Download Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers

EOCT Review
Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
Dangling and misplaced modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that confuse the
meaning of a sentence.
A dangling modifier does not clearly modify another word in a sentence because the
word it should modify has been omitted.
Ex:
Sitting by the fireplace, the flames suddenly sparked and
hissed. (It sounds as if the flames are sitting by the fireplace.)
Corrected:
Sitting by the fireplace, I noticed the flames suddenly
Spark and hiss. (Sitting by the fireplace now modifies
I am doing.)
A misplaced modifier seems to modify the wrong word in the sentence because it is
located too far away from the word it should modify.
Ex:
We have several photographs of our dogs on top of the piano.
(It sounds as if the dogs are on top of the piano).
Corrected: On top of the piano, we have several photographs of our dogs.
Directions: Tell whether each sentence has a dangling or misplaced modifier and
correct the sentence.
1. Driving home in the rain, a deer crossed the highway and nearly caused a
collision.
2. The zookeeper explained where to find the gorillas in the cafeteria.
3. The houses and streets looked like a miniature village flying high above the
landscape.
4. A dozen tomatoes dried in the sun on the picnic table freshly picked from the
garden.
5. Living in the city, traffic congestion is a daily problem for many commuters.
6. The birthday girl opened the wrapped gift with a glowing face.
7. Suddenly entering the house with fully loaded backpacks, the cats leapt in
surprise and fear.
8. To save an extra seat in the concert hall, his jacket was placed on the chair.
9. Most friends almost communicate every day by cell phone or e-mail.
10. While brushing my teeth this morning, my mom made bacon and apple fritters.
EOCT Review
Grammar and Literary Terms Pre-test
Directions: Write the letter of the best choice to each question.
This is based on the following ONE sentence.
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me and what can be the use of him is
more than I can see.
Questions:
1. This sentence may be hard to read because one comma has been left out. Where
would you put a comma to break up the sentence into two main parts?
a. After shadow
b. After me
c. After him
d. After more
2. What kind of sentence is this?
a. Simple
b. Complex
c. Compound
d. Compound-complex
3. Which of the following is I have a little shadow?
a. The subject of the sentence
b. The first independent clause
c. The first subordinate (dependent) clause
d. The subject of him (line 3)
4. What is that goes in and out with me?
a. The first independent clause
b. A subordinate clause, object of have
c. A subordinate clause modifying shadow
d. A subordinate clause modifying goes
5. What is and?
a. A coordinating conjunction
b. A subordinating conjunction
c. A relative pronoun
d. A preposition modifying what
6. What is and what can be the use of him?
a. The second independent clause
b. A subordinate clause, modifying shadow
c. A subordinate clause, subject of is
d. A subordinate clause, subject of see
EOCT Review
7. What is than I can see?
a. The second independent clause
b. A subordinate clause, object of is
c. A subordinate clause, object of more
d. A subordinate clause modifying more
8. What is is?
a. Verb of the second independent clause
b. Verb of the second subordinate clause
c. Verb modifying more
d. A verb that does not have a subject
9. What is the subject of the first independent clause?
a. I
b. shadow
c. I have a little shadow
d. that goes in and out with me
10. What is the subject of the second independent clause?
a. shadow
b. that goes in and out with me
c. what can be the use of him
d. more than I can see
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me and what can be the use of him is
more than I can see.
11. What is the verb of the first independent clause?
a. have
b. goes
c. can be
d. can see
12. What is the verb of the second independent clause?
a. goes
b. can be
c. is
d. can see
13. What is shadow?
a. Subject of the whole sentence
b. Object of have
c. A linking-verb compliment
d. Object of the preposition little
14. What are in and out?
a. Prepositions
b. Adverbs
c. Objects of goes
d. Adjectives modifying with me
EOCT Review
15. What does with me modify?
a. shadow
b. have
c. goes
d. in and out
Literary Terms
Directions: Choose the answer that best explains the literary term used in each
sentence or definition.
1. The way a reading makes you feel is called:
a. point of view
c. tone
b. mood
d. paradox
2. The sun was screaming with delight as it scattered its rays across the land
a. metaphor
c. personification
b. simile
d. onomatopoeia
3. I told my mother she was as ugly as homemade sin.
a. simile
c. imagery
b. metaphor
d. hyperbole
4. An object that is used to represent both itself and something else, like an abstract
concept, is a:
a. symbol
c. simile
b. metaphor
d. theme
5. My heart was beating a million miles per second.
a. metaphor
c. onomatopoeia
b. hyperbole
d. simile
6. As I walked into the room, the smell of apple pie filled my nose, and my mouth
began to water. I could almost taste the sweet tang of the apples rolling down my
tongue.
a. personification
c. metaphor
b. hyperbole
d. imagery
7. My hatred is a war that I battle within my own mind.
a. simile
c. metaphor
b. mood
d. personification
8. The metal on the car went, “Crunch!” as it slammed into the guard rail on the side
of the cliff.
a. personification
c. tone
b. repetition
d. onomatopoeia
9. The attitude an author takes toward his or her subject matter is called:
a. tone
c. mood
b. Parody
d. satire
EOCT Review
10. The lesson that the author attempts to teach about life through the work, which is
stated in a complete sentence, is called:
a. tone
b. theme
c. mood
d. symbolism
Directions: In the passage below, identify the underlined verbs as passive or
active.
The voice of an action verb tells whether the subject of the sentence performs or receives
the action. When the subject performs the action of the verb, the verb is in active voice.
When the subject receives the action of the verb, the verb is in the passive voice.
Ex: Passive Voice: The marker was dropped by Miss Bennett.
Passive voice is when there is a form of the verb “to be” + the past participle of
an action verb. These sentences can usually be revised to the active voice.
Active Voice: Miss Bennett dropped the marker.
Leon stared at the new moccasins that Teofilo had made for the
ceremonial dances in the summer. They were nearly hidden by the red
blanket. It was getting colder, and the wind pushed gray dust down the
narrow pueblo road. The sun was approaching the long mesa where is
disappeared during the winter. Louise stood there shivering and
watching his face. Then he zipped up his jacket and opened the truck door.
A. Underline the prepositional phrase in each sentence and tell whether it
functions as an adjective or an adverb on the line provided.
1. The book about women writers is mine.
__________
2. She is helpful to everyone.
__________
2. Harriet Beecher Stowe worked as a
teacher with her sister Catherine.
__________
4. Harriet Beecher Stowe is the
seventh child of a famous Protestant preacher.
__________
B. Underline the participial phrase and circle the word it is modifying (telling us
more about).
1. The fish swimming near us are lovely.
2. Closing my backpack, I continued on the trail.
3. The Everglades, teeming with alligators, are humid.
4. Covered in mud, I had to take a shower before dinner.
EOCT Review
C. Underline the gerund phrase and tell what part of speech it is in the line
provided.
1. Hiking mountains is a pleasant activity.
2. My new hobby is snorkeling in the ocean.
3. You should never swim before waiting thirty minutes after a meal.
4. I mastered climbing the rock wall.
D.Underline the infinitive/infinitive phrase and tell what part of speech it is on the
line provided.
1. Mr. Wilkins decided to walk briskly.
2. I hugged my mother to show her I love her.
3. The purpose of learning grammar is to better your writing skills.
4. Cleaning your room is a good thing to do.
E. Underline the appositive phrase and circle the word it is identifying.
1. The black and white cow, a milk cow, makes milk for people to drink.
2. The book My Sister’s Keeper is a really great read.
3. Her new book is a mystery—a real page turner.
4. A world-renowned expert on medieval history, the professor lectured on the
construction of castles during this period.
For each sentence, underline the antecedent and circle the correct pronoun.
Ex:
The team has elected Bill for (its, their) captain.
1. Charles and his brother received (their, his) tetanus shots.
2. Neither girl did (their, her) best.
3. One of the campers put (their, his) tent in a good location.
4. Everyone has (their, his) own opinion about the coach.
5. If anyone calls, get (their, his) name and telephone number.
6. Both applicants brought (their, his) applications with them.
7. Sam and his brother were so thirsty (their, his) tongues were hanging out.
EOCT Review
8. Nobody in the class has turned in (their, his) notebook.
9. Every chef has (their, his) favorite recipe.
10. Several of the boys brought (his, their) Scout handbooks.
Matching: Match the letters to the correct definitions.
a. simple sentence b. compound sentence
c. complex sentence
d. compound-complex sentence e. run-on sentence f. comma splice
g. fused sentence
1. ______ two independent clauses correctly jointed and punctuated.
2. ______two or more complete sentences incorrectly punctuated as if they were
one.
3. _____ consists of two or more independent clauses and one or more subordinate
clauses.
4. _____ A independent clause that includes a subject and a predicate and expresses
a complete thought.
5. _____two or more sentences separated by a comma instead of a comma and a
conjunction.
6. _____ consists of one independent clause and one subordinate clause.
7. _____two complete sentences that are not separated or jointed by punctuation.
For each sentence, underline the subject and circle the verb that agrees with it.
Ex:
Men who work here (is, are) well paid.
1. One man (requires, require) help.
2. Several men (requires, require) help.
3. One man, as well as several children, (needs, need) help.
4. A man and several children (needs, need) help.
5. Out of every four Americans, one (owns, own) an automobile.
6. One American out of every four (possesses, possess) an automobile.
7. The order of words in sentences sometimes (causes, cause) errors in agreement.
8. A sentence which begins with there, where, or here (is, are) sometimes deceptive.
EOCT Review
9. Here (is, are) several of your friends.
10. Where (has, have) Henry and his friends gone?
Define the type of clause that is in the sentence (essential or non-essential adjective,
adverb, noun), underline it, and punctuate the sentence correctly if needed.
1. ______________When Kevin Simmons hit a monster home run against the
Guilford Indians he broke the game wide open.
2. _____________Bill and Betty Holiday who have lived in several parts of the
world love Madison, Connecticut the best.
3. _____________Although the Yankees played several games with replacements
the team hung together and eventually won the pennant.
4. _____________The program that captures the attention of the audience usually
receives the most awards.
5. _____________The Woodlawn which is owned by the proprietor of the Dolly
Madison Inn has had a long history.
6. _____________As calm as Dave Nelson seems when approaching a ball in a sand
trap internally butterflies play havoc with his psyche.
7. ______________Terri James would present the Culinary Arts Award to whoever
baked the cake with the most chocolate.
8. ______________The book that I consider the best teaching tool for vocabulary is
on my shelf.
9. ______________Whatever bid Gerd Nelson makes while playing bridge usually
pleases her partner.
10. ______________Before he enlisted in the Marines Bill Reilly hunted wild boar in
Australia.
Critical Reading
The questions below are based on the following selection.
This excerpt is from an early section of Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography. In the final
sentence, the word discovered means “revealed.”
My Brother had in 1720 or 21, begun to print a Newspaper. . . . Being still a Boy, and
suspecting that my Brother would object to printing any Thing of mine in his Paper if he
knew it to be mine, I contrived to disguise my Hand, and writing an anonymous Paper, I
EOCT Review
put it in at Night under the Door of the Printing House. It was found in the Morning and
communicated to his Writing friends when they called in as usual. They read it,
commented on it in my Hearing, and I had the exquisite Pleasure of finding it met with
their Approbation, and that in their different Guesses at the Author none were named but
men of some Character among us for Learning and Ingenuity.
I suppose now that I was rather lucky in my Judges: And that perhaps they were
not really so very good ones as I then esteemed them. Encouraged, however, by this, I
wrote and conveyed in the same Way to the Press several more papers, which were
equally approved, and I kept my Secret till my small Fund of Sense for such
Performances was pretty well exhausted,
and then I discovered it; when I began to be considered a little more by my Brother’s
Acquaintance, and in a manner that did not quite please him, as he thought, probably with
reason, that it tended to make me too vain. . . .
On the line, write the letter of the one best answer.
____ 1. Benjamin Franklin
a. signed his name to the articles he wrote for his brother’s newspaper.
b. printed several stories his brother wrote for his newspaper.
c. signed a false name to the articles he wrote for his brother’s newspaper.
d. signed no name to the articles he wrote for his brother’s newspaper.
____ 2. Why might Franklin’s brother “object to printing any Thing of mine in his Paper
if he knew it to be mine”?
a. He dislikes Franklin, despite their kinship.
b. He disagrees with Franklin’s political views.
c. He never prints unsolicited articles.
d. He deems Franklin too young to be an adequate writer.
____ 3. What conclusion can you draw about Franklin based on the following passage
from The Autobiography?
I made a little book, in which I allotted a page for each of the virtues. I ruled each page
with red ink, so as to have seven columns, one for each day of the week, marking each
column with a letter for the day. I crossed these columns with thirteen red lines, marking
the beginning of each line with the first letter of one of the virtues. . . .
a. Franklin was organized in his approach to his project.
b. Franklin was afraid of forgetting the virtues.
c. Was concerned that his book did not have enough space.
d. Franklin carried his book with him wherever he went.
____ 4. This selection presents events
a. in a positive light.
b. as the author’s brother saw them.
c. as historical fact.
d. as Benjamin Franklin saw them.
EOCT Review
(1750–1800)
____ 5. What causes Franklin to cease his deception?
a. He tires of misleading the editors.
b. The printer recognizes Franklin’s handwriting.
c. The lie is detected by a learned editor.
d. He wants to embarrass his brother.
____ 6. What is the best characterization of Franklin’s attitude toward his brother during
this period, as it is revealed in the selection?
a. fond
b. hostile
c. competitive
d. casual
____ 7. An autobiography has most in common with which of the following literary
forms?
a. a poem
b. a historical narrative
c. a short story
d. a journal
____ 8. In The Autobiography, what does Franklin mean when he says, “In truth, I found
myself incorrigible with respect to Order. . . .”
a. Franklin didn’t care about achieving Order.
b. Order was the hardest virtue for Franklin to achieve.
c. Franklin felt the need to tell the truth about Order.
d. Order was the simplest virtue for Franklin to achieve.
____ 9. What can you infer about the author from this selection?
a. He was wracked by guilt about his duplicity.
b. He was an orphan.
c. He was an ambitious young man.
d. He despised his brother.
____ 10. Which of the following words is most likely to produce an emotional response
in a reader?
a. judiciary
b. reason
c. liberty
d. anonymous
EOCT Review
LITERATURE—Define the following terms. List the major characteristics of each
group and know the writers associated with each group.
Term
Puritanism
Rationalism
Romanticism
Transcendentalism
Realism
Naturalism
Modernism
Definition/Characteristics
Writers