Download Writing Curriculum Helpful Extras

Coordinators
Chart of
Coordinators
Meaning of
Coordinator
Connects one
idea to another
Coordinating
Conjunctions
(Coordinators
Used with a
Comma)
and
Conjunctive Adverbs
(Coordinators Used with
a Semicolon)
also, besides,
furthermore, in addition,
likewise, moreover
Contrasts one
idea with another
but, yet
however, instead,
nevertheless, on the other
hand, on the contrary, still
Shows time or
order
and then
afterward, later,
meanwhile, next, then
Shows a result or
a conclusion
so
accordingly, as a result,
consequently, hence,
therefore, thus
Shows a reason
or an example
for
for example, for instance,
indeed, in fact, that is
Express a choice
between ideas
or, nor
otherwise
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Verb Tense Timeline
Past
Perfect
Past
Present
Perfect
When two
actions
both occur
in the
past, but
one
happens
before the
other, use
this tense.
When the
action
occurred
and was
completed
in the past,
use this
tense.
When the
action
started in
the past,
but it
continues
into the
present,
use this
tense.
The action
that
happens
first uses
the “had”
helper
with the
past
participle
of the
verb; the
verb that
happens
last uses
the simple
past tense
verb.
Example I had had
a long
phone call
before I
left for
work.
Regular
verbs end
with “ed”
in the past
tense.
Irregular
verbs
change
spelling
and form.
Use “has”
or “have”
as the
helping
verb with
the past
participle
of the verb.
Present tense
form of the
verb for the
simple
present
tense; “be”
helping verb
plus the
present
participle for
the present
progressive.
Linda
walked to
the library.
(regular
verb)
Hari swam
in the
Indian
Ocean.
(irregular
verb)
I have
lived in
New
Hampshire
for 38
years.
John has
lived here
for 11
years.
John lives in
Vermont.
He is
thinking
about going
back.
When to
use this
tense
Verb
form
Present and
Present
Progressive
When the
action
happens
habitually or
is happening
right now,
use this
tense.
Future
Future
Perfect
When
the
action
will
occur
some
time in
the
future
use this
tense.
Use
“will”
plus the
present
form of
the
verb.
When the
action will
happen by
some
particular
time in the
future, use
this tense.
Larry
will
take his
GED
Test
soon.
By next
fall, he will
have
enrolled in
the
community
college.
Use “will”
plus “have”
plus the
past
participle
form of the
verb.
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Pronoun Cases
Singular
Plural
Subject
I
he
she
it
Object
me
him
her
it
Possessive
my, mine
his
her, hers
its
Reflexive
myself
himself
herself
itself
we
you
us
you (Note: “You”
our, ours
your,
ourselves
yourself,
yours
yourselves
their,
theirs
themselves
Used to
show
ownership
or
possession.
Used to reflect
back to
another word
(usually the
subject) of the
sentence.
they
When
It’s Used
Used as
the subject
of the
sentence
or after a
linking
verb.
Examples She lost
can be used both as a
singular or a plural.)
them
Used after
an action
verb or as
the object of
a
preposition.
Could you
please give
her wallet.
me a hand?
“It is I,”
Phillip
Between
answered. you and me,
I think he’s
guilty.
Their car They gave
is old, but themselves a
hers is
huge bonus.
brand new.
Sally, you can
do that
yourself.
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Indefinite Pronouns
Always singular
How this
works
one
everybody
each
everything
much
somebody
other
someone
another something
either
nobody
neither no one
anybody nothing
anyone
anything
These words are
always singular, so the
other parts of the
sentence must also be
singular.
Examples Everyone must do
his/her share of the
work.
Always
plural
several
few
both
many
These
words are
always
plural, so
other parts
of the
sentence
must also
be plural.
Several of
the papers
were
missing.
Singular or
plural
depending on
their use
all
any
some
part
none
half
most
If the indefinite
pronoun refers
to a singular
noun, then it
makes the rest
of the sentence
singular; if it
refers to a plural
noun, then the
rest of the
sentence is
plural.
Some of the
cookies were
eaten.
Some of the
cake was eaten.
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Homonyms
Homonyms are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. The
following table lists words that people commonly confuse. Become familiar with these
words so you can be ready to correct homonym-related spelling errors. It’s also a good
idea to pay attention to the words you most commonly confuse; you may even keep a
running list of these words as you prepare for the GED.
Word
Example Sentences
accept
except
My insurance will accept the charges for the accident.
I like all vegetables, except for asparagus.
affect
effect
Changing the way you eat will affect your health.
I can’t see what effect these new laws will have on me.
board
bored
We put a board on the roof to fix the leak.
I am so bored because there’s nothing to do!
brake
break
Always keep your foot above the brake!
My dad is worried my mom will break our new television.
close
clothes
When you leave the room, always close the door.
I want to go shopping to buy new clothes.
desert
dessert
I thought you guys were going to desert me!
The cherry pie looks so good for dessert!
fare
fair
I didn’t have money for the bus fare this morning.
It was only fair that the bus driver kicked me off the bus.
forth
fourth
I’m not sure I can go forth with the plan.
Allen was so proud to come in fourth in the pie-eating contest!
grate
great
We need to grate some cheese to put on the pizza.
If it has enough cheese, it will be a great pizza!
hear
here
The volume was turned down so low I couldn’t hear it.
Could you please bring the beef jerky over here?
hole
whole
If I eat one more doughnut hole, I will be stuffed.
I looked through the whole house, but I couldn’t find my umbrella.
know
no
I really have to know a lot to do well on my history test.
I am going to study until I have no time left.
led
lead
The dog led the police to the drug stash.
Pens are okay, but I prefer old-fashioned lead pencils.
lessen
lesson
The doctor gave me some stretches to do to lessen the pain.
I’m not sure if he’s learned his lesson yet.
lose
loose
I’m trying hard to not lose patience with her.
The knot might not hold, since it’s sort of loose.
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male
mail
The kennel had both male and female puppies for sale.
I’m going to the post office to send my mail.
passed
past
I kept getting passed on the interstate today.
In the past, I drove a lot faster.
peace
piece
We all wish for world peace.
A piece of pie would be great right now.
principal
principle
My high school principal gave pretty good advice.
I don’t want to compromise my principles.
than
then
I am tanner than her.
We were both on the beach, but then she went inside.
there
their
they're
You can put your shoes over there.
Their shoes were dirty, so they left them outside.
They’re just walking around barefoot right now.
to
too
two
I am going to the mall.
Jesse said she wants to go too.
We are each looking for two new outfits.
weather
whether
The weather tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful.
I don’t know whether to go for a hike or a swim.
whose
who's
Whose scarf is this?
Who’s going to the movie with us?
your
you're
Your dog is bigger than my dog.
You’re going to have to keep him on a leash.
Adapted from the Purdue Online Writing Lab
www.owl.english.purdue.edu
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The First 100 Most Commonly Used English Words
These most commonly used words are ranked by frequency. The first 25 make up about
one-third of all printed material in English. The first 100 make up about one-half of all
written material, and the first 300 make up about sixty-five percent of all written material
in English.
The First Hundred
1. the
2. of
3. and
4. a
5. to
6. in
7. is
8. you
9. that
10. it
11. he
12. was
13. for
14. on
15. are
16. as
17. with
18. his
19. they
20. I
21. at
22. be
23. this
24. have
25. from
26. or
27. one
28. had
29. by
30. word
31. but
32. not
33. what
34. all
35. were
36. we
37. when
38. your
39. can
40. said
41. there
42. use
43. an
44. each
45. which
46. she
47. do
48. how
49. their
50. if
51. will
52. up
53. other
54. about
55. out
56. many
57. then
58. them
59. these
60. so
61. some
62. her
63. would
64. make
65. like
66. him
67. into
68. time
69. has
70. look
71. two
72. more
73. write
74. go
75. see
76. number
77. no
78. way
79. could
80. people
81. my
82. than
83. first
84. water
85. been
86. call
87. who
88. oil
89. its
90. now
91. find
92. long
93. down
94. day
95. did
96. get
97. come
98. made
99. may
100.
part
Taken From: The Reading Teachers Book of Lists, Third Edition; by Edward Bernard
Fry, Ph.D, Jacqueline E. Kress, Ed.D & Dona Lee Fountoukidis, Ed.D.
http://www.duboislc.org/EducationWatch/First100Words.html
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The 100 Most Commonly Misspelled Words
This list was compiled over 50 years ago by National Curriculum Associates. The
following represents the 100 most commonly misspelled words, arranged in
alphabetical order. It is interesting that a half century later these same words are still
causing problems for writers.
again
dropped
looked
their
all right
every
many
then
always
February
money
there
an
first
morning
they
and
for
mother
they're
animals
friend
name
things
another
friends
named
thought
around
frightened
off
threw
asked
from
once
through
babies
getting
our
to
beautiful
going
people
together
because
happening
pretty
too
before
hear
received
tried
believe
heard
running
two
bought
here
said
until
came
him
school
very
caught
interesting
some
wanted
children
its
something
went
clothes
it's
sometimes
were
coming
jumped
started
when
course
knew
stopped
where
cousin
know
surprise
with
decided
let's
swimming
woman
didn't
like
than
would
different
little
that's
you're
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[email protected]
WRITING SAMPLE
NAME_____________________
DATE________________
Please write all that you can about one of the following topics or
any topic of your choice. Do your best but don’t worry about
spelling.
My Goals
My Life
What School Was Like For Me
What I Hope To Accomplish By Coming Back To School
What My Life Will Be Like In 10 Years
My Children
My Dream Job
My Dream Vacation
If I Won 1,000,000. !
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
GED Writing Test Glossary
Adverb a word used to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb
Miriam lifted the baby very gently.
Adverbial Phrase a phrase or clause used as an adverb
She placed the baby in the carriage.
Adjective a word used to describe a noun or to limit its meaning
The enormous tree swayed in the wind.
Appositive a word or phrase that explains or gives additional information about
a noun or pronoun
The policeman, a veteran of the force, took charge of the situation.
Article a word used to introduce nouns
An apple is a healthy snack.
Clause a group of words with a subject and verb. An independent clause
expresses a complete thought; a dependent, or subordinate, clause does not.
That book, which has beautiful illustrations, is a good choice.
Coherence in a paragraph, the easy flow of ideas and details
Comma Splice two independent clauses incorrectly separated only by a comma
Movies are a popular form of entertainment, they are often humorous.
Complex Sentence an independent clause and a subordinate clause, connected by a
subordinating conjunction
We will accept the result of the election, whatever the outcome.
Compound Sentence two independent clauses connected by a comma and a
coordinating conjunction
Dogs are playful pets, and they are often affectionate.
Conclusion the end of a piece of writing that restates the main idea
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Coordinating Conjunction a word that connects equal elements, such as the
independent clauses in a compound sentence (and, but, or, for, nor, yet, so.)
It is getting very late, but I must finish this assignment before I leave.
Contraction a word formed from two words that are combined and shortened by
leaving out letters. An apostrophe takes the place of the missing letters. Example: he
is becomes he’s.
Dangling Modifier a phrase placed at the beginning of a sentence that lacks the
subject the modifier is describing
Walking down the street, a car suddenly careened around the corner and hit a girl.
Expository Essay a composition on a single subject, serving to inform or explain,
and usually presenting the personal views of the author
Helping Verb a verb used with the main verb to make participle forms. The helping
verbs are forms of the verbs be, do, and have.
She has been studying for the entrance exam.
Homonyms words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings (deer,
dear)
Independent Clause a group of words that has a subject and verb and expresses a
complete thought
The snow fell continuously while I hurried to bring the horses into the barn.
Introduction the beginning of a piece of writing that tells the reader what will be
written about
Irregular Verb a verb whose past forms are not made by adding –d or –ed to the
simple present
Autumn came early this year.
Main Idea the central organizing idea of a paragraph, often expressed in the topic
sentence
Modifier a word, phrase, or clause that states or describes a quality of another word
or phrase
The man with the blue hat is my father.
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Misplaced Modifier a descriptive word or phrase placed too far from the word or
phrase it describes
The children cried during the concert noisily.
Paragraph a group of related sentences that develops a single main idea
Parallel Structure a series of words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence that are
written in the same grammatical form
Writing letters, correcting papers, and paying bills, have occupied me all day.
Possessive a word that shows ownership
Without realizing it, we had wandered onto the farmer’s land.
Preposition a word that shows direction, location, or time
Up the tree ran the grey squirrel.
Pronoun a word used in place of a noun, which names a person, place, or thing
She expects a visit from her cousin.
Pronoun Shift an error that occurs when the person or number of a pronoun
changes within a sentence or paragraph
If we forget to vote then you won’t have a voice.
Regular Verb a verb that forms its principle parts by adding –d, -ed, or –ing to the
present form
I smelled bacon frying as soon as I entered the room.
Run-on Sentence two or more independent clauses that are joined as one sentence
without proper punctuation and/or connecting words
John was late he missed the bus.
Sentence Fragment an incomplete sentence. A fragment does not express a
complete thought. It may lack a subject or completer verb, or it may begin with a
subordinating conjunction
The train on the track next to the station.
Subject a word or phrase that names who or what a sentence is about
Many birds migrate south in the winter.
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Subject-verb agreement the subject and the verb in a sentence must both be singular
or plural
A bear hibernates through the winter.
Subordinate or dependent clause a group of words that has a subject and verb but
is not a sentence because it does not express a complete thought
Before the sun rose, I was on my way to work.
Subordinating conjunction a connecting word that sets up a relationship of
unequal rank between the ideas in two clauses
Soccer practice was held although it was raining.
Supporting detail a statement that explains the main idea of a paragraph by giving a
specific detail, an example, or a reason
Topic sentence
a sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph
Unity all sentences in a paragraph should clearly relate to the main idea
Verb a word that tells what the subject is or does
With his ticket in his hand, Bill approached the stadium gate.
Verb tense the form of a verb that communicates when an action takes place or
when a condition is true
Stephanie is planning to attend the lecture.
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