When revising a narrative essay the writer should include

Grammar and Punctuation

1 — Why Grammar?

Recognize the value in understanding and using proper grammar.

1. Grammar matters because __________.

a.) if one has poor grammar skills, one cannot succeed in life

b.) every language needs structural rules and agreed-upon standards

c.) it dictates the content and depth of any written work

d.) any person who learns a language must learn its grammar first

2. All of the following are benefits of knowing and using correct grammar except __________.

a.) Grammar rules provide structure for language as it evolves.

b.) Mastering the grammar in any language makes you fluent in that language.

c.) Using agreed-upon conventions improves communication.

d.) It’s easier to write when you have a good understanding of grammar rules.

3. A writer who uses incorrect grammar in a professional setting appears __________ than the writer who uses correct grammar.

a.) less rule-driven

b.) more creative

c.) less intelligent

d.) more spontaneous

2 — Modifiers

Given a sentence or its intended meaning, identify the correct placement of the modifier.

The desk lay in pieces on the floor, and Samantha sighed in frustration.

4. Choose the correct placement for the modifier "unable to understand the instructions" in the sentence.

a.) Unable to understand the instructions, the desk lay in pieces on the floor, and Samantha sighed in frustration.

b.) The desk lay in pieces on the floor, unable to understand the instructions, and Samantha sighed in frustration.

c.) The desk lay in pieces on the floor, and Samantha, unable to understand the instructions, sighed in frustration.

d.) The desk, unable to understand the instructions, lay in pieces on the floor, and Samantha sighed in frustration.

5. After she got ready for bed, Olivia lifted the heavy book down from the shelf.

Choose the best placement for the modifier "carefully" in the sentence.

a.) After she got ready for bed, carefully, Olivia lifted the heavy book down from the shelf.

b.) After she got ready for bed, Olivia carefully lifted the heavy book down from the shelf.

c.) After she got ready for bed, Olivia lifted the heavy book down from the shelf carefully.

d.) Carefully, after she got ready for bed, Olivia lifted the heavy book down from the shelf.

6. Choose the sentence that shows the correct placement of the modifier “only” to tell the reader that Tony doesn’t like vanilla ice cream unless it is on apple pie.

a.) Tony likes vanilla ice cream only on apple pie.

b.) Tony only likes vanilla ice cream on apple pie.

c.) Only Tony likes vanilla ice cream on apple pie.

d.) Tony likes only vanilla ice cream on apple pie.

3 — Commonly Confused Words

Recognize the correct usage of commonly confused words in sentences.

7. Choose the option that uses the correct form of its/it's, than/then, and your/you're.

a.) It's been three years since I joined the soccer team. I am much better now then I used to be. Our coach always says, "The most important thing is that you try you're best!"

b.) It’s been three years since I joined the soccer team. I am much better now than I used to be. Our coach always says, "The most important thing is that you try you're best!"

c.) It's been three years since I joined the soccer team. I am much better now than I used to be. Our coach always says, "The most important thing is that you try your best!"

d.) It’s been three years since I joined the soccer team. I am much better now then I used to be. Our coach always says, "The most important thing is that you try your best!"

8. Choose the option that correctly uses too/two/to and sight/site/cite.

a.) I have loved to play soccer since I was very young. All of my friends have played that long too. My mom says that it is quite a sight to see my team go crazy every time we score a goal.

b.) I have loved too play soccer since I was very young. All of my friends have played that long two. My mom says that it is quite a sight to see my team go crazy every time we score a goal.

c.) I have loved two play soccer since I was very young. All of my friends have played that long too. My mom says that it is quite a site to see my team go crazy every time we score a goal.

d.) I have loved too play soccer since I was very young. All of my friends have played that long to. My mom says that it is quite a cite to see my team go crazy every time we score a goal

.

9. Choose the option that correctly uses their/there/they're and affect/effect.

a.)

They're are 20 girls on my soccer team. Their all very talented. Playing soccer on a team has had a positive affect on my life.

b.) There are 20 girls on my soccer team. They're all very talented. Playing soccer on a team has had a positive effect on my life.

c.)

Their are 20 girls on my soccer team. There all very talented. Playing soccer on a team has had a positive effect on my life.

d.) There are 20 girls on my soccer team. They're all very talented. Playing soccer on a team has had a positive affect on my life.

4 — Pronoun Choice and Pronoun Reference

Identify or correct errors in pronoun choice and reference.

10. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mayor Filson must regretfully reschedule this month’s city council meeting. Her and her family have been unexpectedly called out of town next week. The meeting will take place this Thursday evening, January 24, in her office. Please contact the mayor or I with questions or concerns.

Choose the option that corrects all pronoun errors in this email.

a.) She and her family have been unexpectedly called out of town next week. The meeting will take place this Thursday evening, January 24, in her office. Please contact the mayor or I with questions or concerns.

b.) Her family and her have been unexpectedly called out of town next week. The meeting will take place this Thursday evening, January 24, in her office. Please contact the mayor or me with questions or concerns.

c.) She and her family have been unexpectedly called out of town next week. The meeting will take place this Thursday evening, January 24, in her's office. Please contact the mayor or I with questions or concerns.

d.) She and her family have been unexpectedly called out of town next week. The meeting will take place this Thursday evening, January 24, in her office. Please contact the mayor or me with questions or concerns.

11. An apology from us members of the mayor’s staff for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson, whomever serves on the governor’s task force, has been summoned to take part in a legislative session at the state capital. She and her team will be out of town for the week. Please let me know if you have questions or concerns.

Choose the option that corrects all the pronoun errors in this email.

a.)

An apology from we members of the mayor’s staff for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson, who serves on the governor’s task force, has been summoned to take part in a legislative session at the state capital. She and her team will be out of town for the week.

b.)

An apology from we members of the mayor’s staff for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson, whom serves on the governor’s task force, has been summoned to take part in a legislative session at the state capital. She and her team will be out of town for the week.

c.)

An apology from us members of the mayor’s staff for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson, whom serves on the governor’s task force, has been summoned to take part in a legislative session at the state capital. They will be out of town for the week.

d.)

An apology from us members of the mayor’s staff for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson, whom serves on the governor’s task force, has been summoned to take part in a legislative session at the state capital. Her and her team will be out of town for the week.

12. The mayor and myself send our apologies for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson has been called to jury duty and feels strongly about meeting her civic responsibility. Her and I discussed the matter and made a decision to hold the city council meeting on Thursday, January 24, in her office. Please contact me if you have questions.

Choose the option that corrects all the pronoun errors in this email.

a.)

The mayor and myself send our apologies for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson has been called to jury duty and feels strongly about meeting its civic responsibility. Her and me discussed the matter and made a decision to hold the city council meeting on Thursday, January 24, in her office.

b.)

The mayor and I send our apologies for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson has been called to jury duty and feels strongly about meeting its civic responsibility. Her and I discussed the matter and made a decision to hold the city council meeting on Thursday, January 24, in her office.

c.)

The mayor and I send our apologies for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson has been called to jury duty and feels strongly about meeting her civic responsibility. She and I discussed the matter and made a decision to hold the city council meeting on Thursday, January 24, in her office.

d.)

The mayor and me send our apologies for the late notice, but this month’s city council meeting has been rescheduled. Mayor Filson has been called to jury duty and feels strongly about meeting her civic responsibility. She and I discussed the matter and made a decision to hold the city council meeting on Thursday, January 24, in her office.

5 — Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Given a sentence, identify the pronoun that agrees with its antecedent.

13. If anyone disagrees with my plan, __________ should speak up now.

Choose the pronoun that agrees with its antecedent to fill the blank in this sentence.

a.) us

b.) he

c.) we

d.) he or she

14. The audience voiced __________ approval by rising in one motion to applaud and cheer.

Choose the pronoun that agrees with its antecedent to fill the blank in this sentence.

a.) their

b.) his or her

c.) its

d.) my

15. All of the students should take __________ seats immediately upon entering the room.

Choose the pronoun that agrees with its antecedent to fill the blank in this sentence.

a.) our

b.) his or her

c.) your

d.) their

6 — Verb Tense Consistency

Demonstrate an understanding of verb tense consistency.

16. Choose the sentence that maintains verb tense consistency.

a.) Every year we visit a new national monument when we have taken a summer vacation.

b.) Every year we visited a new national monument when we take a summer vacation.

c.) Every year we visit a new national monument when we took a summer vacation.

d.) Every year we visit a new national monument when we take a summer vacation.

17. Choose the sentence that maintains verb tense consistency.

a.) The movie started at 6:00 and we eat popcorn for two solid hours.

b.) The movie started at 6:00 and we ate popcorn for two solid hours.

c.) The movie will start at 6:00 and we ate popcorn for two solid hours.

d.) The movie starts at 6:00 and we are eating popcorn for two solid hours.

18. Choose the sentence that maintains verb tense consistency.

a.) The new library will be built when the public funds were released.

b.) The new library was built when the public funds were released.

c.) The new library is built when the public funds are being released.

d.) The new library has been built when the public funds are released.

7 — Identifying Errors In Subject-Verb Agreement

Identify errors in subject-verb agreement.

19. Choose the sentence that has an error in subject-verb agreement.

a.) Neither the teacher nor her student know how to answer that question.

b.) Each of the children has a different flavor of ice cream cone.

c.) The baby sitter, surrounded by his charges, reads a book.

d.) None of the people present sit in their assigned seats.

20. Choose the sentence that has an error in subject-verb agreement.

a.) Your shoes have mud on them.

b.) There was dozens of cookies to choose from.

c.) Both of my sons are interested in computer programming.

d.) The man with the yellow coat lives next door to me.

21. Choose the sentence that has an error in subject-verb agreement.

a.) Oil and water does not mix.

b.) One of my friends is flying to Spain.

c.) The scissors are in the cabinet.

d.) He and I attend the same school.

8 — Correcting Errors In Subject-Verb Agreement

Correct errors in subject-verb agreement.

22. Choose the change that corrects the error in subject-verb agreement in this sentence.

Bob and Kim prefers riding on the roller coaster over the ferris wheel.

a.) Change “riding” to “rode”

b.) Change “riding” to “rides”

c.) Change “prefers” to “prefer”

d.) Change “prefers” to “preferring”

23. Choose the change that corrects the error in subject-verb agreement in this sentence.

The gorilla at the zoo, along with the chimpanzees, are allowed to play in the new-fallen snow.

a.) Change “play” to “plays”

b.) Change “are” to “is”

c.) Change “are” to “were”

d.) Change “play” to “playing”

24. Choose the change that corrects the error in subject-verb agreement in this sentence.

“Lying on the table is the car keys and the map for our destination,” Marilyn reminded her husband.

a.) Changed “reminded” to “remind”

b.) Change “is” to “are”

c.) Change “reminded” to “reminds”

d.) Change “is” to “was”

Steps in the Writing Process

1 — The Writing Process

Recognize the specific activities involved in the different stages of the writing process.

25. Which of the following statements describes the prewriting stage of the writing process?

a.) In this stage, you will physically write your essay and further develop your ideas.

b.) In this stage, you will improve aspects such as sentence structure, word choice, flow, clarity of ideas, and style.

c.) In this stage, you will brainstorm ideas prior to writing the essay.

d.) In this stage, you will identify and fix spelling and grammar errors.

26. Which of the following statements describes the proofreading stage of the writing process?

a.) In this stage, you will look for and correct errors in spelling and grammar.

b.) In this stage, you will make adjustments to word choice and sentence structure to enhance the essay.

c.) In this stage, you will begin to write out your ideas in the form of an essay.

d.) In this stage you will focus on large-scale issues and rethink aspects such as organization and support.

26. Which of the following statements describes the drafting stage of the writing process?

a.) In this stage, you will use your ideas to begin composing the first copy of your essay.

b.) In this stage, you will focus on language and word choice to improve clarity.

c.) In this stage, you might adjust your thesis statement or rearrange your body paragraphs to improve flow.

d.) In this stage, you will start generating ideas for your essay and possibly construct an outline.

2 — Brainstorming

Understand the techniques and objectives of brainstorming.

27. One way to __________ is to brainstorm new ideas.

a.) combat writer's block

b.) improve your style

c.) find evidence for your claims

d.) summarize in a conclusion

28. Which of these is NOT a goal of brainstorming?

a.) To find a topic of a suitable size/scope

b.) To explore possible aspects of a topic

c.) To craft a focused thesis statement

d.) To reflect on your own thinking

29. __________ is a brainstorming technique that uses boxes, circles, or arrows to show how ideas connect.

a.) The 5 W's

b.) Clustering

c.) Freewriting

d.) Listing

3 — Prewriting

Understand the techniques and objectives of the pre-writing stage of the writing process.

30. A major goal of prewriting is to help the writer __________.

a.) discover the appropriate mode in which to write

b.) reveal flaws in a potential argument

c.) determine a topic

d.) narrow [her] focus

31. Which of the following is NOT included in prewriting?

a.) narrowing the focus

b.) creating citations

c.) planning the essay

d.) outlining

32. Choose the FALSE statement about prewriting

a.) Prewriting may take a little extra time in the beginning, but can help to save time in the long run.

b.) prewriting involves planning and organizing ideas before actually writing

c.) Prewriting includes creating an outline of the piece of writing, which serves as a plan for what to write.

d.) Prewriting eliminates the need to revise a piece of writing later on.

4 — Outlines and Drafting

Understand how outlines can be used in drafting.

33. How does preparing an outline help a writer to avoid plagiarizing?

a.) In an outline, a writer can paraphrase another writer's words without citing them.

b.) Source materials are not considered until the essay is drafted.

c.) Outlines are brief but should cover all the main points a writer wants to make.

d.) The writer creates a thesis statement and writing plan in his or her own words.

34. Choose the false statement about using an outline while drafting.

a.) An outline can help a writer get past writer's block.

b.) An outline can help a writer draft without being sure of her main points.

c.) An outline can help a writer control his own writing process.

d.) An outline can help a writer avoid plagiarism.

35. An outline and draft should remain focused on the writer's __________, which may be revised throughout the writing process.

a.) conclusion

b.) introduction

c.) rhetorical situation

d.) thesis

5 — Revising, Editing and Proofreading

Differentiate between the revising, editing, and proofreading stages of the writing process.

36. Which of the following scenarios describes a writer in the revising stage?

a.) Maddie corrects errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization throughout her essay.

b.) Carson adds transitions between paragraphs and sentences to improve his essay's flow.

c.) Mason adds more evidence to the body paragraphs in his essay to better support his thesis.

d.) Selena reads through her essay to spot any sentences that could be worded more clearly.

37. Which of the following scenarios describes a writer in the proofreading stage?

a.) Jason reconsiders the content and organization of his essay.

b.) Courtney looks for ways to improve sentence structure and word choice in her essay.

c.) Aaron evaluates whether or not his tone and style match the writing mode.

d.) Maria reads through her essay to check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

38. Which of the following scenarios describes a writer in the editing stage?

a.) Kimberly fixes any spelling and punctuation errors throughout her essay.

b.) Hailie decides to adjust her thesis to better reflect the scope of her essay.

c.) Jay considers the overall structure and organization of his essay.

d.) Daisy balances the length and complexity of sentences in her essay.

6 — Revising and Revising Strategies

Differentiate between revising for clarity, revising for focus, and revising for structure.

39. Camila is revising her essay.

What is one question she should ask herself when considering the essay’s structure?

a.) Have I included any unnecessary details?

b.) Do I have an introduction with a strong thesis statement?

c.) Is my topic appropriate for the writing assignment?

d.) Do I have clear transitions between the ideas expressed in my body paragraphs?

40. Camila is revising her essay.

What is one question she should ask herself when considering the essay’s focus?

a.) Have I chosen the best conclusion type to support the essay’s purpose?

b.) Is the thesis still relevant and do all the body paragraphs support it?

c.) Should I reorder body paragraphs to present my ideas more clearly?

d.) Does the essay communicate exactly what I mean to say?

41. Camila is revising her essay.

What is one question she should ask herself when considering the essay’s clarity?

a.) Is my writing expressing my point the way I want it to?

b.) Have I written an introduction that will engage the reader?

c.) Have I included enough body paragraphs?

d.) Is my evidence from reliable sources?

7 — Editing and Editing Strategies

Identify or correct wordiness and vague language in sentences.

42. One of the most well-known stories on campus is that of the haunted Simonson Building. The building is close to an old cemetery. The building was constructed over 200 years ago. Students claim that when they are walking alone at night, they hear footsteps following behind them. Thus, the majority of most students refuse to wander campus alone after dark. Although students making this claim are few, it’s my opinion that the building is haunted. When I lived on campus, I always dashed past the building to avoid an incident.

Which of the underlined portions is an example of wordiness?

a.) following behind them

b.) Students claim

c.) I always dashed

d.) an old cemetery

43. One of the most famous stories on campus is that of the haunted Simonson Building. The building was constructed over 200 years ago. Students claim that they have heard footsteps following behind them when nobody else is around. Thus, as a result, many students refuse to wander campus alone after dark. Although students making this claim are few, it’s my personal opinion that the building is haunted by spirits. When I lived on campus, I avoided walking past it.

Which of the underlined portions is an example of wordiness?

a.) alone after dark

b.) was constructed

c.) my personal opinion

d.) avoided walking past

44. One of the most famous and well-known stories on campus is that of the haunted Simonson Building. The building has been a part of campus history for almost 200 years. Students claim that when they are walking alone at night, they hear footsteps following them. Although students making this claim are few, it’s my opinion that the building is haunted. When I lived on campus, I avoided walking past it.

45. Which of the underlined portions is an example of wordiness?

a.) footsteps following them

b.) famous and well-known

c.) When I lived

d.) almost 200 years

The Essay

1 — Basic Essay Structure

Identify the general components required of academic essays.

46. Which of the following is a required component of an academic essay?

a.) Research that backs up the essay's argument

b.) A conclusion that inspires the reader to take action

c.) Body paragraphs that support the essay's main points

d.) Rhetorical appeals that convince the reader

47. Which of the following is a required component of an academic essay?

a.) Body paragraphs that contain direct quotations from sources

b.) An appeal to pathos, ethos, or logos

c.) A paragraph that includes a personal narrative

d.) An introductory paragraph that contains a thesis statement

48. Which of the following is a required component of an academic essay?

a.) An introduction that states an interesting fact

b.) Quotations from experts on the topic

c.) Body paragraphs that describe a series of events in order

d.) A conclusion that serves as the final paragraph of the essay

2 — The Essay

Identify and understand the components of an effective academic essay.

49. When responding to a writing prompt, writers should do all of the following EXCEPT __________.

a.) use the prompt to create a working thesis

b.) refer to the prompt while brainstorming and drafting

c.) choose an aspect of the prompt that most appeals to them

d.) clarify the prompt's meaning

50. Choose the FALSE statement about a 5-paragraph essay.

a.) Advanced or experienced writers rarely limit themselves to this structure.

b.) It works well for all types of essays because it limits the topic for the writer.

c.) It can be a useful form to master, especially for the purpose of timed writing.

d.) It typically includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

51. Choose the true statement about the academic essay.

a.) Using figurative language, dialogue, and description in an academic essay is discouraged.

b.) Writers have control over and can experiment with their voice and style in an academic essay. c.) Non-traditional introductions and conclusions are distracting for the reader and should be avoided.

d.) Because it is a nonfiction piece of writing, an academic essay does not have room for creativity.

3 — Paragraphs and Topic Sentences

Recognize appropriate topic sentences and supporting sentences in paragraphs.

52. For example, citrus fruits have lots of soluble fiber which has been linked to lowering cholesterol. This fiber helps to maintain glucose levels too; sugars in citrus fruits are released gradually, avoiding a sugar spike and crash. Citrus fruits also contain flavonoids, or plant compounds, that promote a healthy heart, as well as plenty of potassium which can limit the threat of strokes. And, because citrus fruits contain so much water (oranges are 87% water), they also help to keep you hydrated so body systems can function properly.

Choose the best topic sentence for the paragraph.

a.) Eating a diet high in fruits can boost the immune system and help to maintain a healthy weight.

b.) Many people are aware that citrus fruits contain vitamin C, but eating citrus fruits has many other benefits.

c.) Next time you feel a cold coming on, follow your doctor’s advice and increase your consumption of vitamin C.

d.) Citrus fruits can now be enjoyed in all parts of the world because of advances in harvesting, storing, and shipping.

53. As a member of the city council, Sarah was tasked with creating a letter to residents informing them of the decision implement a disaster preparation plan for their small town and the benefits of having a disaster preparation plan in place. Read Sarah's draft below:

Watch for notices for town hall meetings and budget forums. These events will be open to the public, and citizens are encouraged to attend and participate. The fire chief has agreed to serve as temporary lead on the project until details for hiring a permanent staff are finalized. He is open to suggestions and feedback from citizens, and he can be reached at the fire station. Let’s make our disaster preparation plan a real community effort!

Choose the best topic sentence for the paragraph.

a.) A plan will be in place by December 31.

b.) Involved citizens are a valuable resource.

c.) Citizens should constantly be on alert.

d.) No one likes to think about a disaster.

54. As a member of the city council, Sarah was tasked with creating a letter to residents informing them of the decision to implement a disaster preparation plan for their small town and the benefits of having a disaster preparation plan in place. Read Sarah's draft below:

The police department, fire department, utility and other city workers, as well as the mayor’s office will share communications and operate from a central location. This will minimize confusion and allow officials to manage both preparedness and recovery operations most efficiently. Communications among the various departments and business factions will be direct and ongoing.

Choose the best topic sentence for the paragraph.

a.) It is essential that we devote equal attention to preparedness for an emergency and recovery efforts.

b.) In addition to a federal grant to help offset costs, plans are being made to access state grants as well.

c.) Vulnerable populations—such as the elderly or the very young—are one of the top considerations.

d.) The proposed plan will coordinate resources within the city in case of a natural disaster or emergency.