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As your writing is returned, make note of the errors indicated in the left hand margin. When you see errors repeated, this tells you where you need to focus and what error you need to address first.

Find the problem in this booklet and see if you can solve it.

Also, see me in Tutorials or during quiet moments in class, to get

GRAMMAR REVIEW

There are a few key words you need to know so that when we discuss your writing, you can understand how to improve your sentences and grammar. Much like it is easier to understand a mechanic if you understand a few of the more basic components of your automobile, so too is the case with understanding composition.

PARTS OF SPEECH

I. NOUNS: A noun is a word that names one (or more) person, place, thing or idea.

II. PRONOUNS: A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun and refers back to an antecedent which is named or implied.

Personal Pronoun s

I, me, you, she, her, he, him, it, we, us, they, them

Possessive Personal Pronoun s

my, mine, your, yours, his, hers, its, their, our, ours, their, theirs

Relative Pronoun s : The relative pronoun is used to introduce subordinate clauses -- who, whom, which, what, that

Interrogative Pronoun: The interrogative pronoun is used in questions. Who...? Whom...? Which...? What...? Whose...?

III. ADJECTIVES: An adjective is a word used to modify a noun or pronoun. To modify -- means to describe, or to make more definite the meaning of the word.

Adjectives may modify nouns or pronouns in any one of four ways:

1. by telling what kind (blue eyes, strong wind)

2. by pointing out which one (that tall man, this suggestion)

3. by telling how many (several reasons, 10 players)

4. by telling whose (Geoff's watch, their papers)

Article s : The, a, an, are modifiers or determiners.

"the" = definite article"a, an" = indefinite article

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As your writing is returned, make note of the errors indicated in the left hand margin. When you see errors repeated, this tells you where you need to focus and what error you need to address first.

Find the problem in this booklet and see if you can solve it.

Also, see me in Tutorials or during quiet moments in class, to get

IV. VERBS: The verb is the heart of the sentence -- without a verb, any words is only a fragment. A verb is a word, or group of words, that expresses action or allows you to describe something.

Action Verb: An action verb may express either physical or mental action.

hit, blow, run (physical) think, know (mental)

Linking Verbs: Linking verbs do not express action. They help to make a statement by linking the subject to a word or description. Eg. He is tall. She is a doctor.

e.g. appear, feel, sound, become, smell, taste, seem

The most common linking verb is the verb to be and its many forms.

Verb Phrase: A verb phrase is made up of a main verb and one or more helping verbs. Helping verbs (auxiliary verbs) are so called because they help the main verb to express action or make a statement.

e.g. has played will be coming must have been hurt

Common Helping Verbs

e.g. do, did, am, are, was, were, have, has, had, can, may, will (shall) be, has (had), been, could, would, should, must, must have been, might have seen

V. ADVERB S : An adverb is a word used to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. An adverb may tell when, where, how, why, to what extent, or how much.

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SINGULAR PLURAL SINGULAR PLURAL

I am we are I was we were

you are you are you were you were

he, she, it is the are he, she, it was they were

I have been we have been I can be we, you can be

you have been you have been you can be you can be

he, it has been they have been he, she, it can be they can be

e.g. The band played stirringly. (how it played)The band played immediately. (when it played)

Often adding "ly" to an adjective changes it into an adverb.

VI. PREPOSTIONS: A preposition is a small word that shows position or direction. It always introduces a prepositional phrase, which ends with a noun or pronoun. Most prepositions can fit into the following phrase:

“The cat jumped _______ the box.” The two exceptions are “of” and “during”

Common Prepositions: at, by, for, from, in, of, to, with

others: about, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, before, behind, below, beside, between, beyond, during, into, like, near , over, past,

throughout, toward, under, underneath, through, up, upon, within, without

e.g. The boy (with a dog) lives (on a farm).

VII. CONJUNCTIONS

Conjunctions join words, phrases, and clauses. There are four types of conjunctions. The two main types are

Coordinate Conjunctions: Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, and sentences of equal value. The Coordinating Conjunctions are: and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so. “FANBOYS”

Subordinate Conjunctions: Subordinating conjunctions join less important clauses to the main ideas of the sentence. Therefore, the clauses are not of equal value.

The Subordinating Conjunctions are: after, although, as, because, before,if, since, so that, that, unless, until, when, where, while, unless, even though.

PARTS OF THE SENTENCE

THE SENTENCE

A sentence is a group of words containing a subject and a verb.A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause.

e.g. The whole class sang songs. (simple subject and simple verb)Dawn and Sue were studying together. (compound subject)Roberta finished her letter and mailed it. (compound verb)

SUBJECT: The subject is the doer of the action, or the word or group of words spoken about in sentence. VERB: The heart of every sentence is the verb. Every sentence MUST have a verb.

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PREPOSTIONS: A preposition is a small word that shows position or direction. It always introduces a prepositional phrase, which ends with a noun or pronoun. Most prepositions can fit into the following phrase:

“The cat jumped _______ the box.” The two exceptions are “of” and “during”

Common Prepositions: at, by, for, from, in, of, to, with

others: about, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, before, behind, below, beside, between, beyond, during, into, like, near , over, past, throughout, toward, under, underneath, through, up, upon, without

e.g. The boy (with a dog) lives (on a farm).

Circle the prepositions and bracket ( ) or highlight the prepositional phrases.

1. Early in the morning, we arrived at the lake beside Mount Reyson.

2. There was a strange cry in the middle of the night.

3. In Kindergarten, I once ate a worm covered in mud.

4. We moved to Vancouver in May of 2001.

5. The cup of tea was too warm.

6. During the night, the blazing fire burned the building to the ground.

7. The radio towers were visible for a distance of ten miles.

8. Below the North Pole, the sea has a depth of nearly ten miles.

9. At the South Pole, there is a solid mass of ice.

10. During the storm, the waves hurled heavy rocks onto the shore.

11. One of the Reyson sisters went shopping with her mother in the afternoon.

12. A crowd of angry aliens gathered outside the embassy.

13. Before the railroads, settlers traveled along the rivers in canoes.

14. For years, the Pennsylvania Shipping Company towed its boats over the mountains.

15. Some of the salesmen went about their business without a car during the recession.

Use prepositional phrases to create transition.A large cardboard box had been placed in the centre of the street.

PREPOSITIONS: Worksheet II

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1. On my way home, the neighbor’s dog snapped at me and bit me on the ankle.

2. After the festival, many of the guests retired to their boats and enjoyed a cup of tea.

3. During the robbery, one of the thieves tripped over a garbage can in the alley.

4. Two of the sailors drowned in the sea late last night.

5. Without thinking, I sprinted into the battle and to my death.

6. It was snowing too hard to see the road without our headlights on high.

7. For the first time in my life, I was unable to win a trophy in the long jump.

8. After midnight, we crept into the house near the cemetery in the centre of town.

9. The quarterback passed to the tight end who sprinted across the goal line for a touchdown.

10. You can find everything from frozen milk to soybean flour in the big box store by the mall.

11. Four of our players spent most of the game in the penalty box.

12. In the tenth century, the nobles of France lived much better lives than those on farms.

13. One of the wedding guests remarked that the wine served for dessert was too dry for him.

14. As we turned onto the road near the park, a truck filled with melons hit us.

15. The cat with the red ears rubbed against the old couch in our den.

16. With time, the squatters in tents were not welcome in town, and they headed west on the rails.

17. The evil in them surfaced in the dark of night.

18. While they waited for the first light of morning, the wind whipped around the house.

19. Some of these things were lost, and the crops died and the farms were repossessed by bankers without scruples.

20. During the Depression, the bankers owned the best of the farms in the valley.

At home tonight, complete the following exercises online.

http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/prepositions.htmhttp://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quiz_list.htm

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A FEW BASIC RULES TO HELP YOU FIND THE SUBJECT

1. Normally, the subject precedes the verb and can be found by asking,

“Who or what is doing the action?”“Who or what is being described?”

Most sentences are structured using the following pattern. Subject + Verb.

Eg. Henry brings his wife flowers every day.Juliette sprinted down the street.Yesterday, I ate twenty seven hot dogs at the fair.

Note: Not all sentences are as simple as these. Not all sentences begin with the subject, so do not assume that the first noun in the sentence has to be the subject.

2. The word THERE is NEVER the subject of a sentence.

Eg. There are fourteen students in the class.

The subject is fourteen studentsThe verb is are.The standard position of subject and verb is reversed: V + S

3. Subjects and Verbs are NEVER found in a ( prepositional phrase.)

A] The subject precedes the verb: ( At the top of the hill ) , a small cabin stood.

Note the comma after the introductory prepositional phrase when it is followed by the subject.

B] The subject follows the verb: ( At the top of the hill ) stood a small cabin.

In both sentences, the subject is the small cabin and the verb is stood.

The most common verbs to follow a prepositional phrase are is, was, were and are.

4. Sometimes there will be more than one subject in a sentence.

COMPOUND SUBJECTS: Bill and Shirley attended the symphony last night.

COMPOUND SENTENCES: Bill attended the symphony, but Shirley stayed home.

5. The subject of a command is implied. The subject is “YOU” the unnamed person who is commanded.

Eg. Close the door! = YOU close the door! “You” is the subject of the first sentence.

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SUBJECTS AND VERBS – Worksheet I

First, cross out the prepositional phrases. Now, circle the subject and late we will underline the verbs.

1. Barney was very tall.

2. There were several sharks in the water.

3. The cats and squirrels were trapped in the tree beside the house.

4. During the night, the leader of the rebels led his men into battle.

5. It had been a long night.

6. There was the dog.

7. Broderick and Roderick are my best friends.

8. On his head was a red cap.

9. At the time, I believed in you.

10. On the flight to Toronto, one of the pilots fell asleep at the wheel.

11. Wait until I come home!

12. There are light bulbs in the refrigerator.

13. Panicking, one of the firemen threw the old lady out of the window.

14. Some of the apples are rotten.

15. Quietly and quickly, the soldiers and civilians evacuated the town.

16. In the lake near the mountains, the divers discovered a sunken ship.

17. Several of the men walked into the shop and ordered sandwiches for lunch.

18. Suddenly, the car skidded to a stop.

19. Many of the students wanted to go home after the explosion.

20. On the inklinhop, Tweeble Tum is floobling with the wertinghee.

*Now, go back to the two prepositions worksheets and circle all the subjects. Then, at home or in the library go to the website below and complete the exercise.

http://aliscot.com/bigdog/sv_exercise.htm

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SUBJECTS AND VERBS – Worksheet II

First, cross out the prepositional phrases. Now, circle the subject and late we will underline the verbs.

1. Roger was very angry and frustrated.

2. To Roger, there were many problems in Cageville.

3. The rabbits and squirrels were terrorizing the gerbils.

4. During the War of Carrots, the leader of the rabbits fought and killed three hundred gerbils.

5. Now, it was time for the gerbils to fight back.

6. There was Roger.

7. Roger armed himself with several atomic bombs and butter knives.

8. On his head was a tin foil cap to protect him from radiation.

9. Late one evening, in the dead of night, Roger crept into the rabbits’ hideout.

10. Will he succeed in implementing his plan?

11. Wait until tomorrow to find out!

12. There are light bulbs in the refrigerator.

13. Panicking, one of the firemen threw the old lady out of the window.

14. She bounced several times when she hit the pavement.

15. On the sidewalk lay the old woman.

16. Barney and Fred picked her up.

17. When they picked her up, she hit Barney with her fist.

18. Staggering backwards,

19. At the wedding, the bride and bridesmaids danced all night.

20. The police held back the crowd, and the ambulance pulled up to the curb.

At home or in the library, go to the website below and complete exercises 1 and 2.

http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/sentences_core_parts.htm

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SUBJECTS AND VERBS - Worksheet III

“The challenge”

First, cross out the prepositional phrases. Now, hi-light the subjects and later we will hi-light the verbs.

1. There is the car which ran into me on the street.2. Who talked to you in the corridor?3. The woman who talked to you in the corridor is my English professor.4. Sit down and be quiet!5. Frieda and Fred went to the zoo, but Hubert went to the farmers’ market.

6. On our way to the lake, one of the monsters following us ate our pet cat.7. Many of the tigers pranced in the grasses.8. Some of us should attend the ceremony at the church.9. Neither of the students was sorry for the explosion.10. Several of the tigers and one of the leopards snacked on the gazelle.

11. Cold and scared, Billy had pulled the blanket over his head. 12. In July, one of my aunts will visit us at the lake.13. After school, there will be a fund raiser for the swim team.14. Hubert, alone and tired, fell asleep by the fire while Henry kept watch for evil monsters.15.  Sometimes late at night, the monsters wake up and visit me.

16. I read the book yesterday evening after dinner.17.  While reading the book yesterday evening after dinner, I ate a sandwich.18.  I ate my sandwich while I was watching television.19.  While I was watching television, the television exploded and destroyed our house.20. Eating my sandwich, I was attacked by a giant monster from outer space.21. Jack and Jill went up the hill, and they fetched a pail of dirt.22. If you look carefully, there will be a bright light on the horizon in a moment.23.  Before we attended the ceremony, Bill and I drank twenty slurpees.24. While I was driving to work, there was an accident on the road.25. When I took my exam today, I was very nervous.

26. Considering all the factors in this case, I should think that he is guilty.27. Thinking quickly, Roderick avoided the disaster.28. Tripping over the rug, Broderick fell and spilled his coffee.29. There are too many of us here in the park.30. One of the space creatures, weaving erratically, knocked over a lamp post.

31. Skiing in the spring is far better than skiing in January.32. Running the marathon has always been a goal of mine.33. Consuming illegal drugs can be very risky. 34. Eating too many prunes can have dire consequences.35. Fweeping quickly, one of the spalingoks completed the kastio for Kilop.

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VERBS TAKE TWO FORMS

Linking Verbs: Linking verbs do not express action. They help to make a statement by linking the subject to a word or description. He is tall. She will become a

doctor.

e.g. appear, feel, felt, sound, become, smell, taste, seem, seemed

The most common linking verb is the verb to be and its many forms.

Action Verbs: Action verbs tell us what the subject is doing.

He ran. He jumped. He thought. He went.

Verb Phrase: A verb phrase is made up of a main verb and one or more helping verbs. Helping verbs (auxiliary verbs) are so called because they help the main

verb to express action or make a statement.

e.g. has played will be coming must have been hurt

Common Helping Verbs: do, did, am, is, are, was, were, have, has, had, can, may, will (shall) be, has (had), been, could, would, should, must, must have been, might have

VERBS – most verbs follow the subject. The tired old man jumped over the fence.One of my men will take you to the station.

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SINGULAR PLURAL SINGULAR PLURAL

I am we are I was we were

you are you are you were you were

he, she, it is the are he, she, it was they were

I have been we have been I can be we, you can be

you have been you have been you can be you can be

he, it has been they have been he, she, it can be they can be

VERBS AND VERB PHRASES: Worksheet I

1. Henry is a very intelligent young zebra.

2. Hubert jumped over the candlestick.

3. After the dance, we went for a soda.

4. Bill sprinted to the finish line and won a ribbon.

5. They should have gone home.

6. Our dog smells like grape jelly.

7. He must leave us now.

8. He is winning the race.

9. One of us should attend the ceremony.

10. Time is ticking by very slowly, but I will survive.

11. Think carefully!

12. During the Olympics, many of the athletes win medals.

13. Three pirates have boarded the abandoned ship.

14. Running is my favourite sport.

15. After thinking carefully, the rat decided to eat the cheese on the wooden board.

16. The quality of a society is defined by the happiness of its citizens.

17. Of the seven finalists, Bill won the race.

18. There were seven mountains to climb.

19. Sprinting down the alley, the thief dodged the derelicts huddled under blankets.

20. On the crest of the mountain sat a solitary eagle’s nest.

21. There were many players from the other team at our practice on the weekend.

22. You should have seen the giant gerbil in the tree.

23. There were gerbils in the apple pie.

24. Many of the gerbils ran and jumped.

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25. He has seldom won a race.

When it comes to identifying verbs, students typically seem to have the most trouble with verb phrases and mistaking participles or infinitives for verbs.

Participles look like verbs (and usually end in “ing”), but they are adjectives; they usually describe a person or thing in the sentence.

The man ran down the street. “ran” is the verb.

Running down the street, the man fell. “Running is a participle; it describes the man.The man fell running down the street. “fell” is the verb.

The man is running down the street. “is running” is a verb phrase.

In other words, a word that ends in “ing” and looks like a verb is ONLY a verb if it is preceded by a helping verb.

Infinitives are verbs that follow the preposition TO ( to ski to laugh to run ). These words are usually nouns. To keep it simple – just find your prepositions and remember no subjects or verbs in prep phrases.

I want (to ski.) The subject is “I” The verb is “want” and to ski is the thing desired

Highlight the verbs in the sentences below.

1. I love to dance.

2. Dodging the traffic, Rufus chased the ball.

3. Rufus, chasing the ball, dodged the traffic.

4. Rufus wanted to retrieve the ball.

5. Eating quickly, Barney finished the steak.

6. Bertie, sipping the drink slowly, left home.

7. During the summer, I love to sleep outside.

8. Entering the shed, Bert tripped on a rake.

9. Sheila, waving a rake, threatened us.

10. The twinkling stars brightened the sky.

11. When running, I hate to sweat.

12. Sweating, one of the runners collapsed.

13. Tired and dying, the man

14. To sleep soundly is the best medicine.

15. The doctor, removing the needle, fainted.

16. He hit the car speeding down the street.

17. The car skidded to a stop and hit the curb.

18. He entered the building screaming loudly.

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19. He wanted to fight the bully. 20. The man in shorts running in the race.

FRAGMENTS are incomplete sentences.

They are missing either a subject or a verb or both.

COMMON FRAGMENT FORMS:

Prep phrases (no subjects or verbs in prep phrases)

During the night near the old house on the corner.

For example a dinosaur.

Participle phrases (words ending in “ING” are not verbs unless there is a helping verb.) Participle Phrases are not complete sentences. A participle is a word that looks like a verb but is used as a modifier. Participles often end in “ing” or “ed” and begin a sentence. They must be attached to the subject with a comma.

Running quickly down the street and past the old house on the corner. (no subject nor verb)

Listed several old novels he had read.

Bill running quickly down the street.

Subordinate clauses: Complex sentences need a main clause.

When I was seventeen and still in high school.

Adjectival clauses: Adjectival clauses begin with the following words: who, whom, which and that.

Who was a doctor. FRAGMENTWho was a doctor? Sentence Can you explain why?

FRAGMENTS Worksheet I

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Identify the incomplete sentences – the fragments.

1. Down the road beside the old shack on Macduff Road.2. Near the old mill, the stream turns south.3. In cold weather, the bears hibernate in caves.4. At night during the summer months, particularly in the evening.5. Beside me on the plane sat an obnoxious old man.

6. Which is why I never venture out alone at night.7. Why are you angry?8. That is awful.9. Who voted for more taxation of corporations in the last meeting.10. Where the Verdun River, which is often flooded in spring, meets the valley.

11. Sitting on a log near the old mill house.12. Rupert, a bear of little brain, sitting on the log outside.13. Rupert, sitting on the log by the stream, thought carefully before answering.14. Sitting can be tiring.15.  Smelling of apricots, the dog getting out of his bath.16. Leaping over the fence and running for the barn, Lil Abner screamed for his father.17.  Lil Abner screaming and crying for his father who was in the barn.18.  Trying hard to forget the past and all his mistakes.19.  Waving to the crowd, Rupert rushed past his fans.20. Waving to the crowd, Rupert rushing past his fans on the curb.

21. When I was barely seventeen and still in diapers.22. While attending college, I often ate in Macbeth’s Café.23.  While I was attending college, the team mascot caught fire.24. If you think about it, it seems crazy.25. Because sometimes what seems right is often wrong.26. Rested after a hard days work.27. Swimming along the edge of the river where it was not too deep.28. Having walked through the forest all morning without a break.29. While writing his paper for History 101 up all night.30. Then smiling, he turned the radio on.

31. Although they had earned enough money to pay for his college education.32. Use a word three times, and you will not forget it.33. The mountain was left barren after the mining machines had torn the land apart.34. The new owners who often went to the cottage on the weekends.35. The taxi driver who dropped me off at the hotel ran over my foot.

At home or in the library, complete the following exercises (1 & 2) online:http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/fragments.htm

FRAGMENTS Worksheet II

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Identify the incomplete sentences – the fragments.

1. In our attic under my grandmother’s quilt.2. Racing for the subway in New York.3. Broderick running frantically down the stairs for the train.4. Skiing down the hill better than riding the chairlift.5. For instance, I often take the Sky Train to work.6. Reaching for the ice cream, I spilled my milk on the table.7. Doctors who forget instruments inside your body after an operation.8. I am.9. For example, a tiger with white stripes.10. For example, a tiger with white stripes found in the wild.

11. I read the book yesterday evening after dinner.12. While reading the book yesterday evening after dinner.13. There is the car which ran into me on the street.14. Which ran into me on the street.15.  For example, that man over there.16. Who talked to you in the corridor?17.  Who talked to me in the corridor.18.  The woman who talked to me in the corridor is my English professor.19.  Considering all the factors in this case, I think that he is guilty.20. Considering all the factors in this case.

21. That he is guilty.22. Which was a stupid thing to do.23.  Consuming illegal drugs can be very risky.  24. Especially hard drugs like heroin or crack cocaine.25. Because it can cause so many problems for those injured.

26. While I was driving to work and there was an accident on the road.27. When I took my exam today, I was very nervous.28. If you try to ski at night in the dark without supervision.29. Trying to avoid the giraffes in the jungle during the summer months.30. Hiking is good.31. Skiing in the spring is far better than skiing in January.32. Running the marathon has always been a goal of mine.33. That I often think of her when I am lonely.34. Look out!35. Who are you?

At home or in the library, complete the following exercises (1, 2 & 3) online: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/5/18/

FRAGMENTS Worksheet III

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PROOFREADING FOR FRAGMENTS: Without a doubt, one of the most effective strategies for discovering fragments is to read your piece one sentence at a time from the end to the beginning. This disengages your brain from the content and you can examine each group of words as if it was on a worksheet.

Exercise: Identify (by number) the sentence fragments in the following passages. Then rewrite the passage correcting the sentence fragments. Do not change the basic message or attend to anything other than the fragments.

PARAGRAPH 1

1] I like to visit the college gymnasium regularly for exercise. 2] There is a weight room there with lots of

exercise equipment. 3] For example, Stairmaster machines, weights, a rowing machine, and exercise mats. 4]

I begin with my warm-up routine and then start on the Stairmaster. 5] Which is a fine way to get a good

cardiovascular workout. 6] The full routine taking about forty minutes, without a break. 7] One of the

trainers gave me some good advice about stretching exercises. 8] That I should hold the positions longer. 9]

Otherwise, the effects do not really work well. 10] I took her advice. 11] Doing various yoga routines for

ninety seconds each, which seems like a long time, but being worth it in the long run. 12] Because often I

don't warm up properly. 13] Over this semester, I have decided to workout for 30-minutes per sessions on the

Stairmaster. 14] Two weeks on Level 4, another two on Level 5, three weeks on  Level 6, and then a month

on Level 7. 15] Then maybe holding steady on Level 8. 16] When working out, the only thing I don't like is

the music. 17] Which often features rap lyrics full of profanity. 18] I don't like to complain, but it really

annoys me. 19] Considering all the other kinds of music they could play. 20] Which would be a lot more

enjoyable. 21] Where do some people get their musical taste?

PARAGRAPH 2

1] When preparing a meal, you should pay special attention to proper food handling techniques. 2] Following

these guidelines. 3] Which can help to keep you and your family, safe and healthy. 4] First, you should wash

your hands before handling any food. 5] You should also ensure that dishes, utensils and work surfaces are

clean. 6] Next, food needing to be stored in the refrigerator until it is used. 7] In addition, all fruits and

vegetables must be washed thoroughly. 8] Because there could be chemicals or bacteria on the peels.

9] When cooking with meat, ensure it fully cooked. 10] The heat will kill bacteria and prevent ecoli.

11] Finally, you should serve food on clean dishes. 12] Not those which previously held raw meat or

unwashed produce. 13] This may appear to be time-consuming work.14] But, saving a life is important.

PARAGRAPH 3

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1] How far do birds travel in a year? 2] Sitting in the tree by my house. 4] I thought about the power it takes

to fly an airplane. 5] How small the birds are. 6] They must be very strong to survive their yearly

migrations. 7] As they travel north and south with the changing seasons. 8] If I was a bird. 9] I might choose

to stay in warmer climates all year. 10] This is because I am lazy and I don’t like the weather in the north.

11] Where it is colder. 12] That is definitely what I would do. 14] Still, I can only imagine the adventures

my flying friends have experienced. 15] Traveling much further than I have. 16] Maybe than I ever will. 17]

Now, I must finish my physics homework.18] So I can someday to learn fly. 19] As a pilot flying an

airplane to far off places.

FINAL ADVICE

If sentence fragment is an error which crops up frequently in your own style, then the most effective immediate remedy is to simplify your style drastically.  Write short, clear sentences on the subject-verb-object pattern.  Confine yourself to saying things as simply as possible, in sentences with relatively few words.  The result may sound too simple and repetitive, but if you are still unsure how to avoid a sentence fragment, then you will have to resort to something like that in order to keep the sentences correct.  Once you have the simplified – but correct – structures figured out, it is very easy to elevate your syntax to a more sophisticated style. Here is a sample of a simplified style.

SUBJECTS are in bold VERBS are underlined.

Illegal drugs are an important social problem.  Every year consumption increases.  The police keep fighting the drug war, but they do not seem to succeed.  Prices of drugs on the street continue to decline.  Attacks on drug farmers and manufacturers have no effect.  Many people are arrested.  The courts send many of these to jail. However, the problem continues.  Maybe we should re-think what we are doing.  At present, we are just wasting our money.

Notice that all the sentences have fewer than ten words, and all sentences follow the basic SUBJECT + VERB pattern. Such a style is choppy and simple, but it is clear.  And it avoids creating sentence fragments.

Now work through the following exercises at home or in the library.

http://www.chompchomp.com/exercises.htm

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/cgi-shl/quiz.pl/fragments_add1.htm

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/fragment_fixing.htm

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A RUN-ON SENTENCE is simply the incorrect fusing of two separate sentences. Most run-ons are comma splices, sentences joined with a comma.

REPAIRING RUN-ON SENTENCES – THE BASICS

1. YOU CANNOT JOIN SENTENCES WITH A COMMA

I like to ski, / / my friend prefers to snowboard. Run-on / /

2. COMPOUND SENTENCES. Join sentences with a comma and a coordinate conjunction. The FANBOYS [for, and, nor, but , or, yet, so ]

I like to ski, but my friend prefers to snowboard.

3. CHANGE THE COMMA TO A PERIOD [.]

I like to ski. My friend prefers to snowboard.

4. CHANGE THE COMMA TO A SEMI COLON. [;]

I like to ski; my friend prefers to snowboard.

5. CREATE A COMPLEX SENTENCE using a subordinate conjunction [when, while, as, since, because, if, although]

Intro clause main sentenceAlthough I like to ski , my friend prefers to snowboard. Note: the comma

My friend prefers to snowboard while I like to ski. Note: no comma

6. USE A CONJUNCTIVE ADVERB, a semi-colon and a comma.

I like to ski ; however , my friend prefers to snowboard.

7. Any workable strategy in the sentence combining section of your “Composition” booklet.RUN-ONS Worksheet I

Identify the following as either C - correctF - fragmentR - run-on

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1._____ Roger Smith, who plays left wing for the Canucks, has a hard shot that is also very accurate.

2._____ The chairman has an engagement, the meeting will have to be postponed.

3._____ Although often in trouble while sitting at the back of the class.

4._____ He is an electrical engineer who also designs computers in his spare time.

5._____ Italy began the tournament very slowly, however, they still won the silver medal.

6._____ The wood was not allowed to season properly; consequently, the doors of the cabinet havewarped.

7._____ The first works of art in the Louvre were bought by the kings of France each ruler added more treasures.

8._____ The revolution ended, the traitors were hung.

9._____ That he always did his homework was one of the reasons for his success.

10.____ My son would be my only assistant, I did not wish for anyone else.

11. ____ Barney voicing his opinion over the increased spending at university.

12. ____ He says that he is sixty, however, the records show that he is seventy.

13. ____ The camp is small and lacking facilities, but the site is beautiful.

14. ____ Returning to the camp, we found our tent had caught fire.

15. ____ We were late for the party, broke several dishes and forgot our coats.

16. ____ When both parents are diabetic, their children will probably be diabetic.

17. ____ While arguing over who should leave first for the meeting, we both ended up missing the bus.

18. ____ Time passes quickly, you should not waste a minute .

19. ____ The team lost in the final minute, the other team scored on a penalty shot.

20. ____ A sudden gust of wind blew out the candle, we had to grope our way upstairs.

RUN ONS Worksheet II

Mark in the blank beside each sentence an R for a run-on sentence and a C for a correct sentence.

_____ 1. Carlos took the job, and he was happy to get it.

_____ 2. Tono loves Chinese food, he eats it three times a week.

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_____ 3. Lovie congratulated Jake and wished him success.

_____ 4. When I go to Canada this summer, I want to hike in the mountains.

_____ 5. Pancho refuses to eat at the school cafeteria last year he found a roach in his tea.

_____ 6. Mr. Altman donated five chairs, four tables, and three barrels to the fundraiser.

_____ 7. After the storm ended, people came out of their houses.

_____ 8. My paper is due in three days, therefore I cannot go to the movie.

_____ 9. The people have voiced their views, the city council must act.

_____ 10. Since the money is in the budget, you might as well spend it.

_____ 11. This was the best movie I have ever seen, and I am glad that I saw it.

_____ 12. Go to college it is worth the effort.

_____ 13. Tell me a good joke, and I will tell you a better one.

_____ 14. The team had difficulty winning, several players did not care about the team.

_____ 15. “The Metaphor”, which was the fastest yacht in the race, was designed by Newton.

_____ 16. When a good coach does television commercials, he is near retirement.

_____ 17. Some coaches become so popular that they are more powerful than college presidents.

_____ 18. The American public loves football, television ratings indicate this preference.

_____ 19. We support you we appreciate you.

_____ 20. We are impressed with you however we cannot offer you a job at this time.

Now, go to the following websites and do the exercises online:

http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/run-ons.htm

http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/comma_splices.htm

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/nova/nova4.htm

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/nova/nova3.htm

RUN ONS Worksheet II

Read each of the paragraphs and write down the numbers of the RUN ONS.

1] Grizzly bears are causing problems, and conservationists are worried. 2] In the 1800s, there were 50,000 grizzlies in the West now there are fewer than 1,000. 3] About 200 of these live in and near Yellowstone National Park. 4] Fifty years ago, they caused no trouble. 5] Then in 1960, the Park Service decided to keep the park natural, and the garbage dumps were closed. 6] Hotels were no longer allowed to put out food to attract the bears, the bears had to fend for

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themselves. 7] Although the Park Service meant well, the new rules had unexpected consequences. 8] The grizzlies began to look for food in campgrounds, and they killed sheep on nearby farms. 9] They began prowling in mining camps and near vacation homes. 10] Some people were mauled, a few died. 11] Although the Park Service still refuses to reopen the old dumps, they do occasionally leave food out for the bears. 12] Grizzlies won't change their habits, therefore humans must change theirs.

1] The thief she was chasing veered into a dark alley, and the detective’s instinct warned her against pursuing him. 2] She froze at the mouth of the alley, listening for sounds of movement. 3] She heard nothing, it was silent. 4] She suspected he might be lurking behind one of the garbage bins, just waiting for her. 5] If she went in after him, he might put a bullet in her before she could see him. 6] She thought about calling for help, but she didn’t. 7] She drew her revolver and peered around the corner.8] She did not see anyone, therefore she proceeded into the darkness.

1] The medicine chest is an important part of any home, and you don't need to spend a lot of money to keep it well stocked. 2] One of the most basic items in the medicine chest isn't normally considered a medicine at all; in fact, it's usually found in the kitchen cabinets. 3] Baking soda can be used a number of ways, it can be a deodorant, a salve for mosquito bites or poison ivy, a toothpaste or mouthwash; it can even be used as an antacid. 4] Tea can also be used to soothe bites or sunburn, however it should not be used on a serious burn. 5] Another kitchen staple that can do double duty is vinegar when mixed with water, it can be used to cure swimmer’s ear. 6] Many of today's adults recall drinking ginger ale to soothe an upset stomach; in fact, carbonated drinks of any kind will do the trick. 7] Among first-aid items that should be in a medicine chest are band aids, cotton balls, tweezers and, of course, rubbing alcohol. 8] It is probably the best antiseptic available, it is also the cheapest. 9] The well-stocked medicine chest should also have medicines such as aspirin, decongestants, and cough syrup. 10 ]The medicine chest is no place for children; therefore, precautions should be taken in homes with small children. 11] Some people have overstocked medicine chests, others don't have even the bare necessities. 12] Although every home should have basic supplies, what's in the medicine chest depends on the needs of the family, if they want to be safe and healthy.

Now, go to the following websites and do the exercises online:

http://wps.ablongman.com/long_faigley_penguinhb_1/7/1978/506477.cw/index.html

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This year, you will be expected to learn two basic punctuation rules, both concerning the placement of commas in your writing.

The comma is a valuable, useful tool in a sentence. When we use it correctly, we help the reader see the necessary separations between ideas within the sentence. When we misuse the comma, we are chopping the ideas into wrong pieces or confusing the reader with unnecessary pauses.

RULE 1. Use commas to separate sentences when they are joined by the coordinate conjunctions AND, BUT, SO, FOR, OR, NOR, YET [The FANBOYS]

The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.

NOTE: Subordinate conjunctions between two sentences are NOT preceded by a comma

The cat scratched the door while I was reading.

NOTE: Commas cannot be used to separate sentences unless a FANBOY is also used.

RULE 2. Use commas to separate introductory elements [incomplete ideas] from the main clause or main idea of your sentence.

Intro words:

Suddenly, the tree fell. However, he lied. Alone and afraid, he cowered in the corner.

Intro prepositional phrases:

During the night, the mice attacked.

Intro participle phrases:

Hearing his owner call him, the dog ran forward.

Intro clauses [which begin with subordinate conjunctions – see page 3] :

While I was reading, the cat scratched at the door.

If you want a seat, you ought to arrive by 7:30 p.m.

COMMAS Worksheet I

FANBOYS

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1. Bert and Ernie had always been best friends.2. Ernie’s favourite vegetables were broccoli and carrots.3. Bert went shopping at the mall but Ernie stayed at home to cook dinner.4. Ernie barbequed steaks and prepared a Waldorf salad.5. Bert and Ernie enjoyed dinner and then watched a movie.6. After dinner, Silas and Herman drove to the village by the lake and had ice cream.7. Herman had a single cone but Silas ordered a fancy triple decker sundae. 8. Silas ate his sundae far too quickly so he was sick on the drive home.9. The dog pursued Ernie and Herman down the street and into the park.10. Herman jumped into the children’s swimming pool so the dog would not eat him.11. The dog chased Ernie up a tree and a squirrel hit Ernie with a nut.12. Ernie fell out of the tree and sprained his ankle very badly.13. The doctor arrived but Ernie had already limped home and gone to bed.14. Ernie is still waiting in the pool and is now very wet.15.  Hubert attended college for seven years before graduating.

COMPLEX SENTENCES

16. Although Smederick Smed loved Gertrude Hurt he was afraid of her father.17. Even though Smederick’s real name was Smederick his friends called him Smeddie.18.  Smeddie seldom visited Gertie at home because he knew Mr. Hurt had a shotgun.19.  While he was on a date at the fair with Gertie her father spotted them holding hands.20.  Even though he had taken his medication that morning Mr. Hurt was very angry.21. If Smederick had known Mr. Hurt was walking towards them he would have fled.22. While he loved Gertrude very much Smeddie loved breathing more.23.  As Smeddie was helping Gertrude down from the carousel Mr. Hurt confronted him.24. Smederick ducked when Mr. Hurt swung the shotgun because he did not want to be hit.25. When the gun connected with the carousel it fired and killed Mr. Hurt.

INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTS

26. During the concert the conductor dropped his baton.27. Consequently we did not make the flight but we did find a bus.28. Rushing for his flight the pilot tripped over a suitcase.29. For a different approach to the problem the scientist suggested more dynamite.30. Outside the back door the police officers loaded their rifles and prepared to enter the house.31. Rummaging through the clothes in her attic Heloise found her old photo album.32. With the clock slowly ticking down the seconds the quarterback tossed the ball downfield.33. Silently and deadly the submarine surfaced near the military base.34. Inside the closet sat the boogeyman and his friend Hubert.35. Smiling the thief slipped into the night and he was never seen again.

COMMAS Worksheet II

Add commas where necessary

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1. You should take a jacket for the rain and cold.

2. I know you love me for my money and my perfect teeth.

3. I know you love me for I have money and perfect teeth.

4. I know you love me because I have money and perfect teeth.

5. I have fished in the Colorado River but I never caught a fish there.

6. I have fished in the Colorado River but never caught a fish there.

7. Although she studied hard for the exam Monique was still not able to pass the course.

8. Monique was still not able to pass the course although she studied hard for the exam.

9. While on my cruise I visited exciting countries like Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

10. In my office the air conditioning blows constantly.

11. Even though the dog had seen him for years he still barked at the mail carrier every day.

12. When the commotion dies down we will be able to see things more clearly.

13. Outside the restaurant was a dog.

14. Outside the restaurant a dog howled.

15. Once all estimates have been turned in to the insurance company we will talk.

16. Suddenly the cat pounced on him and bit his nose.

17. You will never find a better opportunity since this is a limited offer.

18. The clock on the wall is several minutes slow because we had a power failure last week.

19. I haven’t eaten caviar but I have eaten lobster.

20. Denise likes to eat cream puffs and chocolate eclairs.

21. Denise likes to eat cream puffs and she likes to eat chocolate eclairs.

22. On the river bank the old hermit attached a worm to his line and threw it into the water .

23. Mark always does his homework because he wants good grades.

24. Mark always does his homework so he gets good grades.COMMAS Worksheet III

READ THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH VERY CAREFULLY. ADD COMMAS WHERE NECESSARY. DELETE UNNECESSARY COMMAS, AND CHANGE COMMAS TO PERIODS IF THEY CREATE RUN ONS.

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The heroine in this story faces a difficult situation and has few immediate resources at hand. This makes it

difficult for her to cope but she does not hesitate to set about finding a solution. She begins by taking

stock of her situation, she looks around for some way of getting out of the attic and eventually discovers

an old crow bar. Using the crowbar, she removes the floorboards at one end of the room. Then she ties

together some old curtains in a trunk and creates a makeshift rope. However the first attempt to use it

doesn't work because the post to which she ties the rope gives way just as she is starting to go down it.

She falls and she hurts herself but she perseveres. On the next attempt a part of the curtain fabric rips

before she climb down. Despite these setbacks she is not discouraged and keeps trying. Eventually she

succeeds in getting out and reaching the floor below. Unfortunately she finds this space locked too so she

has to climb back to the attic for the crow bar. She climbs back up and then returns with the tool. Quickly

she breaks open the door to the downstairs room and finds herself in a long corridor without light but

she keeps going. Finally she discovers some stairs. She walks down these into the hall and finds the front

door open so she escapes and runs away from her father's mansion. In a later chapter he captures her

again and takes her back to the attic but I haven't read past that section so I'm not sure what happens next.

I really enjoyed watching the World Cup of Soccer last July. It was the best international tournament I

have ever seen. Although soccer is not a major  sport in North America TSN provided good coverage and

the commentary was generally interesting and informed. I watched almost all the semi finals and didn't

miss any of the final. In many cases the quality of the game wasn't as good as one might expect but the

intensity of crowd really livened things up and made every match exciting. My favorite was Brazil but I

also started cheering on the Croatians who were such amazing underdogs. However there is one thing that

really irritates me and that is the shootout. I don’t like the way that the teams obtain a result if the game

is still tied after full time and overtime, it's silly to make the a game come down to penalty kicks. The one

player who misses the shot emerges as the scapegoat no matter how well he might have performed in

the actual game. If people want professional soccer to catch on in North America  they should eliminate

that stupid rule because North Americans like a result which is determined on the playing field. I also

grew tired of the advertisements in particular Burger King and Gillette, one would think that companies

which had spent an enormous amount to sponsor the tournament would pay a little more for more creative

advertisements so people who watch all the games don't get infuriated with the endless repetitive and

monotonous commercials. Except for those two problems the tournament was exciting enjoyable and

intense, I can't wait until the next World Cup.

COMMAS Worksheet IV

READ THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH VERY CAREFULLY. ADD COMMAS WHERE NECESSARY. DELETE UNNECESSARY COMMAS, AND CHANGE COMMAS TO PERIODS IF THEY CREATE RUN ONS.

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When I read Shakespeare's Hamlet I find the conduct of Hamlet frequently puzzling and I keep

having to stop to think about his motivation, this exercise is both intriguing and frustrating. On the one

hand I like certain things about Hamlet but there are many things which I dislike intensely. For example I

don’t like his brutality towards women and his moodiness and his sense of humour strikes me as

decidedly odd at times. Nevertheless I remain fascinated by his mind and by his verbal dexterity, which I

have to admit is very funny. Throughout history English scholars have claimed that this is a very

ambiguous complex and disputed play and I can well understand why, there are just so many themes, and

controversies. Sometimes I feel great sympathy for the King of Denmark, who is in my view a loving

husband, but then I remember that Claudius is a murderer and my sympathy evaporates. Polonius is

another character who is difficult to figure out, sometimes he seems something of a buffoon. At other

times he appears very shrewd, and intelligent. He likes to spy on people and is clearly uneasy if he does

not know what is going on. When he uses his daughter Ophelia to try to trap Hamlet I sense he is really

quite callous and is ready to sacrifice his children's feelings for political gain yet ironically his children

genuinely love and respect him and he does seem to care for them in his own way. To summarize I don't

know quite where to put my sympathies. Hamlet is a confusing play; it may be fascinating but it certainly

takes some effort to understand the characters.

Aristotle was born in Olynthus but moved at an early age to Athens. In Athens Aristotle became a pupil in

Plato's Academy and became the most famous of Plato's pupils. When Plato died Aristotle was not chosen

to succeed him so he left Athens for Abydos. He gathered some other students from the Academy and

they began several biological studies in this relatively remote area. Aristotle was later recalled to

Macedonia and became the tutor of the young prince Alexander, this was the start of a life-long

collaboration between the two men. Some years later Aristotle moved back to Athens and he set up his

own school called the Lyceum. For years he lectured and published. However none of his published

works has survived. Aristotle continued Plato's philosophical project but he disagreed in some respects

with Plato. Even though the two did not always agree Aristotle's theories are not entirely contradictory to

Plato's. When Alexander died Aristotle fled from Athens and moved to Epirus where he continued

with his scientific experiments. Particularly interested in marine life Aristotle studied the tides. Ironically

this study may have cost him his life. According to some stories he drowned while pursuing his studies.

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MISUSING THE FOLLOWING WORDS MAY RESULT IN MARKS BEING DEDUCTED.

ITS - possessive; belonging to it. Its fur stood on end.IT’S - contraction for “it is” It’s a long way to Maine.

QUITE - an adverb that limits a description Texas is quite far from here.QUIET - to be silent Please, be quiet in the library.QUIT - to stop doing I hate this and I quit.

THAN - is used in comparisons Nuts taste better than poison.THEN -refers to time, and suggest something follows I went skiing then to a movie.

THERE - indicates a place There were ten men in jail.THEIR - possessive, belonging to them He washed their lab coats.THEY’RE - contraction for “they are” They’re arriving soon.

TO - a preposition indicating direction We went to the movies.TOO - an adverb meaning also or very That movie was too long.TWO - a number I drank two pops.

WERE - a verb, past tense of the verb are We were at the park.WE’RE - a contraction for “we are” We’re going to the park.WHERE - indicates a place Where are you going?

The cafe where I ate is closed.

YOUR - possessive, belonging to you Is that your apple?YOU’RE - contraction for “you are” You’re in so much trouble.

WHOSE - possessive indicating or asking ownership Whose paper is that?WHO’S - a contraction for “who is” or “who has” Who’s typing your paper.

If you want to practice and improve your ability to differentiate wrong word problems, try the following websites:

http://www.chompchomp.com/exercises.htm

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_59.htm

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WRONG WORD USAGE Worksheet I

1. I was [there, their, they’re] yesterday [to, two, too].

2. [It’s, Its] too cold [to, too, two] go outside today.

3. It goes to the player [whose, who’s] selected by the committee.

4. The magazines in the dentist’s office [we’re, were, where] older [than, then] those at the doctor’s office.

5. [Your, You’re] to be [there, their, they’re] very early.

6. I would rather lay the new floor now [than, then] later.

7. If you lose, [your, you’re] team will be eliminated; [than, then] you can have a vacation.

8. When [its, it’s] name was called, [there, their] dog responded quickly.

9. [ There , Their , They’re ] a real problem when intoxicated

10. [There, Their, They’re] going to have to cut [ its , it’s ] rations.

11. Judy was much [to, too, two] annoyed to go [to, too, two] the school nurse.

12. If you go to [there, their, they’re] house tonight, you will see [there, their] Uncle Ernie [there, their, they’re]

13. [Its, It’s] not a good idea to go in [their, there, they’re].

14. I would rather do it now [than, then] later.

15. [Were, We’re, Where] are you going?

16. We always place the mail on [your, you’re] chair because [its, it’s] easy to find [than, then] on the table.

17. [It’s, Its ] seldom that you see [there, their] parents at [your, you’re] house.

18. [Its, It’s] [quiet, quite] difficult to [affect, effect] the outcome of a football game.

19. I am not sure [who’s, whose] pink coat that is.

20. We will go to [your , you’re ] house [to , too] study combustible elephants.

21. When [its, it’s] coat is combed, [your, you’re] cat looks very nice.

22. This wurouhfsyr is [your , you’re] wurouhfsyr.

23. [Their, There, They’re] house is [to, two, too] [quiet, quite].

24. [To, Too, Two] elephants escaped and [then, than ]destroyed [their, there] village.

25. [Who’s , Whose] going to lay the new carpet in [your, you’re] house?

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_____________________________________________________________________________________

It is expected that you use these websites to help you eradicate errors in your writing. Review all written work and make note of the error symbols in the left hand margin. Go online and find exercises to help you solve your most common problems.

GRAMMAR AND MECHANICS

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quiz_list.htm

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/

http://web.uvic.ca/wguide/Pages/GrammarToc.html

http://www.chompchomp.com/terms.htm

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/alle_grammar.htm

http://www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/eduweb/grammar/index.htm

http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/grammar_topics.htm

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/eoc_english1.htm

http://www.essayessentials4e.nelson.com/student/tests.html

http://aliscot.com/bigdog/subjects.htm

COMPOSITION

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quiz_list.htm

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/

http://web.uvic.ca/wguide/Pages/MasterToc.html#Sentences

http://www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/eduweb/grammar/index.htm

http://www.powa.org/

http://www.bartleby.com/141/index.html

http://wps.ablongman.com/long_faigley_penguinhb_1/7/1976/505968.cw/index.html

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_41.htm#exindex

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When you have completed this booklet and the online exercises, see me. I will quickly assess your online work, and I will give you the Mechanics Final Exam. If you earn more than 80% on that exam, you may ask for the Grade 10 booklet and work ahead.

The sooner you address all the errors in your writing, the sooner you can spend more time on improving your sense of style.

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