J. W. Morgan
Composition I
Exam
I Study Packet: Ch 16-18: Appropriate Diction; Ch 19: Fragments; Ch
20: Run on Sentences & Comma
Splices; and Ch 32 the Comma
This study packet is available to all students;
however, only those students completing the packet following the study group
guidelines on the study group contract will be eligible for the extra credit
points.
1.
You
are expected to learn all the rules for the chapters listed above. The following information is offered as a
guideline for your studies, but you should be aware that any information in the
text or in class lecture may appear on the exam, regardless of its appearance
or absence in this study guide.
2.
For
Chapters 16-18 you must be familiar with the following terms:
a.
jargon
(commence, utilize)
b.
pretentious
language (progenitors)
c.
euphemisms
(preowned automobile)
d.
doublespeak
(missiles = peacekeepers)
e.
obsolete,
archaic, and invented words (anon, betwixt, technobabble)
f.
slang
(down the tubes)
g.
regional
expressions, (cut the lights off)
h.
nonstandard
English (ain’t)
i.
sexist
language (fireman, any professional i.e. a doctor = he)
j.
clichés
(cool as a cucumber)
The parenthetical
information is offered as examples of each type of problem. You should learn what each term means, and
you should understand why its use is inappropriate in formal, written English.
3.
List
the 3 criteria that a complete sentence must meet.
4.
List
the 2 methods of correcting a sentence fragment.
5.
Give
an example of both methods listed in #4.
6.
List
the 3 problem areas where sentence fragments are most likely to occur.
7.
Identify
2 methods for attaching a list to a complete sentence.
8.
Give
an example of each method listed in #7.
9.
Define
a run on sentence.
10.
Define
a Comma splice sentence.
11.
List
the 4 correction options for run on and comma splice sentences.
12.
Give
an example of each correction listed in #11.
13.
List
the 7 coordinating conjunctions. Memorize them.
14.
What
is the memory device we used to remember the 7 coordinating conjunctions?
15.
Write
out the 5 major comma rules.
16.
How
many items must appear in a sentence for that series to be considered a list?
17.
Where
do the commas belong in a list of items?
18.
What
trick did we discuss to help you double check that you have the appropriate
number of commas in a list?
19.
What
is the 2 part test you would use to determine if adjectives in a sentence are
coordinate or cumulative?
20.
Write
out an example illustrating your use of the 2 part test.
21.
Which
type of adjectives require commas, coordinate or cumulative?
22.
What
was the tip I gave out in class regarding the use of commas with the words that
and which?
23.
Memorize
the minor uses of the comma:
a.
transitions/parentheticals
b.
absolute
phrases
c.
contrast
(signal words=not/unlike)
d.
nouns
of direct address
e.
yes and no
f.
interrogative
tags
g.
mild
interjections
h.
direct
quotes
i.
dates
j.
addresses
k.
titles
l.
numbers
Some sample questions:
Identify which sentences
contain diction that is not appropriate for an English composition.
1. When the ump called nine consecutive
strikes on three batters, Manager Sparky Anderson got his back up.
2. When the Germans were presented with
the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, they really got sore.
3. Sue asked us to call her if we're gonna
be late.
4. A good nurse knows the mental state of
her patients.
5. A person wishing to be a champion
bodybuilder must practice posing, lift weights, and watch
his diet.
Run on Sentences, Fragments, and Comma Splices:
Identify each as a run on, fragment, comma splice, or o.k. FOR
ANY RUN ON, COMMA SPLICE, OR FRAGMENT SENTENCES, REWRITE THE SENTENCE ON A
SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER, CORRECTING THE ERROR.
6.
My
resolution to work four hours on my studies every night.
7.
Because
I like backpacking, I planned a two week hiking vacation last summer.
8.
Many
of our friends buy season tickets to the symphony for they enjoy classical
music.
9.
Susan
had a hard time passing her freshman algebra class, she has vowed to hire a
tutor when the time comes for her to take calculus.
10.
Sit
down!
Each sentence below may contain one, but no more
than one, error. Identify the letter
that corresponds to the underlined part containing the error. If the sentence contains no error, mark E.
11. The monarch butterflies that fly
from
October have made that city famous.
C
D
E = No Error
12. The monarchs travel up to 80 miles a day
or 2000 miles in all, but their ability to
soar on wind currents aids them.
C
E
= No Error
13. All winter about two million monarch
butterflies cover the branches of six acres of
pines which protect them from
the wind; the same trees are
chosen year after
B C
year because certain trees, it is surmised,
offer the greatest protection.
D
E
= No Error
14. Each October the schoolchildren of the
town have a parade to celebrate the
arrival of the monarchs; in addition thousands of tourists who
come to see the monarchs are
A B C D
directed by street signs to the butterfly trees.
E
= No Error
15. On warm, sunny days the monarchs
fly to nearby gardens where they feed on the
nectar of flowers.
The monarchs, which are short-lived, could not possibly
live long
enough to make the journey from
D
E
= No Error
16. How, then, one wonders, can
they find their way over such great distances
without guideposts; it is the same question as the one
concerning the migration
of birds, which has puzzled
naturalists for years.
E = No Error
True/False
& Multiple Choice:
17.
In
a sentence using cumulative adjectives, commas should not be used.
18.
When
punctuating an address, commas belong after the person’s name, street address,
city, and zip code.
19.
Which
of the following identify correct punctuation options for correcting a comma
splice?
a.
a
comma and a coordinating conjunction
b.
a
semicolon or a semicolon, conjunctive adverb, and a comma
c.
a
period ( or question mark if appropriate)
d.
restructuring
the sentence.
e.
all
the above.
20.
All
words that appear in the dictionary are appropriate to use in formal writing.