study guide for ELA

Does the text contain a vague pronoun reference? Before Jacob decided on a double major in history and Russian literature, he talked to academic advisers about the requirements for each major.

no

Does the text contain a vague pronoun reference? Mrs. Sullivan told her assistant to book a flight to Lexington immediately.

no

facile

success was easily achieved; effortless.

Dennotation

the dictionary meaning of a word

Connotation

the implied or associative meaning of a word

pious

they are devoutly religious.

illustrious

they are well known, respected, and Admired for past achievements.

subjugate

to bring something or someone under domination or control, especially by conquest.

contrived

to form or think of a plan in a skillful or clever way

When should a dash be used?

when you're connecting two ideas

diction

word choice

Bad "The couch looks ____ by the window than it did by the fireplace," Mrs. Morton said. "Let's move it back."

worse

bad In golf, the player with the most points actually has the ______ score.

worst

Does the text contain a vague pronoun reference? Becky took the memory card out of the digital camera and put it in her desk drawer.

yes

Does the text contain a vague pronoun reference? Even after Jack warned Zoe to be careful, she dropped his handmade ceramic bowl on her foot and broke it.

yes

Is this a sentence fragment? The red wolf of the southeastern United States became extinct in the wild in 1980. After scientists created a breeding program with a few red wolves in captivity.

yes

Is this a sentence fragment? With more than sixty percent of the popular vote, incumbent Lyndon Baines Johnson defeating Republican Barry Goldwater, Sr., in the 1964 presidential election.

yes

Is this a run on sentence? According to a 2008 study, hog farms across five counties in eastern North Carolina produce more than fifteen million tons of manure every year, creating a waste management challenge of epic proportions for county officials.

No

Is this a sentence fragment? Although there are approximately one thousand species of bats around the world, only three practice hematophagy, or the consumption of blood for food.

No

Is this a sentence fragment? Due to warmer winters, the population of brown tawny owls in Finland has increased dramatically. With less snow on the ground, brown owls can better blend in with the environment, evading predators.

No

usurp

To usurp is to take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force.

when should a comma be in use?

When listing things, after an introductory, clauses and phrases

Is there a sentence fragment? Since Caleb's doctor diagnosed his vitamin B deficiency and he began supplementing his diet.

Yes

Is this a run-on sentence? Ms. West, an interior designer, asks her clients to fill out a design questionnaire she uses it to get a sense of their personalities and style preferences.

Yes

throng

a large, densely packed crowd of people or animals.

beseech

ask them urgently and sincerely to do something; implore; entreat.

good After researching dog breeds, I think the collie is the _________ breed to have around small children.

best

Good I think I have a _________ chance of keeping my New Year's resolution this year than last year.

better

Fanboys

for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

conspicuous

it is standing out so as to be clearly visible.