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Item Specifications for the Florida College Prep Grammar Exit Exam Conceptual and Organizational Skills (10 Questions) • Identifies topic sentence or thesis • Recognizes adequate support provided by generalized or specific evidence • Arranges idea and supporting details in a logical pattern • Recognizes effective transitional devices within the context of a passage Mastery Check Off Word Choice Skills (4 Questions) • Chooses appropriate word or expression in context • Recognizes commonly confused or misused words or phrases Sentence Structure Skills (10 Questions) ! Places modifiers correctly ! Uses coordination and subordination effectively ! Recognizes parallel structures ! Avoids fragments, comma splices, and run-ons Grammar, Spelling, Capitalization, and Punctuation Skills (16 Questions) • • • • • • • • • • • • Uses standard verb forms Avoids inappropriate shifts in verb tense Maintains agreement between subject and verb Maintains agreement between pronoun and antecedent Avoids inappropriate pronoun shifts Maintains clear pronoun reference Uses proper case forms Uses adjectives and adverbs correctly Uses appropriate degree forms Uses standard spelling Uses standard punctuation Uses standard capitalization 1 Conceptual and Organizational Skills Skill 1: Identifies topic sentence or thesis Questions addressing this skill on the exit exam are presented by having the student read passages that are missing the topic sentences. (Usually, two passages are given.) After the passage, the student must choose the best topic sentence for the passage from a multiple choice question. Example: 1 _____________________________________________________. 2Jet skiing is enjoyable because of the thrill of the speed and tricky maneuvers. 3There is nothing like the rush of successfully banging over the wake created by other jet skiers. 4 Kayaking, on the other hand, is enjoyable because of the leisurely pace. 5One is never in a hurry while kayaking, unless it is part of a competition. 6Another reason jet skiing is so much fun is that it is a social sport. 7Usually a group of friends will jet ski together, either riding doubles or using more than one jet ski. 8 Jet skiers like to show off for each other. 9 In contrast, kayaking is most often a solitary sport. 10 For that reason, kayaking is very relaxing, allowing one to enjoy the scenery of nature or to spend time in reflection and contemplation. 11 Finally, jet skiing usually takes place on a lake, inlet, or ocean, with lots of other activities going on nearby. 12 The sounds of others laughing, squealing, and having fun adds to the atmosphere of enjoyment. 13 Unlike jet skiing, kayaking many times takes place in smaller waterways, such as creeks, canals, rivers or estuaries. 14 These places are mostly quiet, with the exception of the sounds of the native wildlife. 15 If I had to choose which water sport was my favorite, I’m not sure I could decide. 2 1. Choose the best sentence for the topic of this paragraph to be inserted for sentence number 1. A. Many Floridians enjoy both jet skiing and kayaking. B. Two water sports I enjoy, jet skiing and kayaking, are very different from each other. C. The younger crowd enjoys jet skiing while the older population enjoys kayaking. D. Jet skiing can be more dangerous than kayaking. Analysis: When deciding on the correct topic sentence, you should first identify each major supporting detail, signaled by a transition. The first transition in the paragraph above (sentence 6), “Another reason,” signals the second supporting detail of the paragraph. Once you have identified that detail, you can look to the previous sentences and determine the first supporting detail. The third supporting detail is introduced by the word “finally” in sentence 11. Each of these details is a reason why these sports are enjoyable. Choice A, “Many Floridians enjoy both jet skiing and kayaking,” at first glance may look like a good choice for a topic sentence for this paragraph. The main problem, however, is that “Floridians” are never mentioned in the paragraph. Another problem with this sentence is that it ignores the relationship between sentences within each supporting detail. 3 Choice C, “The younger crowd enjoys jet skiing while the older population enjoys kayaking,” may be an opinion or an assumption of some readers; it is not supported by the details. Choice D, “Jet skiing can be more dangerous than kayaking,” again may be an opinion or an assumption of some readers, it is not supported by the details. Choice B, “Two water sports I enjoy, jet skiing and kayaking, are very different from each other,” is the correct choice. This choice establishes that both sports are enjoyable and that the two sports differ from each other, exactly the information illustrated by the details. Skill 2: Recognizes adequate support provided by generalized or specific evidence This skill is assessed by having the student identify a sentence within a passage that is not supported by any examples or minor points of support. Example: 1 Many students overlook the idea of majoring in education and becoming a teacher. 2Although the reasons may not be obvious, there are several good reasons to become a teacher. 3First of all, teaching is the ultimate profession; there would be no other professions if there were no teachers. 4Teachers teach everyone: doctors, scientists, lawyers, astronauts, athletes, psychologists-- even presidents. 5Teachers at any level can inspire a student to reach for greatness. 6Secondly, teaching is a stable profession. 7 Almost anywhere one chooses to live, there will be an opportunity for employment. 8 Moreover, in some areas of the country, such as desolate parts of Alaska or dangerous inner cities where there is a teacher shortage, the state will pay incentives to attract 4 teachers. 9Teaching is not a new profession that is a fad and will run its course; there will always be teachers. 10 Thirdly, teaching is a family friendly profession. 11 There are not many careers one can have which mesh with children’s schedules as well as teaching does. 12 When children are off from school, so are teachers. vacation together with such a schedule. 14 16 Families can easily Scheduling vacations can sometimes be problematic, so using a travel agent is a good idea. profession. 13 15 Finally, teaching is a noble Teaching allows one to perform with passion, connect with others in a meaningful way, and replace ignorance with knowledge. 17 Although some other professionals witness their direct impact, few others are encouraged to be personally involved with their patients, clients, customers, etc. 18 It is from this personal involvement and awareness of results that teachers derive joy and satisfaction. 19 Teaching is not a profession that will make one wealthy, at least not monetarily. 20 Teaching is, however, a profession that enriches the soul. Choose the sentence from the passage that is an irrelevant detail and/or lacks adequate support as a detail. A. Sentence 20 B. Sentence 11 C. Sentence 7 D. Sentence 14 Analysis: If the irrelevant or under supported sentence doesn’t stand out with an initial reading, go back through the passage and identify each major detail signaled by an 5 appropriate transition. Check to see that each major point is followed by examples, explanations, illustrations, or some other expansion of the idea. Next, check each minor detail following the major details. This is where you may find a sentence that strays from the topic or is not an adequate support for a major supporting detail. Compare the detail to the topic sentence. If the detail goes outside the limitations of the topic sentence or does not contain enough information to link it to the topic sentence, this is your irrelevant or inadequate detail. Choice A: Sentence 20 is the concluding sentence of the paragraph. This sentence is also a reason for choosing teaching as a profession. This sentence is necessary to the paragraph. Choice B: Sentence 11 is a minor support for the major detail in sentence 10. This sentence is adequate and relevant. Choice C: Sentence 7 is a minor support for the major detail in sentence 6. This sentence is adequate and relevant. Choice D: Sentence 14 is not a relevant detail for support of the major detail in sentence 10. This sentence has nothing to do with the topic of teaching, and it attempts to take the information in sentence 13 into a direction not encompassed by the topic sentence. Choice D is the correct answer for this question. Skill 3: Arranges ideas and supporting details in a logical pattern This skill is assessed by giving the student a multiple choice of arrangements of sentences in a passage. The first choice is usually taken from the passage as it was written and indicates no change is necessary. The other three choices give various arrangements of sentence order. 6 Question: Using the passage from the last section, choose the option that presents the most logical arrangement of detail sentences. A. Secondly, teaching is a stable profession. Almost anywhere one chooses to live, there will be an opportunity for employment. Moreover, in some areas of the country, such as desolate parts of Alaska or dangerous inner cities where there is a teacher shortage, the state will pay incentives to attract teachers. Teaching is not a new profession that is a fad and will run its course; there will always be teachers. B. Almost anywhere one chooses to live, there will be an opportunity for employment. Secondly, teaching is a stable profession. Moreover, in some areas of the country, such as desolate parts of Alaska or dangerous inner cities where there is a teacher shortage, the state will pay incentives to attract teachers. Teaching is not a new profession that is a fad and will run its course; there will always be teachers. C. Teaching is not a new profession that is a fad and will run its course; there will always be teachers. Secondly, teaching is a stable profession. Almost anywhere one chooses to live, there will be an opportunity for employment. Moreover, in some areas of the country, such as desolate parts of Alaska or dangerous inner cities where there is a teacher shortage, the state will pay incentives to attract teachers. D. Secondly, teaching is a stable profession. Moreover, in some areas of the country, such as desolate parts of Alaska or dangerous inner cities where there is a teacher shortage, the state will pay incentives to attract teachers. Almost 7 anywhere one chooses to live, there will be an opportunity for employment. Teaching is not a new profession that is a fad and will run its course; there will always be teachers. Analysis: This passage must begin with the introduction of the second major supporting detail because there are no more sentences in the paragraph supporting the first major detail. This second major detail is signaled by the transition, “secondly.” Once this fact is established, choices “B” and “C” are eliminated. Choice “D” is not correct because of the order of the second and third sentences of the example. The second sentence beginning with “moreover” is an elaboration of the sentence, “Almost anywhere one chooses to live, there will be an opportunity for employment.” Thus, “moreover” is used as the transition between the two sentences. This leaves “A” as the only possible correct choice. Skill 4: Recognizes effective transitional devices within the context of a passage This skill is assessed by a multiple choice question giving students the opportunity to choose the appropriate transition between sentences of a passage. The students must identify the type of details presented in the passage: lists, examples, reasons, steps in a process, etc. and choose the appropriate transition. (See the appendix for a review of transitions.} Example: 1 The best way to plan for a dinner party is to be organized. 2First, make up the guest list and establish a date and time when all guests can attend, and issue the invitations. 3This should be done about two weeks before the party date. 4Next, plan the menu. 5This should include appetizers, main course, side dishes, salad, bread, dessert, and 8 beverages. 6Post the menu on the refrigerator door. 7After planning the menu, go through the recipes being used for the meal and construct a grocery list. 8__________ turn your attention to the table décor. 9Decide whether to use formal or casual table settings, which table linens to use, and what sort of centerpiece should be used. 10If fresh flowers will be needed, add them to the shopping list. 11About three days before the scheduled event, double-check the confirmation from your guests. 12After getting the confirmation, go shopping for the items on the list. 13When putting away the groceries, group them according to how they are used in recipes. 14This will make things easier when you are preparing the meal. 15The day before the party, clean the house and add festive touches such as candles or fresh flowers around the house. 16Then, on the big day, set the table first thing; then get out the recipe book and decide which foods will take the longest to prepare, and fix them first. 17Things that need to be chilled should be fixed early and left in the refrigerator for most of the day. 18As each dish is completed, scratch through it on the list posted on the refrigerator. 19Save the things that should be served right from the oven for last. 20When the last item is in the oven, take a few minutes to relax and freshen up. 21Put on some soothing music and light the candles around the house. 22When the doorbell rings, you'll be ready to greet your guests confidently, knowing that you've prepared a wonderful evening for them. Question: Choose the word that fits most appropriately in the blank in sentence 8. A. Although B. Moreover C. Then D. In like manner 9 Analysis: This paragraph explains how to do something; therefore, the pattern of organization for the paragraph is steps in a process. Steps in a process have to be done in a certain order, so the details are arranged in chronological order. Choice A is a contrast transition; therefore it is not appropriate for a process detail. Choice B is an addition transition. Many of the addition and chronological order transitions are the same, but “moreover” clearly indicates an addition of another idea instead of an importance of sequence. Choice D is a comparison transition; therefore, it is not appropriate for a process detail. Choice C is a time order transition and appropriate for introducing this supporting detail in the paragraph. Transitions within the context of a sentence To decide the correct choice of transition within a simple, compound, or complex sentence, seek to understand the relationship of the ideas within the sentence. Example: ____________________ it was hot in coastal Virginia in August, Bernie always wore his black overcoat and gray knit cap. Question: Choose the appropriate transition for the blank. A. Since B. Because C. Just as D. Although Analysis: The reader should use common sense and his/her experiences to help determine a relationship between ideas. From the information in the sentence, we know 10 the weather is hot, and someone is wearing winter clothing. It is not common to wear winter clothing in the hot temperatures of August. In fact, most people wear just the opposite type of clothing. If something is the opposite of what is expected, then a contrast is being presented. The fact that Bernie is wearing an overcoat and cap in August is the opposite of what we would expect. The only transition that indicates contrast is D. A and B indicate cause/effect, and C indicates comparison. The correct answer is D. Word Choice Skills (4 Questions) Skill 1: Chooses appropriate word or expression in context Assessment of this skill is presented in multiple choice questions. The student should be careful to avoid clichés, slang, or informal language. At the opposite end of the spectrum, students should also avoid word choices sounding like legalese or stilted, unnatural vocabulary. Example: _________________________________ when I found the clearance sale. Question: Choose the best word to fill in the blank. A. I felt very fortunate B. I really lucked out C. Pennies fell from heaven D. I was stoked Analysis: 11 Choice B is informal language. This choice is also an idiom, a combination of words whose meaning has little to do with the meaning of the individual words. B is not a correct word choice. Choice C is an old cliché. Clichés are worn out, over used expressions. C is not the correct word choice. Choice D is contemporary slang. Slang is not acceptable in formal, academic writing. D is not the correct word choice. Choice A is neither slang nor informal. The wording is straightforward and concise. A is the correct word choice. Example: Anton went home early yesterday because __________________________. Questions: Choose the best word choice to fill in the blank. A. he was wiped out B. he felt under the weather C. he was sick as a dog D. he felt ill Analysis: Choices A and C are more obviously informal and cliché, but students may be tempted to choose B rather than D because D looks too simple to be correct. Choice B is actually a cliché, as well. It may seem acceptable because we hear it so often. Choice D is neither informal nor cliché. D is concise and direct. Choice D is the correct answer. Skill 2: Recognizes commonly confused or misused words or phrases This skill is assessed by students choosing the correct word for the context of a sentence. The types of words tested in this section are words and phrases such as to vs. too, there 12 vs. their, could have vs. could of, accept vs. except, then vs. than, where vs. were, affect vs. effect, and so on. (see the appendix to review a comprehensive list of easily confused words) Example: We ____________ changed our plans if we had known about the traffic delay. Question: Choose the correct word/words to fill in the blank. A. could of B. could have Analysis: Notice the word after the blank: changed. This is a past tense verb. Verbs ending in ed often need helping verbs. Could have changed is the entire verb phrase in this sentence. Of is a preposition, so it can’t be used as part of a verb phrase. Students often incorrectly write could of for could have because they are choosing based on what they hear. The contraction for could have is could’ve. Could’ve sounds like could of, so students easily confuse the two. The correct answer is choice B. Example: Lynette consistently wins more races ________ Michelle. Question: Choose the correct word/words to fill in the blank. A. than B. then Analysis: Than and then sound very much alike. Sound rarely determines correct word choice, though. Than is a word demonstrating comparison—taller than, shorter than, longer than, smarter than, etc. Then is a time signal word. Then is a transition used in a narrative or process paragraphs to show progression of time or progression from step to 13 step. The sentence above compares the number of races won by Lynette to the number of races won by Michelle. The correct word that indicates comparison is choice A. Mastery Check Parts 1 & 2 Directions: Read the entire passage carefully and then answer the questions. (Note: Intentional errors may have been included in this passage.) 1____________________________________________. 2The simple acts of dialing or answering a telephone may take a driver’s eyes away from traffic signals or other cars. 3In addition, involvement in a complex or emotional conversation can slow a driver’s response time just when fast action is needed to avoid an accident. 4Last week, for example, I was behind a man using his car phone. 5 As he drove and talked, I could see him gesturing wildly, obviously agitated with the other caller, which had a direct effect on his driving. 6His speed constantly changed, slowing down and then increasing as his car drifted back and forth, crossing two lanes of traffic on a street frequented by school children. 7These children need to be more careful. 8_____, because the man was clearly not in full control of his driving, he was dangerous. 9My experience is not isolated; a study by the Foundation for Traffic Safety has discovered that car phones are far more distracting to drivers than listening to the radio or talking to a passenger. 10With additional studies in progress, voters will soon be able to demand legislation restricting the use of car telephones to passengers or to drivers when the vehicles are not in motion. 14 1. Which of the following sentences, when inserted in the blank labeled number 1 is the best main idea or topic sentence for the passage? A. Voters must immediately demand legislation that prohibits the dangerous practice of using car telephones while vehicles are in motion. B. Drivers who use car phones pose a serious threat to other drivers and pedestrians. C. Drivers of automobiles should only be allowed to use car telephones when a pay phone is not available. D. Drivers using car telephones are a threat to school children. 2. Which sentence provides specific support for sentence 5 in the passage? A. The simple acts of dialing or answering a telephone may take a driver’s eyes away from traffic signals or other cars (sentence 2) B. In addition, involvement in a complex or emotional conversation can slow a driver’s response time just when fast action is needed to avoid an accident (sentence 3) C. His speed constantly changed, slowing down and then increasing as his car drifted back and forth, crossing two lanes of traffic on a street frequented by school children. (sentence 6) D. Because the man was clearly not in full control of his driving, he was dangerous. (sentence 7) 3. Which numbered sentence is least relevant to the passage? A. sentence 7 B. sentence 8 C. sentence 9 15 D. sentence 10 4. Which word or phrase, if inserted in the blank in sentence 8, would make the relationship of the ideas in sentences 6 and 8 clearer? A. First B. On the other hand C. In contrast D. Therefore Directions: choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” 5. Before you leave Mrs. Mauzy’s party tonight, I advice you to compliment the hostess on her seven-course meal. A. advise B. complement C. coarse D. No change necessary 6. Choose the most effective word or phrase within the context suggested by the sentence. Because the professor was lecturing about __________________ concepts for the final exam, the students tried to write down every word he said. A. essential B. believable C. pedestrian Answers: B,C, A, D, A, A 16 Sentence Structure Skills (10 questions) Skill 1: Places modifiers correctly This skill is assessed through multiple choice questions. The student will need to identify two types of modifier errors: dangling modifiers and misplaced modifiers. Two points to remember are there must be a word in the sentence that is being modified, and the modifier must be placed in the sentence as closely as possible to the word it modifies. Modifying phrases that have no word in the sentence to modify are dangling modifiers Example: Driving up the coast, the scenery was beautiful. Driving up the coast is the modifying phrase. What is it modifying? Who was driving? There is no word in the sentence being modified. The correction for this error would be Driving up the coast, I enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Modifying phrases that are placed too far from the word being modified appear to modify the wrong word in the sentence. These errors are misplaced modifiers. Example: An elegant dinner of prime rib and lobster was served to the guests on expensive china. On expensive china is the modifying phrase. What is it modifying? Were the guests on expensive china? This error can be corrected by moving the modifying phrase. An elegant dinner of prime rib and lobster was served on expensive china to the guest. Or The guests were served an elegant dinner of prime rib and lobster on expensive china. Question: Choose the sentence that uses modifiers correctly. 17 A. The Johnsons watched the soccer players warming up sitting in lawn chairs on the sidelines. B. The Johnsons watched the soccer players sitting in lawn chairs on the sidelines warming up. C. The Johnsons on the sidelines watched the soccer players warming up sitting in lawn chairs. D. Sitting in lawn chairs on the sidelines, the Johnsons watched the soccer players warming up. Analysis: The modifying phrase is sitting in lawn chairs on the sidelines. Obviously soccer players who are warming up are not sitting in lawn chairs on the sidelines. The Johnsons is what is being modified. The only sentence choice that puts the modifying phrase next to the words being modified is D. Question: Choose the sentence that uses modifiers correctly. A. Dazed and confused, I was brought to my senses by the ambulance sirens. B. The ambulance sirens, dazed and confused, brought me to my senses. C. While dazed and confused, the ambulance sirens brought me to my senses. D. Dazed and confused, the ambulance sirens brought me to my senses. Analysis: Choices B, C, and D either have no word for the modifying phrase to modify, or the structures lead the reader to believe the ambulance sirens were dazed and confused. None of those choices is correct. Choice A correctly puts the modifying phrase, dazed and confused, next to the word I, which is being modified. Skill 2: Uses coordination and subordination effectively This skill is assessed by multiple choice questions. 18 Coordination is the joining of two ideas of equal importance into a compound sentence. Coordinating conjunctions and, but, or, nor, for, yet, and so are used to join the two sentences. Example: The game ended, and the fans went wild. Subordination is demonstrating the relationship between ideas by using subordinating conjunctions, such as if, while, since, because, although, to construct a complex sentence. (For a comprehensive list of subordinating conjunctions, see the appendix.) Example: The fans went wild because the Jaguars won. Sentences using coordination and subordination effectively improve writing style and clarify relationships between ideas. Question: Choose the sentences that are expressed correctly and effectively. A. My daughter was eight years old, and my grandmother was ninety-two years old, so we stitched a quilt together. B. Because my daughter was eight years old and my grandmother was ninetytwo years old, we stitched a quilt together. C. When my daughter was eight years old and my grandmother ninety-two years old, we stitched a quilt together. D. We stitched a quilt together, and my daughter was eight years old, and my grandmother was ninety-two years old. Analysis: Choice A uses only coordination, suggesting the ideas linked are equal. The second coordinating conjunction misrepresents the relationship between ideas. Choice A is incorrect. 19 Choice B uses subordination, but it is used incorrectly. The relationship between the ideas is not a cause/effect relationship. Choice D uses only coordination and presents the ideas as equal. The construction of the sentence is stringy and awkward. Choice C uses both subordination and coordination and correctly shows the time relationship between the ideas. Choice C is correct. Skill 3: Recognizes parallel structures Parallel lines mirror each other. In writing, parallel ideas mirror each other in structure. In other words, when more than one idea is presented, all of the ideas should be in the same grammatical form. Example: My goals are to finish college, to get a job, and to buy a home. All three goals are presented in infinitive phrases; the ideas are parallel. Example: My perfect mate will be a good listener, a compassionate friend, and a reliable partner. Correct parallelism is used here as all three characteristics are presented as adjective noun, adjective noun, and adjective noun. Question: Choose the sentence that is correct in structure. A. The best choice of action when someone offends you is stepping away emotionally from the situation, give the person the benefit of the doubt, and to confront the person with a calm demeanor. B. The best choice of action when someone offends you is stepping away emotionally from the situation, giving the person the benefit of the doubt, and to confront the person with a calm demeanor. 20 C. The best choice of action when someone offends you is to step away emotionally from the situation, give the person the benefit of the doubt, and confronting the person with a calm demeanor. D. The best choice of action when someone offends you is to step away emotionally from the situation, to give the person the benefit of the doubt, and to confront the person with a calm demeanor. Analysis: Choice A presents the three ideas with an ing form of a verb, a present tense verb, and an infinitive phrase. To be parallel, all three ideas must be in the same grammatical form. Choice B puts two of the three ideas in the same grammatical form, but all three must be in the same form to be parallel. Choice C also puts two of the three ideas in the same grammatical form, but all three must be in the same form to be parallel. Choice D puts all three ideas into infinitive phrases—parallel structure. This choice is correct. Skill 4: Avoids fragments, comma splices, and run-ons. This skill is assessed by giving the student a passage that may or may not contain an error. Students decide at which point in the sentence the error occurs or if no change is necessary. The strategy to use for this section of the test is first to look for subordinate conjunctions. If a passage begins with a subordinate conjunction, is should be connected to an independent clause to be a complete sentence instead of a fragment. E.G. Because the Jaguars won, the fans were elated. Secondly, check for coordinating conjunctions. If the coordinating conjunction is joining two complete thoughts, a comma must come 21 before the conjunction to avoid a run-on. E.G. The kittens were scurrying under foot, and the children were screaming upstairs. Next, look for subjective case pronouns. Often a pronoun will be the subject of a second independent clause. This independent clause must be joined with more than a comma to avoid a comma splice. E.G. Rhonda is a successful triathlete; she has won more than eight competitions. Example: Even though the hurricane hit south of Tampa. ATampa residents experienced flooding Band power outages; therefore, Cmany employees were unable to get to work. Question: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A..Tampa, Tampa B. flooding, and power C. therefore many D. No change necessary Analysis: Choice B adds a comma between flooding and power. These are not items in a series, nor does the conjunction separate two independent clauses. Choice B does not correct an error. Choice C removes the comma after the conjunctive adverb therefore. The comma after therefore is correct. Choice C does not correct an error. Choice A inserts a comma after and introductory subordinate clause. Introductory subordinate clauses need to be set off with a comma. Choice A is correct. Example: A hot A air baloon flew low over our mountain B cottage, and we could see the passenger waving to C us; but we couldn’t hear what he was shouting. Question: Choose the option that corrects the error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” 22 A. hot air balloon, flew B. cottage and C. us, but D. No change necessary. Analysis: Choice A inserts a comma where no comma is necessary. There is never a single comma between a subject and a verb. Choice A is incorrect. Choice B eliminates a necessary comma before a coordinating conjunction separating two independent clauses. Choice B is incorrect. Choice C removes the semi-colon and adds a necessary comma before a coordinating conjunction to separate two independent clauses. Choice C is the correct answer. Mastery Check Part 3 Directions: Choose the sentence in which the modifiers are correctly placed. A. We ate fried chicken after the soccer game, which was greasy and tasteless. B. We ate fried chicken, which was greasy and tasteless, after the soccer game. C. After the soccer game, which was greasy and tasteless, we ate fried chicken. Directions: Choose the sentence in which the modifiers are correctly placed. A. While Robin was riding her new surfboard, a shark bit her ankle. B. While riding her new surfboard, the shark bit Robin’s ankle. C. Robin’s ankle, while riding her new surfboard, was bitten by a shark. Directions: Choose the sentence that has no errors in structure. A. Computers are capable of programming, remembering, scanning, and they can sort information. 23 B. Computers are capable of programming, remembering, scanning and able to sort information. C. Computers are capable of programming, remembering, scanning, and sorting information. Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions(s). If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” Donald and Jim sailed down the Niagara River in a new sailboat, since they were new to the area, they did not realize they were headed for the falls. A. sailboat, but since B. sailboat, however since C. sailboat, on the contrary, since D. No change necessary Because Beatrice saw cockroaches climbing up the wall and bits of food stuck on the badly washed dinner plates she refused to eat dinner at her little brother’s apartment. A. plates, she B. plates; she C. plates. She D. No change necessary Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” My Amother, who is the world’s biggest clean Bfreak. Believes two things: all germs deserve Cannihilation, and bleach is more valuable than champagne. A. mother who 24 B. freak, believes C. annihilation and D. No change is necessary Answers: B, A, C, A, A, B Grammar, Spelling, Capitalization, and Punctuation Skills (16 questions) Skill 1: Uses standard verb forms This skill is assessed by a multiple choice question. Portions of a sentence are underlined, and the student must choose the answer that corrects an error in the sentence or choose no change necessary. Knowledge of correct present, past, and future tense verbs is required. (See the appendix for a comprehensive standard verb form chart.) Example: When the dog come sniffing around our backpacks last night, she was looking for food. Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. had come sniffing B. sniffing C. came sniffing D. No change necessary Analysis: Choice A is not correct because had come sniffing is in the past perfect tense, a tense used to show which action of two happened first in the past. Only past tense is required in this sentence. Choice A is incorrect. 25 Choice B is not correct because it eliminates part of the verb. The sentence needs the past tense form of come. Choice B is not correct. Choice C is correct in using came, the past tense form of the verb come. Example: Since my mom has not been feeling well, she has layed down after lunch every day this week. Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. has lain B. has laid C. lays D. no change necessary Analysis: To be reclined in a bed is to lie down. The past tense of lie is lay, and the past participle form of the verb is has lain. Choice B is incorrect because laid means to place, not to recline. Choice C is incorrect because lays also means to put, not to recline. Choice A is correct because it correctly uses has lain as the present perfect tense of the verb. Skill 2: Avoids inappropriate shifts in verb tense This skill is assessed by multiple choice questions. Shifts in verb tense usually occur when informal, conversation-like vocabulary is used. Keep tenses consistent. If the sentence begins with a past tense verb, other subsequent verbs should remain in the past tense unless the time of the action actually changes. 26 Example: As the rain lightly A pelted the window panes, Rene B sleeps soundly, and C dreamed of pleasant, far away places. Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. had pelted B. slept C. will be dreaming D. no change necessary Analysis: First thing to notice in this question is that two of the verbs are in the same tense: pelted and dreamed. Most likely, that tense is the correct tense for all verbs in the sentence. Choice A changes the verb to the past perfect tense. The past perfect tense is not needed because this action did not take place before another action that happened in the past. Choice A is not correct. Choice C changes the tense to the future tense. The actual time of the action doesn’t shift in this sentence, so a shift in tense is not necessary. Choice B changes the tense to the past tense, the same tense as the other two verbs in the sentence. Choice B is correct. Skill 3: Maintains agreement between subject and verb This skill is assessed in a multiple choice question. Singular subjects must have singular verbs; plural subjects must have plural verbs. Helpful tips-- Remember to correctly identify the subject of the sentence by ignoring prepositional phrases and information within commas. Compound subjects joined by and take a plural verb. In sentences 27 where the compound subject is joined by or or nor, the verb agrees with the closer subject. All words ending in one, thing, or body are always singular. Example: When the winters Aare mild in the mountains of Montanna, the reduced amount of snow Bmelting in the spring Ccause summer droughts. Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. is B. that melt C. causes D. no change necessary Analysis: Choice A changes the verb to singular. The subject, winters, is plural. A plural subject requires a plural verb. Choice A is not correct. Choice B contains a verb form that is not the verb of the sentence. Choice B is incorrect. Choice C changes the verb to singular, making it agree with the singular subject, amount. Skill 4: Maintains agreement between pronoun and antecedent This skill is assessed by multiple choice questions. Singular antecedents agree with singular pronouns; plural antecedents agree with plural pronouns. The antecedent is the word the pronoun refers back to in the sentence. Antecedents and pronouns also must agree in gender. E.G. Bob left his coat. The twins pack their own lunches. Each of the girl scouts brought her canteen. The antecedent will never be in a prepositional phrase of between commas. Example: Beth told her sister Laura that A they shouldn’t go jet skiing. Laura agreed because Bshe was still sunburned from 28 C their previous trip to the lake. Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. she B. they C. her D. No change necessary Analysis: Choice A is not correct because the pronoun she would have an ambiguous reference. Would she refer to Beth or to Laura? Choice A is not correct. Choice B is not correct because it would create a subject/verb agreement error in addition to causing the pronoun to disagree in number with the antecedent, Laura. Choice B is incorrect. Choice C is correct because it agrees with the antecedent Laura. They would be correct only if the antecedent in the sentence were both Beth and Laura. Choice C is correct. Skill 5: Avoids inappropriate pronoun shifts This skill is assessed by multiple choice questions. Most pronoun shift errors occur by the writer shifting into the second person by using the pronoun you. If a passage begins in the first person (I, me my, mine), the passage should remain in the first person. If a passage begins in the second person (you, your, yours), it should remain in the second person. If a passage begins in the third person, it should remain in the third person. The third person remains objective. E.G. Students often have difficulty paying for college; therefore, they should begin saving in high school. “ Students often have difficulty 29 paying for college; therefore, you should begin saving in high school,” would be incorrect because the pronoun shifts to second person when the antecedent is in the third person. Example: The teacher told Vincent, “File all the old assignments before A you leave, so B he will be ready to start on C our new assignment tomorrow morning.” Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. he leaves B. you C. his D. no change necessary Analysis: Choice A is incorrect because changing you to he creates a pronoun with no reference. Who is he? Choice C is incorrect because it also creates a pronoun with no reference. Who is he? Choice B is correct because the teacher is speaking to Vincent. The teacher would logically address Vincent as you. Choice B is correct. Skill 6: Maintains clear pronoun reference This skill is assessed by multiple choice questions. Pronouns must have an antecedent, and the antecedent must be clear. The problem normally occurs in one of two instances: 1)the pronoun it is used when there is no antecedent before the pronoun in the sentence and 2)Two words are possible antecedents, but neither is the clear antecedent. E.G. It says in the paper we may get rain. What does it refer to? No antecedent is there. Johnna told her boss she was diligent. What is the antecedent of she? Is it Johnna or boss? It’s impossible to tell, so this is a pronoun reference error. Example: We took Shawna to the new arcade to try some of the kiddie games, but it was a disaster because she cried all afternoon. 30 Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. the arcade was B. the games were C. our trip was D. no change necessary Analysis: The underlined portion contains the pronoun it. What does it refer to? What was a disaster? Choice A indicates the arcade was a disaster. This is not correct. Choice B indicates the games were a disaster. This is not correct. Choice C indicates the trip was a disaster. This is the correct answer. Example: After scrambling to arrive on time, Melissa and Brenda were late for the meeting. Melissa told Brenda she could not be late again. Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. we B. “I can not be late again.” C. Her D. No change necessary Analysis: Choice A creates an incorrect verb tense. This answer is incorrect Choice B clears up the confusion of the antecedent by using dialogue. Choice B is correct. Choice C creates a pronoun case error. Choice C is incorrect. Skill 7: Uses proper case forms 31 This skill is assessed by multiple choice questions. Errors most often occur when choosing between a subjective case and objective case pronoun. Subjects and subject complements are subjective case pronouns, and direct objects, indirect objects, and objects of the preposition are objective case pronouns. Helpful tip: To avoid pronoun case errors, find the verb of the sentence first. Identify the verb as action or linking. If the verb is a linking verb and the pronoun in question immediately follows the linking verb, choose subjective case. If the pronoun choice is not immediately following a linking verb, next find the subject of the verb. If the subject is the pronoun in question, use subjective case. Use objective case for everything else. Example: Him and me plan to go fishing this weekend. Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. He and I B. Him and I C. He and me D. No change necessary Analysis: The portion of the sentence underlined is the subject. (Who plan to go fishing?) Since the pronouns in question are in the subject spot in the sentence, subjective case pronouns must be used. Choice A supplies both subjective case pronouns. This choice is correct. Choice B combines an objective and a subjective case pronoun for the subject; this choice is incorrect. 32 Choice C also combines a subjective and an objective case pronoun for the subject; this choice is incorrect. Skill 8: Uses adjectives and adverbs correctly This skill is assessed by multiple choice questions. Adjectives modify nouns and pronouns; adverbs modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs. Usually, adjectives are found before the words they modify. In the case of the predicate adjective, the adjective follows the linking verb and describes the subject. E.G. The overstuffed pillow is soft. Soft describes pillow; therefore it is an adjective. Adverbs most often modify verbs and tell how something was done. E.G. The student studied diligently before the exam. How did the student study? The correct form of the word must be used for the adjective and adverb. E.G. He is a diligent student. He studies diligently. Notice that the adjective and adverb forms of the word are different. Example: The meal was very good. You did real well preparing for the dinner party. The house looked very lovely this evening. Questions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. very well B. really well C. very well D. no change necessary Skill 9: Uses appropriate degree forms This skill is assessed by multiple choice questions. Using the appropriate degree means choosing the correct word to represent a comparison. When two things are being compared, the superlative form (adding er as the word ending) or the word more is used. E.G. Lucy is more dependable than John. Lucy is smarter than John. When more 33 than two things are being compared, the superlative form (adding est as the word ending) or the word most is used. E.G. Lucy is the most dependable person in her class. Lucy is the smartest student in her class. Example: If we rearrange the furniture and paint the room a lighter color, the room will look more bigger. Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. Biggest B. Most big C. Bigger D. No change necessary Analysis: In this sentence, how the room will look is being compared to how it looks now. Since only two things are being compared, the comparative form is needed. Choice A is the superlative form. Choice A is incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because instead of adding an er or est ending, most is used. Choice C is correct. The comparative bigger is used to compare two things. Skill 10: Uses standard spelling correctly This skill is assessed by multiple choice questions. The most common types of spelling errors tested those governed by specific spelling rules. E.G. I before E except after C and in words like neighbor and weigh. Double the final consonant before adding a suffix to a one syllable word ending in a single consonant preceded by a short vowel: digging, batting, running. Example: When you Arecieve the Btickets from the Gator box office, call us to let us know Cwhere we will be sitting. 34 Questions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. receive B. tikets C. were D. no change necessary Analysis: Choice A is correct. The e follows the c.—I before E, except after c. Choice B is incorrect. Ticket is spelled correctly in the sentence. Choice C is incorrect. Were is a verb. Skill 11: Uses standard punctuation This skill is assessed by multiple choice questions. This skill includes the use of apostrophes, commas, colons, semi-colons, periods, and question marks. Example: With impressive Aefforts, the rescue workers lifted the girl from the well B and saved the girl’s life; cwhich elated the girl’s parents. Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. efforts the rescue B. well, and saved C. life which elated Analysis: Choice A is not correct because an introductory prepositional phrase should be set off by a comma. Choice B is not correct because a comma is not needed with a conjunction joining a compound verb. Choice C is correct because a semicolon is not used to separate an independent clause to a dependent clause. Example: The boy’s room in the attic is ample for all four of them and their storage trunks. 35 Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. boys’ room B. ample, for C. them, and their E. No change necessary Analysis: Choice A is correct. The context of the sentence indicates there are four boys; therefore, boys’ is a plural possessive. Choice B is incorrect. No comma is needed between the predicate adjective and the preposition. Choice C is incorrect. No comma is needed before the conjunction in a compound object of the preposition. Skill 12: Uses standard capitalization This skill is assessed by a multiple choice question. All proper nouns and proper adjectives should be capitalized. Capitalization errors occur frequently when titles are involved. The title for a family member (uncle, mother, father,etc.) should be capitalized if the title is being used in place of the person’s name or if it used in conjunction with the person’s name, is capitalized. E.G. We invited Uncle Harry to the party. I love Grandpa. I’ll ask Mother if I may go to the party. When the possessive pronoun my is used before the title, the title is not capitalized. E.G. My uncle is coming to the party. I love my grandpa. I’ll ask my mother if I may go to the party. Example: In the fall, we will register for the French class offered at 8:00 AM, french 2021. Question: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portions. If no error exists, choose “No change necessary.” A. Fall 36 B. french C. French 2021 D. No change necessary Analysis: Choice A is incorrect. Seasons are not capitalized. Choice B is incorrect. Proper adjectives should be capitalized. Choice C is correct. Titles of courses followed by numbers should be capitalized. Mastery Check Part 4 Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” Between my brother and me, I am the taller. A. tallest B. most tall C. most tallest D. No change is necessary. Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” Sam’s classmates are sponsering him for class president. A. spansering B. sponsoring C. sponsorring D. No change is necessary. Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” 37 The Washington Monument, built after the White House, is located North of the Potomac river. A. Washington monument B. White house C. north D. No change is necessary. Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” Almost all cats, whether wild or Adomestic, are solitary Bcreatures however, house cats can live peacefully together in confined Careas if they are well fed. A. domestic; are B. creatures; however C. areas; if D. No change is necessary Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” My brother Ahas wanted to be a pilot all of his life. He Bhas taken many flying lessons, and next week, he Cwill receive his license. A. had wanted B. had taken C. received D. No change is necessary. 38 Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” Since a hurricane was Aapproaching, many people headed for local Bshelters, then they settled in for a scary Cnight and soothed their crying children. A. approaching. Many B. shelters. Then C. night, and D. No change is necessary Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” Sometimes I crave food swimming in grease then I eat in the college cafeteria. A. grease, then B. grease and then C. grease; then D. No change is necessary. Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” One of my neighbors collects used furniture. She thinks that the price of new furniture is too high. On weekends she still enjoyed repairing and refinishing her old bargains. A. was enjoying B. enjoys C. had enjoyed D. No change is necessary. 39 Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” Because students were carelessly throwing chewed gum on the sidewalks or putting Ait under Btheir desks, the college administration decided that Cthey should ban the sale of this product in the bookstore. A. them B. its C. it D. No change is necessary. Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” My sister, as well as my brother, Aattend the same college that I Bdo, which Ckeeps me from getting homesick. A. attends B. does C. keep D. No change is necessary. Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” Every Thanksgiving, my family meets at AGrandma’s house to eat Aunt Mable’s stewed Bcranberies’, Uncle John’s smoked turkey, and Cousin Mildred’s pumpkin Cpies. A. Grandmas B. Cranberries 40 C. Pie’s D. No change is necessary. Directions: Choose the option that corrects an error in the underlined portion(s). If no error exists, choose “No change is necessary.” Some of the essays that one of the students have written are very well done. A. has written B. having written C. has writing D. No change is necessary. Answers: D, B, C, B, D, B, C, B, C, A, B, A Appendix Review of transitions Time Transitions first as second now then until 41 since later next while after when soon finally before during Addition Transitions one first of all in addition furthermore first also next last of all second another moreover finally Contrast Transitions but however on the other hand in contrast instead even though yet still although Comparison Words like just as in like manner as likewise in the same way as if equally just like similarly as well Illustration Words for example to illustrate once for instance such as including Cause and Effect Words because the result was therefore since if…then thus reason so as a result Easily Confused Words 42 accept, except Accept means "to receive". Example: Please accept my gift. Except means "not including". Example: I brought all the gifts except yours. advice, advise Advice is an "opinion about what should be done". Example: She gives good advice. Advise means "to recommend". Example: Please advise me on what to do. affect, effect Affect means "to influence". Example: Do not let the loss affect you. An effect is "a result". Example: The loss did not have an effect on me. all ready, already All ready means "everything is ready". Example: We are all ready to move. Already means "previously". Example: We already moved our things yesterday. choose, chose Choose means "to select". Example: Today, I will choose a new house. Chose is the past tense of choose. Example: Yesterday, I chose a new house. complement, compliment Complement means "to make complete". Example: This hat will complement my new dress. A compliment is something said in praise. Example: Thank you for the compliment about my dress. it's, its It's is the short form of "it is". Example: It's in the dog house. Its is a pronoun that shows ownership or possession. Example: The dog has its own house. 43 loose, lose Loose means "not tight". Example: My pants are loose. Lose means "to be defeated or no longer have". Example: I do not want to lose the game. past, passed Past means "gone by" or "history". Example: The car drove past my house. My past is very interesting. Passed is the past tense of pass. Example: We passed the truck earlier. principal, principle A principal is the head of a school. Example: The principal spoke to us today. A principle is an important fact or law. Example: The principle of democracy is important to Canadians. than, then Than means "in comparison with". Example: He is bigger than me. Then means "next". Example: After going home, he then started his assignment. their, there, they're Their is a form of "they" that shows ownership. Example: Their flowers are on the table. There describes where something is. Example: The flowers are there on the table. They're is a short form of "they are". Example: They're going to buy flowers. to, too, two To means "in the direction of". Example: He went to the store. Too means "also". Example: He went to the store, too. Two is a number. Example: Two of my friends went to the store. weather, whether Weather means "conditions outdoors". Example: The weather is terrible. 44 Whether is an expression of choice between two options. Example: I do not know whether I will stay home or go to school. your, you're Your is a form of "you" that shows ownership. Example: Your car is new. You're is a short form of "your are". Example: You're going to the store. Common Subordinating Conjunctions After if though Although if only till as in order that unless as if now that until as long as once when as though rather than whenever because since where before so that whereas even if than wherever even though that while Verbs Present tense Past tense arise be bear begin bite blow break bring buy arose was/were bore began bit blew broke brought bought Past participle (has, have) arisen been borne begun bitten/bit blown broken brought bought 45 catch choose come creep dive do drag draw dream drink drive drown eat fall fight fly forget forgive freeze get give go grow hang hide know lay lead lie light lose prove ride ring rise run see seek set shake sing sink sit speak spring steal sting strike swear swim swing take tear throw uses caught chose came crept dived/dove did dragged drew dreamed/dreamt drank drove drowned ate fell fought flew forgot forgave froze got gave went grew hung hid knew laid led lay lit lost proved rode rang rose ran saw sought set shook sang sank sat spoke sprang stole stung struck swore swam swung took tore threw used caught chosen come crept dived done dragged drawn dreamt drunk driven drowned eaten fallen fought flown forgotten forgiven frozen got/gotten given gone grown hung hidden known laid led lain lit lost proved/proven ridden rung risen run seen sought set shaken sung sunk sat spoken sprung stolen stung struck sworn swum swung taken torn thrown used 46 wake wear write woke/waked wore wrote woken/waked/woke worn written Mastery section questions were taken from Practice Form Z of the Florida College Basic Skills Exit Test. 47 48