English section
English test consist of Usage and mechanics Sentence structure Punctuation Grammar and usage Rhetorical skills General writing strategies Organizational techniques Style
Sentence structure Refers to the way sentences are formed. Subjects, verbs, objects, and modifiers. If not used correctly these can form odd or confusing sentences. Sentences are made up of subjects and predicates. That express a complete thought. The wind is howling.
Sentence structure Subjects can be singular or compound I drove for hours. Omar and I drove for hours.
Sentence structure Direct object Is the object that receives the predicate Indirect object is a person or thing that receives the direct object I asked Vladimir a question. The guest gave the host a gift
INDEPENDENT AND DEPENDENT CLAUSES A clause is a subject and a predicate that may also have a direct and indirect object. An independent clause expresses a complete thought, that stands on its own as a sentence. A dependent clause, can not stand alone. He forgot his key. Because he forgot his key.
Phrases and Modifiers Pharases- are groups of words that do not have subjects and predicates, by might have a subject and a verb but never both. Modifiers- are adjectives that add description Prepositional phrases- consist of nouns and pronouns He was very late for an important meeting with a new client. The motel room had a small refrigerator in the corener and a large table by the door.
Practice place a bracket around the dependent clause underline the prepositional phrases circle the modifier. 1. Since the research paper is due in just two weeks,I should finish my research over the weekend. 2. Xiu picked Maria up at her house and they drove to the beach in her brand new convertible. 3. After Sean put the entertainment center together,he realized that it wouldn’t fit through the door of the TV room. 4. Jenine felt uncomfortable at the party even though she knew almost everyone. 5. High-rise window washing is one of the most dangerous jobs on Earth.
Comma Rules When do you use commas ? Missed used commas can create confusion with your reader.
Rule number 1 Use a comma to separate the elements in a series (three or more things) Example: He hit the ball, dropped the bat, and ran to first base.
Rule number 2 Use a comma + a little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so) to connect two independent clauses. He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base
Rule number 3 Use a comma to set off introductory elements Running toward third base, he suddenly realized how stupid he looked.
Rule number 4 Use a comma to set off parenthetical elements “ The Founders Bridge, which spans the Connecticut River, is falling down." By "parenthetical element,"
Rule number 5 Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives. “That tall, distinguished, good looking fellow"
Rule number 6 Use a comma to set off quoted elements. Summing up this argument, Peter Coveney writes, "The purpose and strength of the romantic image of the child had been above all to establish a relation between childhood and adult consciousness."
Rule number 7 Use commas to set off phrases that express contrast. Some say the world will end in ice, not fire.
1. He should have knowed better than to do that. a. NO CHANGE b. should had known c. should have known d. would have known 2. The blinds were drawed to keep out the sun. f. NO CHANGE g. were drawn h. drew j. had drawn
3. The key was hidden behind the picture. a. NO CHANGE b. was hid c. did hide d. had hidden 4. The water creeped up to the bottom of the window. f. NO CHANGE g. creep h. crept j. had creeped
Punctuation marks symbols we use to separate sentences,express emotions,and show relationships between objects and ideas. When a punctuation mark is used incorrectly this can change the meaning of the sentence. Don’t call me, stupid! Don’t call me stupid!