• Unit 1: Find the Errors! Fix the Errors!

    This unit is all about sentence-level concerns. We all want our writing to be clear and easy to read. If a reader struggles to understand the words we chose or the sentences we wrote, they will have even more difficulty following the ideas we present. Knowing how to find and correct grammatical errors will help improve the strength of your essay writing. Depending on the exam, you may be asked to identify and correct errors in sample passages.

    This unit identifies common grammar errors, explains the importance of syntax and sentence structure, and helps you build clarity in your writing. Additionally, we'll have our first test-taking strategy where we consider how the essay writing exam is organized and how we can best use our time during the actual exam.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • identify common grammar mistakes;
      • apply proper syntax;
      • rewrite a passage for clarity; and
      • understand the test (test-taking skill 1).

      • 1.1: Identifying Common Grammar Mistakes

        • Writing Sentences with Correct Grammar Page

          When we write an essay, we want to be sure our readers can easily understand the points we're making. While interesting ideas and strong supporting details are important, none of that matters if the grammar isn't clear. It's important to be able to write clear, grammatically correct sentences to show our readers that we can communicate effectively through writing. This resource reviews grammar rules that improve the clarity of our writing. Once you can identify these rules, you'll be able to find and correct errors in our writing or in writing passages given to you on the exam.

      • 1.2: Making Sense of Syntax

        • Using Appropriate Syntax Page

          Syntax is the way we use words in a sentence. Syntax follows the rules of grammar but may be altered a little depending on the kind of tone you are trying to convey. For example, your syntax in an email to a friend may differ from a formal letter to an employer. To maintain strong syntax, you need to be able to select and use the correct words for your purpose. The following resources walk you through the importance of clear wording, how to avoid commonly confused words, and making the best word choice for your writing.

      • 1.3: Creating Clarity through Correction

        • Writing Clearly Page

          Clarity is clear writing, and clear writing is writing that is easy to read. If an essay is easy to read, then the reader can concentrate more on your ideas and less on your grammar. We use clauses and avoid unnecessary word strings or phrases to achieve clarity. This resource gives examples of how to build and maintain clarity in your essay writing.

      • 1.4: Test-Taking Skill 1: Understanding the Test

        • Writing Better Essays Page

          An essay-writing exam is very different from a multiple choice or multiple answer exam. In an essay exam, you're expected to understand a prompt (the question) and then answer it with well-constructed and thought-out ideas and support. That's a lot to do! Understanding how to best gauge your time is important for success on an essay-writing exam. This resource walks through strategies for preparing for the exam and then managing your time once it begins.

      • Unit 1 Assessment

        • Unit 1 Knowledge Check Quiz
          Receive a grade

          This unit considered issues in clarity and syntax. Now, you will read an excerpt from an argument-based article. Argument-based writing is one kind of essay you may be asked to write on your exam. This ungraded activity will check your ability to recognize appropriate words and phrases while thinking about how to make meaning clear to a reader.

        • Unit 1 Assessment Quiz
          Receive a grade

          Now it's your turn to write a short essay using the skills we discussed in Unit 1. This essay is shorter than the exam essay and is not timed but will allow you to practice your grammar, syntax, and clarity. Use the rubric to grade your work.