When one is attempting to write one's thoughts down on paper for a class, there are several
factors to consider. One, obviously, is the knowledge of the subject itself. The second is
the format required for the task. The last and often most frustrating - and potentially
damaging to the student's grade - is Grammar. This discussion will try to cover the common
grammar problems most students face. One must realize that English is a language made
from numerous other languages. It is constantly changing and most people speak a
slang-influenced version of it. But there are acceptable levels of written college-level
English a student is expected to use. Remember your audience is not your friends, your
family, or your peer group. Your audience is an educated person who wants to know as
clearly and concisely as possible the information for which they are asking. Keeping
this in mind as you write will create a better paper, as well as a better grade.
Below are links to pages that will explain the topic listed. Many of them are
interdependent. If one page does not completely answer your questions, perhaps
another will.
For tips and guidelines for formatting, such as paragraphing, using text and
composition modes, see Paper Format.
WORD ERRORS
- Spelling
- Homonyms
Frequently Misspelled Words
Typos and Spell-Check Errors
Nouns vs. Verbs
These Aren't Words
Not One Word
- Verb Tense Errors in Essays
- Apostrophes
- Contractions
Plurals vs. Possessives
Possessive Pronouns
SENTENCE ERRORS
- Fragments
-
VIDEO
- Handout
- Comma Splices and Run-ons
- VIDEO
- Handout
- PunctuationVIDEO
- Punctuation 1: Semi-Colons and Commas
Punctuation 2: Terminal and Other
- Transitions
- Transitional Words and Phrases
- OTHER
- ESL
Good Example of Bad Paper
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