English Week 5: Proofreading and Modifiers

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Questions and Answers

What is the main goal of Week 5 of the English course?

To ensure that written correspondence is correct.

What is a modifier?

A modifier is a word or phrase that describes or limits another word, usually a noun.

What is the primary purpose of a modifier?

A modifier is a word or phrase that provides additional information about another word in a sentence, clarifying or describing its meaning.

A misplaced modifier is always easy to identify.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do you correct a misplaced modifier?

To correct a misplaced modifier, move it closer to the word or phrase it modifies, ensuring that the relationship between the modifier and its subject is clear. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a misplaced modifier and how to fix it.

Example: The cat is watching in the tree the bird. Corrected version: The cat is watching the bird in the tree. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dangling modifier?

A dangling modifier occurs when a phrase (often a gerund phrase) is incorrectly associated with the wrong noun in the sentence. Signup and view all the answers

Describe two ways to correct a dangling modifier.

<ol> <li>Place the subject of the sentence after the dangling modifier.</li> <li>Include the subject within the modifier itself.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a dangling modifier and show how to correct it.

Example: Paying the check, the money was left on the table. Corrected version: Paying the check, Jane left the money on the table. Signup and view all the answers

How do powerful verbs affect writing?

Power verbs are strong, active, and engaging verbs that bring life to writing, elevating the impact of the message. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a weak verb and how to replace it with a more powerful verb.

Example: She will give a lecture on atoms. (Weak) Suggested change: She will deliver a lecture on atoms. (Strong) Signup and view all the answers

How important is correct verb tense in writing?

Maintaining consistent verb tense is crucial for clear and coherent writing. Inconsistent tenses can make your writing confusing and undermine its credibility. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of inconsistent verb tense and how to fix it.

Example: I wrote the article after she gives me the information. (Inconsistent tense) Corrected version: I wrote the article after she gave me the information. (Consistent tense) Signup and view all the answers

What is parallel structure?

Parallel structure involves using the same grammatical structure for multiple words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence, creating a sense of balance and clarity. Signup and view all the answers

What are two common grammatical structures used in parallel structure?

<ol> <li>Infinitive: The verb form "to + verb"</li> <li>Gerund: Utilizing the '-ing' form of the verb</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the sentence that correctly uses parallel structure.

John likes swimming, running, and painting. (A), My daily tasks are to chart, to enter new records, and to write memos. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is an expletive?

An expletive is a word or phrase that adds unnecessary words to a sentence, often delaying the subject, and can weaken the overall impact. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the two common expletive forms.

there are (B), it is (C) Signup and view all the answers

Explain how to revise a sentence containing an expletive.

To revise a sentence containing an expletive, simply remove the expletive phrase and restructure the sentence to make the subject the main focus. Signup and view all the answers

Given the sentence "There are students who prefer online learning to a traditional classroom setting," write the sentence without using an expletive.

Many students prefer online learning to a traditional classroom setting. Signup and view all the answers

Is the use of slang generally considered professional in business settings?

No, the use of slang is typically discouraged in professional settings as it can be perceived as informal and undermine the image of professionalism. Signup and view all the answers

When is it acceptable to use abbreviations in professional writing?

Abbreviations are acceptable only when you are confident that your intended audience will understand their meaning. It's best to err on the side of caution and avoid them unless absolutely necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is plagiarism and what are its consequences?

Plagiarism is presenting someone else's work as your own, without proper attribution. It is a serious academic and professional offense, leading to consequences which range from failing grades to loss of career opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What are some common formats used for citing sources?

Common formats for citing sources include APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), and Chicago Style. Signup and view all the answers

Using strong verbs in your writing can help make your message more impactful.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to embrace a "You" point of view in professional writing?

Embracing a "You" point of view emphasizes the audience, emphasizing their perspective and needs, creating a more engaging and personalized communication. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the "We" point of view and give an example

The "We" point of view conveys the message from a collective perspective, often used by companies or organizations. Examples include "We are committed to excellence" or "We believe in providing exceptional service". Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a "Point of View" in professional writing?

The "point of view" in professional writing determines the perspective from which you are communicating, influencing the tone and message of your work. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid using slang in professional communication?

Slang can make your writing sound informal and unprofessional, potentially undermining your credibility and professionalism in the eyes of your audience. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course: English
Week: 5

Agenda

Welcome and Questions
Review material covered last week
Review: Week 5 Assignment and Discussion
Week 5 Presentation
Questions and Recap

Topic: Ensuring Correct Written Correspondence

Medical professionals need to ensure written correspondence is accurate
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are crucial elements

Topic: Proofreading

This is part one of the lesson.

Topic: Modifiers

Modifiers need to be placed correctly (next to the word they modify).
Misplaced modifiers are incorrect.
Examples of correct and incorrect modifier placement are given.
(Example from slides: Taped to the wall, the note was read by Margaret is incorrect vs. Taped to the wall, Margaret read the note.

Topic: Dangling Modifiers

Dangling modifiers incorrectly associate phrases with the wrong noun.
Two ways to correct dangling modifiers
- Place the subject after the modifier
- Place the subject within the modifier (example given)

Topic: Powerful Verbs

Using powerful verbs improves writing clarity, tone and motivation
Examples of weak verbs being replaced by action verbs
Verbits in a sentence should be in the same tense

Topic: List of Powerful Verbs

Students compile a list of effective verbs for use in resumes

Topic: Parallel Structure

Maintain consistency in sentence structure.
Infinitives and gerunds are used for parallel structure, using "to" to modify infinitives and -ing to modify gerunds.
Examples of weak and strong sentences that use parallel structure. (Examples given including "John likes swimming, running, and painting".)

Topic: Explicative Forms

Remove expletive forms (such as "it is" or "there are") to improve sentence quality
Examples of weak and strong sentences are shown.

Topic: Class Activities

Group activity involving the creation of a list of 5 power verbs for a resume.
Students share their lists, discussing how each verb can be used in a sentence to highlight a resume.
Students write a sentence including expletive forms.
Class discusses how to modify the sentence.
Group activity involving writing a six-sentence paragraph that includes grammatical and punctuation errors from the course material and then identifying errors once exchanged with another group.

Topic: Point of View

"You" and "We" statements are used professionally.
Avoid excessive use of "I."
Replace "I think/hope" with stronger and more professional terms.

Topic: Slang and Abbreviations

Avoid slang in professional settings.
Use abbreviations only when the reader understands the meaning.
List of websites for additional information.

Topic: Plagiarism

All borrowed materials must be cited properly.
APA, MLA, or Chicago Style formats are used.
Provide examples of cited information.

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Description

In this quiz, you will explore key concepts from Week 5 of the English course, focusing on proofreading and the correct placement of modifiers. You will learn about the importance of clear written correspondence, and practice identifying and correcting dangling and misplaced modifiers. Enhance your writing skills and ensure your correspondence is accurate!