Freshman English and AP English--Error Identification Pointers for PSAT/SAT Writing Section

Error on Green, Paul Klee (1939)

Scholars:

One of the best ways to prepare for the error-identification section in the sentences on the PSAT/SAT is to know the sixteen major categories of errors that appear. That way, you know what to look for.

Below are listed the errors that you will most often see on these tests. Chances are you don't know what many of the terms below mean. If I were you, I'd google the terms/phrases below and learn as much as possible about these grammar issues. You will find lots of great sites with examples and explanations through the Internet. Remember, you must take responsibility for your learning. True scholars always do.

Verbs

1. Subject-Verb Agreement
2. Verb Tense/Form

Pronouns

3. Pronoun-Antecedent
4. Pronoun Case

Additional Errors

5. Adjectives vs. Adverbs
6. Parallel Structure: Lists
7. Prepositions/Idioms
8. Faulty Comparisons
9. Word Pairs
10. Noun agreement
11. Comparatives vs. Superlatives
12. Relative Pronouns
13. Double Negative/Double Positives
14. Conjunctions
15. Redundancy
16. Diction

The information above was excerpted from a great book, The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar by Erica L. Meltzer.

Analysis of "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" by Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston, an important voice of the Harlem Renaissance, was an American folklorist, anthropologist, and novelist best known for her work, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Sadly, she died in 1960 after suffering financial and medical difficulties. In 1973, Alice Walker, another famous American writer, "rediscovered" Hurston and promoted her body of work. In the classic essay, "How It Feels to Be Colored Me," Hurston explores the idea that all of us have multiple selves, depending upon the context and environments in which we find ourselves. Hurston's writing has an ebullience, self-assertiveness, and pride that is particularly evident in this text. She was a flamboyant and dramatic personality, at times clashing with fellow writers from the Harlem Renaissance, who believed that black Americans should use their art to speak out against racial oppression and the white majority. Hurston chose not to align herself with the political ideologies of ot...

All Classes--Analysis Activity for Texts. (Only do when assigned)

You will complete the following tasks.

Class Rules and Expectations

Until we are back on campus in the 2020-21 school year, adhere to the virtual behavior guidelines posted on Canvas. Follow uniform, ID badge, and safety rules. Do not be late for class. When you enter the classroom, copy the Agenda, the Word of the Day, and the Writing/Grammar Point of the Day. Place any homework on the table.

Mulhern's English Site

Search This Blog