to link ideas, improve organization and fluidity.
True
200
Three-quarters of the students __________ against the tuition hike. is OR are
Correct Answer: are Three quarters of the students represents a countable number.
200
He nearly drove the car for six hours a day.
Correction: He drove the car for nearly six hours a day.
200
If one is interested in learning even more about Zora Neale Hurston, you should read Robert Hemenway's biography. (A) is interested (B) in learning (C) even more (D) you should (E) No error
The correct answer is D Explanation: The error in this sentence is (D): the pronoun "you" is not consistent with the pronoun "one" in the introductory clause. The pronoun "you" should be changed to "one." The correct sentence reads: If one is interested in learning even more about Zora Neale Hurston, one should read Robert Hemenway's biography.
300
The recommended guidelines for replacing equipment should be followed.
Passive Active version: Follow the recommended guidelines for replacing equipment.
300
What is the ultimate goal of an argumentative/persuasive essay?
The goal of an argumentative/persuasive essay is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or recommendation.
300
Some of the grain __________ to be contaminated. appear OR appears
Correct Answer: appears Some is the subject of this sentence and, since it is not really countable (you can't count the grain), it is singular.
300
She saw a puppy and a kitten on the way to the store.
Correction: On the way to the store, she saw a puppy and a kitten.
300
In the early twentieth century, new thinking about symbolism and the unconscious were greatly inspired by the writings of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. (A) about (B) were (C) by (D) writings of (E) No error
The correct answer is B Explanation: The error in this sentence is (B): the verb "were" (which is plural) does not agree in number with the noun "thinking" (which is singular). The correct sentence reads: In the early twentieth century, new thinking about symbolism and the unconscious was greatly inspired by the writings of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.
400
We found errors in the self-audit, but we have corrected them.
Active passive version: Errors were found in the self-audit, but steps have been taken to correct them
400
True or False? An argumentative/persuasive essay considers the opposing viewpoint of the argument and does not try to counter-argue this point.
False An argumentative/persuasive essay considers the opposing viewpoint of the argument and then presents its counter-argument against that point. This is called an antithesis.
400
There _______ to be some people left in that town after yesterday's flood. have OR has The subject is people, which is plural, and that determines the verb (not the word there).
Correct Answer: have The subject is people, which is plural, and that determines the verb (not the word there).
400
He bought a horse for his sister they call Prince.
Correction: He bought a horse they call Prince for his sister.
400
Air pollution caused by industrial fumes has been studied for years, but only recently has the harmful effects of noise pollution become known. (A) has been studied (B) but (C) has (D) become (E) No error
The correct answer is C Explanation: The error in this sentence is (C): the verb "has" (which is singular) does not agree in number with the noun "effects" (which is plural). The noun phrase "harmful effects" is the subject of the verb phrase "has become known." The correct sentence reads: Air pollution caused by industrial fumes has been studied for years, but only recently have the harmful effects of noise pollution become known.
500
The report will be reviewed by the supervisor before it is sent to the manager.
passive active version: The supervisor will review the report before he sends it to the manager.
500
What do expository and persuasive essays have in common?
They both need facts, research, evidence.
500
______ my boss or my sisters in the union going to win this grievance? Is OR Are
Correct Answer: Is The subject closer to the verb (my boss) determines the number of the verb.
500
Misplaced: The little girl screamed at the library at her mother.
Correct: At the library, the little girl screamed at her mother.
500
Pine, like other softwoods that ignite quickly, are useful as kindling. (A) other (B) quickly (C) are (D) as (E) No error
The correct answer is C Explanation: The error in this sentence is (C): the plural verb "are" does not agree in number with its singular subject, "pine." The correct sentence reads: Pine, like other softwoods that ignite quickly, is useful as kindling.