Grammar/Writing Assessment

Master grammar and writing with this essential skills assessment!

DIRECT ADDRESSWhen a person is being spoken to and is addressed by name, the name should be surrounded with commas.Examples:A. Josh, please close the door. B. I corrected the homework, Sarah, and now you should correct yours.1.) Which sentence is correct? Katie you have to go to school today. Katie, you have to go to school today. Katie, you have to, go to school today. DIRECT ADDRESSWhen a person is being spoken to and is addressed by name, the name should be surrounded with commas.Examples:A. Josh, please close the door. B. I corrected the homework, Sarah, and now you should correct yours.2.) Which sentence is correct? It is important, Todd that you do your homework. It is important, Todd, that you do your homework. It is important Todd, that you do your homework. SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD- expresses a wish or hypothetical situation contrary to realityEXAMPLE: If I were a boy, I think I could understand.EXAMPLE 2: If I could teleport, I would visit Europe.EXAMPLE 3: I wish I were better at sports.For the subjunctive, use WERE and not WAS.3.) If it _ not for my sister, I would not go to this school. was were SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD- expresses a wish or hypothetical situation contrary to realityEXAMPLE: If I were a boy, I think I could understand.EXAMPLE 2: If I could teleport, I would visit Europe.EXAMPLE 3: I wish I were better at sports.For the subjunctive, use WERE and not WAS.4.) If he _ a dog, he would eat from a bowl. was were ACTIVE VOICEIn ACTIVE VOICE sentences, the subject does the action.The people voted for a town curfew. (The subject "people" is doing the action "voted").In PASSIVE VOICE sentences, the subject receives the action.A town curfew was voted for by the people. (The subject "curfew" is not doing the action "was voted").5.) Is this sentence written in ACTIVE VOICE or PASSIVE VOICE?Eric gave Jason a piece of candy. ACTIVE VOICE PASSIVE VOICE ACTIVE VOICEIn ACTIVE VOICE sentences, the subject does the action.The people voted for a town curfew. (The subject "people" is doing the action "voted").In PASSIVE VOICE sentences, the subject receives the action.A town curfew was voted for by the people. (The subject "curfew" is not doing the action "was voted").6.) Is this sentence written in ACTIVE VOICE or PASSIVE VOICE?A piece of candy was given to Eric by Jason. ACTIVE VOICE PASSIVE VOICE ACTIVE VOICEIn ACTIVE VOICE sentences, the subject does the action.The people voted for a town curfew. (The subject "people" is doing the action "voted").In PASSIVE VOICE sentences, the subject receives the action.A town curfew was voted for by the people. (The subject "curfew" is not doing the action "was voted").7.) Is this sentence written in ACTIVE VOICE or PASSIVE VOICE?Mrs. Cook signed my agenda. ACTIVE VOICE PASSIVE VOICE ACTIVE VOICEIn ACTIVE VOICE sentences, the subject does the action.The people voted for a town curfew. (The subject "people" is doing the action "voted").In PASSIVE VOICE sentences, the subject receives the action.A town curfew was voted for by the people. (The subject "curfew" is not doing the action "was voted").8.) Is this sentence written in ACTIVE VOICE OR PASSIVE VOICE?My agenda was signed by Mrs. Cook. ACTIVE VOICE PASSIVE VOICE DASHES POINTSDashes- use dashes to indicate a break set off a word or phrase for emphasis show interrupted speechEllipsis Points - use an ellipsis to show a break in thought show an omission of words in a quoteCommas- use a comma before a conjunction when joining two sentences items in a series9.) Which sentence is correct? HIs views about violence on television, he is totally against it, will never change. HIs views about violence on television—he is totally against it—will never change. DASHES POINTSDashes- use dashes to indicate a break set off a word or phrase for emphasis show interrupted speechEllipsis Points - use an ellipsis to show a break in thought show an omission of words in a quoteCommas- use a comma before a conjunction when joining two sentences items in a series10.) Where has information been removed in the following sentence?John and his brother were best friends . . . going to the skate park together was their Saturday activity. After "brother" Before "Saturday" After "friends" DASHES POINTSDashes - use dashes to indicate a break set off a word or phrase for emphasis show interrupted speechEllipsis Points - use an ellipsis to show a break in thought show an omission of words in a quoteCommas - use a comma before a conjunction when joining two sentences items in a series11.) Which sentence is correct? Steve opened the door and the dog ran out. Steve opened the door—and the dog ran out. Steve opened the door, and the dog ran out. DASHES POINTSDashes - use dashes to indicate a break set off a word or phrase for emphasis show interrupted speechEllipsis Points - use an ellipsis to show a break in thought show an omission of words in a quoteCommas - use a comma before a conjunction when joining two sentences items in a series12.) Which sentence is correct? Cars, buses, and trucks clog city streets. Cars buses and trucks clog city streets. Cars . . . buses . . . and trucks clog city streets. DASHES POINTSDashes - use dashes to indicate a break set off a word or phrase for emphasis show interrupted speechEllipsis Points - use an ellipsis to show a break in thought show an omission of words in a quoteCommas - use a comma before a conjunction when joining two sentences items in a series13.) Which sentence is correct? I wanted to be popular, but everyone I know, oh, forget it. I wanted to be popular, but everyone I know . . . oh, forget it. I wanted to be popular but everyone I know oh forget it. VERBS- Verbs in the same sentence should be in the same tense unless there is a logical reason to change the tense.Tense switch: She WENT to the park and FINDS her friends, who ARE WAITING for her. (Mix of past and present tenses)Corrected: She WENT to the park and FOUND her friends, who WERE WAITING for her. (All past tense)- Make sure verbs agree with subjects (Two subjects joined with "and" - put them together and use "They" subjects joined with "or" or "nor" - use the subject positioned closer to the verb)14.) Lauren and Jed _ lunch together every Tuesday. eat eats VERBS- Verbs in the same sentence should be in the same tense unless there is a logical reason to change the tense.Tense switch: She WENT to the park and FINDS her friends, who ARE WAITING for her. (Mix of past and present tenses)Corrected: She WENT to the park and FOUND her friends, who WERE WAITING for her. (All past tense)- Make sure verbs agree with subjects (Two subjects joined with "and" - put them together and use "They" subjects joined with "or" or "nor" - use the subject positioned closer to the verb)15.) Lauren or Jed _ lunch with Susan every Tuesday. eat eats VERBS- Verbs in the same sentence should be in the same tense unless there is a logical reason to change the tense.Tense switch: She WENT to the park and FINDS her friends, who ARE WAITING for her. (Mix of past and present tenses)Corrected: She WENT to the park and FOUND her friends, who WERE WAITING for her. (All past tense)- Make sure verbs agree with subjects (Two subjects joined with "and" - put them together and use "They" subjects joined with "or" or "nor" - use the subject positioned closer to the verb)16.) I ate my lunch and then _ to English class. will go went go VERBS- Verbs in the same sentence should be in the same tense unless there is a logical reason to change the tense.Tense switch: She WENT to the park and FINDS her friends, who ARE WAITING for her. (Mix of past and present tenses)Corrected: She WENT to the park and FOUND her friends, who WERE WAITING for her. (All past tense)- Make sure verbs agree with subjects (Two subjects joined with "and" - put them together and use "They" subjects joined with "or" or "nor" - use the subject positioned closer to the verb)17.) Which sentence is correct? Trevor eats peppermint ice cream because he liked the way it tasted. Trevor eats peppermint ice cream because he likes the way it tastes. VERBS- Verbs in the same sentence should be in the same tense unless there is a logical reason to change the tense.Tense switch: She WENT to the park and FINDS her friends, who ARE WAITING for her. (Mix of past and present tenses)Corrected: She WENT to the park and FOUND her friends, who WERE WAITING for her. (All past tense)- Make sure verbs agree with subjects (Two subjects joined with "and" - put them together and use "They" subjects joined with "or" or "nor" - use the subject positioned closer to the verb)18.) Which sentence is correct? The boys jumped over the fence before they run home. The boys jumped over the fence before they ran home. VERBS- Verbs in the same sentence should be in the same tense unless there is a logical reason to change the tense.Tense switch: She WENT to the park and FINDS her friends, who ARE WAITING for her. (Mix of past and present tenses)Corrected: She WENT to the park and FOUND her friends, who WERE WAITING for her. (All past tense)- Make sure verbs agree with subjects (Two subjects joined with "and" - put them together and use "They" subjects joined with "or" or "nor" - use the subject positioned closer to the verb)19.) Which sentence is correct? The horse gallops and trots in the pasture. The horse gallops and trotting in the pasture. PRONOUN SHIFTPronouns should agree in number and gender.EXAMPLESBRYAN lost HIS book.DAWN lent HER book to Bryan.The BOOK had Dawn's name written inside ITS cover.Bob or Samuel will bring HIS football.Bob and Samuel will bring THEIR footballs.20.) Which sentence is correct? My dog and cat share its food. My dog and cat share their food. PRONOUN SHIFTPronouns should agree in number and gender.EXAMPLESBRYAN lost HIS book.DAWN lent HER book to Bryan.The BOOK had Dawn's name written inside ITS cover.Bob or Samuel will bring HIS football.Bob and Samuel will bring THEIR footballs.21.) Which sentence is correct? Bobby or Steve will drive his brother to the soccer game. Bobby or Steve will drive their brother to the soccer game. MISPLACED MODIFIERSMisplaced Modifier: a phrase or clause placed awkwardly in a sentence so that it appears to modify or refer to an unintended word. To fix it, just move the misplaced modifier closer to the word it is supposed to describe and away from the word is isn't supposed to describe.Misplaced: We saw a bear hiking along with our cameras.Corrected: Hiking along with our cameras, we saw a bear.22.) Which sentence is correct? We could see the church sitting on the porch at 9:00 in the morning. Sitting on the porch at 9:00 in the morning, we could see the church. MISPLACED MODIFIERSMisplaced Modifier: a phrase or clause placed awkwardly in a sentence so that it appears to modify or refer to an unintended word. To fix it, just move the misplaced modifier closer to the word it is supposed to describe and away from the word is isn't supposed to describe.Misplaced: We saw a bear hiking along with our cameras.Corrected: Hiking along with our cameras, we saw a bear.23.) Which sentence is correct? The bike is on the lawn that I got for my birthday. Mindy sold the dog who runs a pet store. Hanging on the wall of the old house, Ben saw a beautiful painting. My mom, who taught me how to read, now teaches my baby niece. VERBALSREMEMBER - Plug in the word "this" for each underlined section. If the sentence makes sense, it's acting as a noun. If not, it's acting as an adjective.24.) Are the underlined parts of these sentences acting as nouns or adjectives? Sort them into the correct categories. Noun Jumping on the trampoline is a good workout. Skating is my favorite activity. Alice liked to write. Kate wanted to sing a beautiful song. I enjoy being with friends. Adjective The skating rink is near my house. The boy peering through the window is my cousin Ned. Wandering through the forest, Amy tried to identify the different trees. Riding his bike, Alex went to the gym. I like to go on the biking trail. CLAUSESIf the clause starts with WHO, WHOM, WHOSE, WHICH, or THAT, it is functioning as an adjective.If the clause does not start with one of those words, it is functioning as an adverb.25.) Are the underlined parts of these sentences acting as adjectives or adverbs? Sort them into the correct categories. Adjective Alex is an athlete who likes competitions. I like the blue sweater that you bought me. The author whose books I enjoy most is Roald Dahl. Cathy likes hamburgers that are cooked on a grill. His hardest task, which took him three days, was painting the house. Adverb Bees do not sting unless they are provoked. Whenever you hear the bell, you must leave quickly. After you went inside, a shooting star appeared. They were cautious because ice made the trails slippery. We missed the first act since Anthony's watch had stopped. NOUN, ADJECTIVE, or ADVERB?CHECK TO SEE HOW THE UNDERLINED PHRASE BEGINS!1.) If the underlined phrase or clause begins with a verb (a word that shows action), replace the underlined words with "THIS" (if THIS makes sense, the underlined words are acting as a noun THIS doesn't make sense, the underlined words are acting as an adjective)2.) If the underlined phrase or clause begins with WHO, WHOM, WHOSE, WHICH, or THAT, it is acting as an adjective.3.) If the underlined phrase or clause does NOT start with a verb or the adjective words listed above, it is acting as an adverb.26.) Are the underlined parts of these sentences acting as nouns, adjectives or adverbs? Sort them into the correct categories. Noun To upset you was not my intention. Seeing a horror film can upset your nerves. Bowling was Jason's best sport. Adjective Most pizza that we eat is delicious. Sam, who is a professional singer, loves pop music. Dressed in style, Josh left his house. Adverb Whenever he has time, he invites his friends to his house. Andy searches the stores until he finds just the right groceries. Please wipe your feet before you enter the room. SEMICOLONS use a semicolon to separate two full sentences- use a colon to introduce a list documenting time27.) Which sentence is correct? I hate to get to the movies late, I want to see the previews. I hate to get to the movies late I want to see the previews. I hate to get to the movies late; I want to see the previews. SEMICOLONS use a semicolon to separate two full sentences- use a colon to introduce a list documenting time28.) Which sentence is correct? Dad's sports rules were the following play hard, play fair, and play often. Dad's sports rules were the following: play hard, play fair, and play often. Dad's: sports rules were the following play hard, play fair, and play often. QUOTATION MARKS (OR ITALICIZING)- put quotes around the title of a song title of a poem title of a short story title of an article- underline (or italicize) the title of a movie title of a novel title of a TV series title of a play name of a ship, train, spacecraft, or airplane29.) Which sentences are correct? Choose two answers. "Moon River" is my favorite song. Titanic is my favorite movie. "If I Stay" is a great book. Icarus is the best poem. PUNCTUATING QUOTATIONS- Use quotation marks at the beginning and end of a direct quotation- Use commas to set off explanatory words like "Mark said" and "said Mark"- Do not use quotation marks to set off an indirect quotation30.) Which sentences are correct? Choose two answers. "Don't forget," said Jessie, "you also have to write an essay." Sarah asked "Are you okay?" Sarah asked, "Are you okay?" Don't forget, said Jessie, "you also have to write an essay." Amber asked "if she could go to the bathroom." TDA RUBRIC31.) All components of an Introduction Paragraph rubric are listed below in a random order. List them in order in the answer space below (you can copy and paste them into your answer space). There is only one correct order.Two sentence objective summaryStory listedThesis statement placement (last sentence of introduction)Author(s) listed Question restated TDA RUBRIC32.) All components of a Body Paragraph 2 rubric are listed below in a random order. List them in order in the answer space below (you can copy and paste them into your answer space). There is only one correct order.QuotationExample(s) from middleDetailed explanation (for examples from end)Example(s) from beginningProper citation (Quote)Transition sentence (connecting thesis prong 1 to thesis prong 2)Transition to other examplesLead-in to quoteDetailed explanation (for examples from beginning)Detailed explanation (Quote)Example(s) from endDetailed explanation (for examples from middle) TDA RUBRIC33.) All components of a Conclusion Paragraph rubric are listed below in a random order. List them in order in the answer space below (you can copy and paste them into your answer space). There is only one correct order.Concluding sentenceSentence about Prong 2Sentence about Prong 1Thesis restatedSentence about Prong 3 TDA WRITING34.) When you start a new body paragraph, you should do all of the following except Indent Go to the next line Capitalize the first letter of the first word List all of the prongs in your thesis TDA WRITING35.) Pretend you are writing an essay explaining the three items you would bring if you were stranded on a deserted island.Here is your thesis statement: If I were stranded on a deserted island, I would want to have books, my pillow, and a journal.What would be a good topic sentence for Body Paragraph 1? I would want to have a journal with me on the deserted island. I would like to have many things with me on the deserted island. I would want to have books with me on the deserted island. I would want to have my pillow with me on the deserted island. TDA WRITING36.) Pretend you are writing an essay explaining the three items you would bring if you were stranded on a deserted island.Here is your thesis statement: If I were stranded on a deserted island, I would want to have books, my pillow, and a journal.What would be a good transitionsentence for Body Paragraph 2? (Remember - the transition sentence must connect Prong 1 to Prong 2) Second, I would want to have my pillow. While I would like to have my books, I would also like to have my pillow. TDA WRITING37.) Pretend you are writing an essay explaining the three items you would bring if you were stranded on a deserted island.Here is your thesis statement: If I were stranded on a deserted island, I would want to have books, my pillow, and a journal.What would be a good transitionsentence for Body Paragraph 3? (Remember - the transition sentence must connect Prong 2 to Prong 3) It would be nice to have my pillow, but it would also be great to have my journal. Third, I would like to have my journal. TDA WRITING38.) What should you do when completing a TDA response? Choose threeanswers. Use words you do not know how to spell Proofread your work Read your essay silently to yourself Indent at the start of each new paragraph TDA WRITINGRedundant- your writing is redundant when you use two or more words or phrases together that have the same meaning39.) Which part of this sentence is redundant and should therefore be removed?I stared at the blank sheet of paper that was empty. I stared sheet of paper that was empty TDA WRITINGConsistency of Style - Style is choice of words, sentence structure, and paragraph structure40.) Which sentence is written in a formal tone? During meteorological events, animals tend to scatter. It’s raining. Look at that mouse run for cover. It’s fast! TDA WRITINGConsistency of Style - Style is choice of words, sentence structure, and paragraph structure41.) Which sentence in this paragraph should be revised to maintain consistency of style? (1) Visitors agree that Greencastle, Pennsylvania, is the ideal location to take a walking tour. (2) In the town square, you get to set eyes on a really neat town clock that was built in 1872. (3) Another historic site to experience is a drugstore that has been in business for more than 150 years. (4) Interestingly, this drugstore was the site of Greencastle’s first telephone. (1) Visitors agree that Greencastle, Pennsylvania, is the ideal location to take a walking tour. (2) In the town square, you get to set eyes on a really neat town clock that was built in 1872. (3) Another historic site to experience is a drugstore that has been in business for more than 150 years. (4) Interestingly, this drugstore was the site of Greencastle’s first telephone. TDA VOCAB42.) How many TDA vocab words should you use in each TDA paragraph? 0 1 2 TDA VOCAB43.) Select the correct word to fill in the blank.Joe, the _, acts as a hero in this story. apparent noteworthy protagonist substantial TDA VOCAB44.) Select the correct word to fill in the blank.A _ example of Mr. Mallison acting as the father figure occurs when he offers Joe a job. significant sufficient apparent obvious TDA VOCAB45.) Select the correct word to fill in the blank.When the author _ says,”…teens are loath to part with a gadget which to them seems as natural as breathing” (The Jersey Journal 46), he makes it clear that teenagers don’t want to lose their phones. reveals sufficiently explicitly notable THESIS STATEMENTSDon't forget - Every thesis statement you write must include three prongs!46.) Write a thesis statement for this prompt: What qualitiesshould a good student possess? THESIS STATEMENTSDon't forget - Every thesis statement you write must include three prongs!47.) Write a thesis statement for this prompt: What quality should a good student possess? Why? THESIS STATEMENTSDon't forget - Every thesis statement you write must include three prongs!48.) Write a thesis statement for this prompt: Should students be allowed to drop out of school in 8th grade? THESIS STATEMENTSDon't forget - Every thesis statement you write must include three prongs!Cinderella cleans the house each day while her mean stepmother and stepsisters order her around. One day, her stepsisters decide to go to a ball. Cinderella secretly goes to the ball herself with a little help from her fairy godmother. When she gets to the ball, Cinderella meets the handsome prince. She dances with him until midnight, when she has to leave. As she runs out of the ball, she loses one of her shoes on the palace steps. The next day, the prince goes from house to house, trying to find the owner of the shoe. After much searching, he finally finds Cinderella. He takes her away from her mean family and marries her. Cinderella and the prince live happily ever after in the palace.49.) Write a thesis statement for this prompt: Which elements commonly present in myths can be found in the story of Cinderella? THESIS STATEMENTSDon't forget - Every thesis statement you write must include three prongs!Cinderella cleans the house each day while her mean stepmother and stepsisters order her around. One day, her stepsisters decide to go to a ball. Cinderella secretly goes to the ball herself with a little help from her fairy godmother. When she gets to the ball, Cinderella meets the handsome prince. She dances with him until midnight, when she has to leave. As she runs out of the ball, she loses one of her shoes on the palace steps. The next day, the prince goes from house to house, trying to find the owner of the shoe. After much searching, he finally finds Cinderella. He takes her away from her mean family and marries her. Cinderella and the prince live happily ever after in the palace.50.) Write a thesis statement for this prompt: How does the author organize the text of the Cinderella passage? THESIS STATEMENTSDon't forget - Every thesis statement you write must include three prongs!51.) Write a thesis statement for this prompt: How does the setting in “The Tell-Tale Heart” affect the narrator?