Packet for the Grammar Proficiency Exam - Lone Star College

Grammar Proficiency Study Packet
What does this packet cover? This study packet is designed for students who want to improve their
scores on the NHC Grammar Proficiency Exam or to improve their grammar
skills. These topics are covered: Sentence Patterns (simple, compound, complex)
Sentence Structure (fragments, run-ons, comma splices)
Semicolons and Colons
Subject-Verb Agreement
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Parallel Structure
Misplaced Modifiers
Shifts in Tense, Voice, Mood, Person and Number
Commas
Apostrophes
Quotation Marks
Question Marks
Capital Letters
Each topic begins with a short explanation followed by a practice exercise.
Study the explanations first, and then do the exercises. You can check
your work with the answer key in the Writing Center. How can I get more help? If you are enrolled in an English class, begin by asking your teacher
how much grammar will be reviewed in class. Then, study your own textbook
and take advantage of any class discussions on proofing and editing. The NHC Writing Center offers more support: free tutors, handouts and
answer keys, a practice version of the Grammar Proficiency Exam (hardcopy
or on-line), and computer software. See a member of the Writing Center
staff for help in finding the materials you need. Tara Edwards
Writing Center Coordinator
281-618-5483 A fragment is a part of a sentence. It is merely a dependent clause: do
not write is as though it were a complete sentence. Read through the
following examples of sentence fragments: 1. Because there are two telephones on his desk.
2. Making his visitors wait outside while he pretends to be busy.
3. For example match-boxes.
4. Not necessarily the student who makes the best grades in high school. A fragment's first word is usually a subordinate conjunction or a relative
pronoun. When you spot one of these words at the beginning of a would-be
sentence, you should double check to make sure the unit is properly joined
to a main clause. Subordinate Conjunctions
after, although, as, as if, as though, because, before, except, if, since,
though, unless, until, when, whereas Relative Pronouns
that, what, whatever, which, who, whoever, whom, whose Note: an independent clause is a sentence: it can stand alone and make
sense. A dependent clause is a fragment. It cannot stand alone and make
sense. Look over the subordinate conjunctions and relative pronouns for a few
minutes, then take the test on the sentence fragment. TEST Put a check (() in the left-hand column if the sentence is actually a
fragment. ___ 1. If it is going to be used for projects such as public works or
roads.
___ 2. Although this year I haven't had time to swim very often.
___ 3. We won the district championship.
___ 4. I love music.
___ 5. As he comes in each morning, glancing keenly about at the
clerks in the outer office.
___ 6. Father took me to the zoo.
___ 7. Eventually losing himself in the business section of the city.
___ 8. When the driver lost control of the car.
___ 9. The lifeguard blew his whistle to call the man closer to shore.
Because he was swimming alone in a restricted area.
___ 10. Four of us were in the taxi.
___ 11. While he dreamed of being a masterful ship's captain.
___ 12. There has been a lot of flu in town but we have escaped for
which we are very thankful.
___ 13. Usually age, education, health, and working experience.
___ 14. The ability to understand and to speak a second language is
worth cultivating or preserving.
___ 15. Members of the tour will enjoy overnight accommodation at the
leading hotels and an occasional lodge or inn.
___ 16. With the barometer hitting an ominous 28.7 and storm warnings
posted from the Bahamas to Cape Cod.
___ 17. Eugene O'Neill and Robert B. Sherwood.
___ 18. Thinking only of his sister, Tom running wildly through the
turbulent night.
___ 19. The scene between Bess and the robber in the dark innyard with
the creaking wicket gate.
___ 20. The story of research is the great story of men and women whose
goal is always just over the horizon.
Correcting Run-ons and Comma Splices Now that you know how to join ideas together with coordination
conjunctions, here are two problems to avoid.
1. Run on 2. Comma Splice . Note that both the run-on and the comma splice contain two complete and
independent ideas.
. The run-on has no conjunction to join the ideas together.
. The comma splice has only a comma to join the ideas together (but no
conjunction). Use a coordinating conjunction and a comma to join
together two complete and independent ideas. 3. Corrected
Directions: Correct these run-ons and comma splices by using a coordinating
conjunction and a comma. 1. The books are on the table near the window I don't know where the papers
are.
2. The cat drank her milk noisily the dog just gulped down his raw meat.
3. I will go to Canada this summer, I want to hike in the mountains.
4. She made that dress from a pattern she can't sew a button to save her
soul.
5. The table will have to go near the piano, we have to rearrange the whole
room.
6. He always makes the baseball team this year his bad leg kept him on the
bench most of the time.
7. This was the best movie I have ever seen, I am glad I saw it.
8. She was the best student in her class, naturally she got the highest
grade.
9. He's going to medical school his lifelong ambition is to be a doctor. Comma Splices One sentence in each of the following group of four (4) sentences is
grammatically incorrect.
Pick out the incorrect sentence and circle its letter. 1. A. The girl was not interested in taking a math course; she was only
interested in history courses.
B. Eating is something we all must do, however, junk food can be
harmful to our health.
C. The test was a difficult one but was only a small part of my grade.
D. Because the car is being fixed, I must find a ride to work each
day.
2. A. While she wrote her research paper, Carol spent many hours in the
library.
B. Tourists bring money and publicity to vacation resorts but
inconsiderately scatter their trash along the roadsides and in the
parks.
C. The corporation has been losing money; investors are worrying that
their stock will fall in price.
D. Movies use too much bad language, however their plots usually keep
the viewer entertained. 3. A. The boy is five years old, he rides his tricycle, climbs trees, and
plays with his dog.
B. The drivers will, consequently, slow down when the road
construction sign appears.
C. A restaurant usually contains a waiting area with benches, a bar
with stools, and a smoking and non-smoking section of tables.
D. Credit is available without a finance charge; the store provides a
three month contract plan consisting of equal payments. 4. A. I trained the dogs, but I always had misgivings that they would
not mind me, their unpredictable behavior made me afraid to take
them walking in public places.
B. The drivers will, however, slow their speed to a minimum limit as
they approach the pedestrian zone.
C. Whenever the teacher's lecture was humorous, the entire class
laughed loudly.
D. No one likes Jane; she always insults her acquaintances. Semicolons and Colons The Semicolon
Between two independent clauses Use a semicolon between independent clauses not joined by and, but, or,
not, for, so, yet.
We hiked to the top of the mountain; we looked out over a valley
covered with wildflowers. Use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb when it is followed by an
independent clause.
We stayed until late afternoon; then we made our way back to camp. Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses that are long and complex
or that have internal punctuation.
Central City, located near Denver, was once a mining town; but now it
is noted for its summer opera program. Between items in a series Use semicolons in a series between items that have internal punctuation.
In his closet Bill kept a photograph album, which was empty; several
tennis shoes, all with holes in them; and the radiator cap from his
first car, which he sold in his first year in college. Do not use a semicolon between elements that are not coordinate. INCORRECT
After publishing The Day of the Jackal and several other popular
novels; Frederick Forsyth wrote his most exciting book, The Devil's
Alternative. (Use a comma, not a semicolon.) The Colon
Use the colon before quotations, statements, and series that are introduced
formally.
The geologist began his speech with a disturbing statement: "This
country is short of rare metals."
Use a colon to introduce a formal series.
Bring the following items: food for a week, warm clothes, bedding,
and a canteen.
Semicolons Supply semicolons as needed in the following se