Avoid Simple Format Mistakes

An easy way to keep from losing points on your essay is to make sure you are formatting your paper correctly.

Start with these basic MLA formatting rules:

• times new roman font
• 12 point font
• 1 inch margins
• double spaced
• title centered, not underlined
• page numbers at the top right corner with your last name
• a heading that reveals your name, date, teacher, and assignment

For more MLA tips, visit:  http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ 

Picture taken from:  http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/clip/pencil_color.html

What do all these symbols mean?

Before you begin editing your paper, you need to know what the editing marks on the paper mean. Sometimes the coding can be quite elaborate, so use this guide taken from  http://hcctechwriting.wordpress.com/common-editing-marks/ as a starting place.

What is imagery?

Have I written "more imagery" on your essay?
If so, this means that your essay lacks detail, and therefore is vague and a little bland. Spice it up by adding more imagery, or words that refer to the senses. Imagery instantly brings your writing to life!






What are the 5 types of imagery?

1. sight words = red, tall, long, empty
2. sound words = bang, squeal, shriek
3. feeling words = soft, rough, smooth
4. scent words = odor, aroma, tropical
5. taste words = sweet, sour, bland

Examples of Imagery in Action
Watch how imagery can bring a boring sentence to life.

•  Without imagery: When I got home late, I could tell mom was angry.
• With imagery: When I pushed open the creaky old door, I was instantly greeted with the sight of hardened red lines on my mother's face. I could hear her heavy sigh from all the way across the dimly lit kitchen; the long hands of the antique wall clock behind her tilted head rested on the black number 12. 

Picture taken from:  http://zoe-harrington.blogspot.com/

What is a weak word?

If I have written "weak word" on your essay, I am asking you to choose a stronger word. Usually this means that your verb was passive instead of active, or that your vocabulary is low level. Use the table I have created below to pinpoint your weak vocabulary, then make revisions in your essay.

Common Weak Words and Ways to Replace Them

• it =  say what "it" is  
• thing = say that the thing is (reason, idea, object, characteristic)
• something/anything/everything = these words are still vague and refer to "nothing," or no noun in particular. Always say what that "thing" actually is.
• bad = negative
• good = positive
• happy = exuberant / joyful
• sad = morose / melancholy

 

For more help with weak words, read this great article written by Keli Gwyn entitled "12 Weak Words We Can Turn into Strong Ones" by visiting the following link http://keligwyn.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/weasel-words-and-weak-words/

What is a Comma Splice?

A comma splice is the most common comma error in grammar. This error occurs when you the writer attempts to combine two complete sentences with a comma and no conjunction. A fused sentence occurs when you try to fix the mistake by simply taking out the comma. This is also an error.


Try practicing identifying comma splices and fused sentences with the following handout from www.chompchomp.com. Then check your answers below.

Directions: Each sentence below contains three underlined parts, one of which is either a comma splice or fused sentence. You need to find and fix the problem.

1. Hoping to relax after a busy week at work and school, Cheryl smoothed on some sunscreen, settled onto her pool raft, and opened her new Stephen King novel, then her neighbor cranked up the lawnmower, ruining the quiet.
   
2. Derek wanted a ferocious pit bull terrier to scare off burglars, but his apartment complex did not allow dogs as a result, Derek had to settle for naming his goldfish Mr. Jaws and installing additional door locks.
   
3. Sylvia carefully ironed her one good suit to wear to the bank interview the next day all the while, Buster, her hairy white cat, waited for her to lay the dark gray skirt on the bed so that he would have a warm spot to nap.
   
4. Chet decided to get a huge Chinese dragon tattooed across his shoulder blades once the stabbing needle pierced his skin, however, Chet quickly changed his mind, opting to pierce an ear instead. 
   
    ANSWERS:
   1. novel,then is a splice  2.  dogs as is a fused sentence 3. day all is a fused sentence 4. blades once is a fused sentence
   

What Are Pronouns?

 

Pronouns take the place of a noun. They are words like "he," "she", or "it." Often, students get mixed up on when to use "it" and when to use "they."  Practice the following pronoun activity adapted from www.tslbooks.com. Then review the answers below to check your work.

Pronouns are words that take the place of nouns.
Some pronouns take the place of nouns in the subject part of a sentence.
 
Example: Louis rode the skateboard. He rode the skateboard. (Louis is replaced by He)

DIRECTIONS: Write the pronoun found in the box below that can take the place of each noun. 
Word Bank:  he it she they we you

1. Mrs. May walked down the street to catch the bus. _________
2. Mary and Paul are going to visit friends. ____________
3. The turtles were glad to see Aaron. ______________
4. Lucy drove the tractor on the farm. ________________
5. The soup was delicious! ____________
6. Mr. Wheat played the trumpet for the class. _____________
7. The presentation was very interesting. _____________
8. Brian rode the horse. _______________
9. Gianna petted the puppy. ______________
10. Kali and Susan performed in the talent show. _____________
11. Timmy and I baked a cake for our father. _______________
12. Mark went skiing with Barry. _______________
13. Mark and Joe did well on the science project. 14. Lois cleaned the house.___________

 ANSWERS
1. she 2. they 3. they 4. she 5. it 6. he 7. it 8. he 9. she 10. they 11. they 12. he 13. they