ACT English Test

1. ACT English Test Sentence Structure

2. Sentence Structure • Independent clause. New independent clause. • Independent clause, (conjunction) independent clause. • FAN BOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) • Independent clause ; independent clause. • Independent clause, dependent clause. • Dependent clause, independent clause.

3. Independent Clause Subject Predicate Conjunctions: FAN BOYS For, and, nor, but, or, yet, so Dependent Clause It can’t stand alone Watch out for: When, where, why, how, if, as, because, although, while, despite, that, who, what

4. What type sentence? • Jane lit the campfire. Frank set up the tent. • Independent clause. New independent clause. • Jane lit the campfire, while Frank set up the tent. • Independent clause, dependent clause. • As Jane lit the campfire, Frank set up the tent. • Dependent clause, independent clause. • Jane lit the campfire, and Frank set up the tent. • Independent clause, (conjunction) independent clause. • Jane lit the campfire; Frank set up the tent. • Independent clause ; independent clause.

5. 4 Errors In Sentence Structure • Sentence Fragments • Run-ons and comma splices • Misplaced Modifiers • Non-parallel construction

6. The sentence only has a dependent clause. No second half. EX: The bride and groom drove away in their car. As the children ran behind, shouting and laughing. NO CHANGE While the During which the The Sentence Fragments #1

7. Incorporate 2 sentences into one. EX: Although it will always be associated with Shakespeare’s famous literacy character. The castle at Elsinore was never home to Hamlet. NO CHANGE character, the character; the character. A Sentence Fragments #2

8. Comma Splices 2 independent clauses held together with a coma. What to do: Break it into 2 sentences. Use a conjunction Run-On Sentences No comma present What to do: Break it into 2 independent clauses. Use a comma Error #2

9. Comma Splices/Run-Ons EX: There is not much difference between the decision to enter politics and the decision to jump into a pit full of rattlesnakes, in fact, you might find a friendlier environment in the snake pit. • NO CHANGE • Rattlesnakes. In fact, • Rattlesnakes in fact • Rattlesnakes, in fact

10. Misplaced Modifiers • Modifying phrase – a group of words without a subject. • Check that it is modifying the correct noun. • Construction shifts • Move the modifier.

11. Non-Parallel Construction • List of verbs (make sure they are in the same tense) • List of nouns (no gerunds) • Starts with an infinitive, then stick with it.

12. What’s next? • Complete the Sentence Structure Drill • Turn it in once you are done. • Put notes into ASK binder.