Writing skills success - LearningExpress 2009

Lesson 1. Capitalization
Pretest

Before you start your study of grammar and writing skills, you may want to get an idea of how much you already know and how much you need to learn. If that’s the case, take the pretest that follows. The pretest consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering all the lessons in this book. Naturally, 50 questions can’t cover every single concept or rule you will learn by working through these pages. So even if you answer all of the questions on the pretest correctly, it’s almost guaranteed that you will find a few ideas or rules in this book that you didn’t already know. On the other hand, if you get a lot of the answers wrong on this pretest, don’t despair. This book will show you how to improve your grammar and writing, step by step.

So use this pretest for a general idea of how much of what’s in this book you already know. If you get a high score, you may be able to spend less time with this book than you originally planned. If you get a low score, you may find that you will need more than 20 minutes a day to get through each chapter and learn all the grammar and mechanics concepts you need.

There’s an answer sheet you can use for filling in the correct answers on page 3. Or, if you prefer, simply circle the answer numbers in this book. If the book doesn’t belong to you, write the numbers 1-50 on a piece of paper, and record your answers there. Take as much time as you need to complete this short test. When you finish, check your answers against the answer key that follows. Each answer tells you which lesson of this book teaches you about the grammatical rule in that question.

Pretest

1. Which version of the sentence is correctly capitalized?

a. Since you’re here, you and Denise should plan to pay a quick visit to aunt Janice, uncle Don, and your Cousin Ray.

b. Since you’re here, you and Denise should plan to pay a quick visit to Aunt Janice, Uncle Don, and your cousin Ray.

c. Since you’re here, you and Denise should plan to pay a quick visit to Aunt Janice, uncle Don, and your Cousin Ray.

d. Since you’re here, you and Denise should plan to pay a quick visit to Aunt Janice, Uncle Don, and your Cousin Ray.

2. Which of the underlined words in the following sentence should be capitalized?

The governor gave a speech at the fourth of July picnic, which was held at my cousin’s farm five miles east of town.

a. governor

b. fourth

c. cousin’s

d. east

3. Which of the underlined words in the following sentence should be capitalized?

“Last semester, I wrote my history report on the Korean war,” my sister told me.

a. semester

b. history

c. war

d. sister

4. Which version uses periods correctly?

a. Dr Harrison will speak at a hotel in Chicago, IL, on Thurs at 3:00 p.m.

b. Dr. Harrison will speak at a hotel in Chicago, IL., on Thurs at 3:00 pm.

c. Dr Harrison will speak at a hotel in Chicago, IL., on Thurs. at 3:00 p.m.

d. Dr. Harrison will speak at a hotel in Chicago, IL, on Thurs. at 3:00 p.m.

5. Which version uses punctuation correctly?

a. Wow, that was a terrific novel? What other books has this author written!

b. Wow! That was a terrific novel. What other books has this author written?

c. Wow? That was a terrific novel! What other books has this author written?

d. Wow. That was a terrific novel? What other books has this author written?

6. Which of the following is a sentence fragment, or NOT a complete sentence?

a. Hearing the thunder, the lifeguard ordered us out of the water.

b. Turn off the lights.

c. Sunday afternoon spent reading and playing computer games.

d. I was surprised to see that my neighbor had written a letter to the editor.

7. Three of the following sentences are either run ons or comma splices. Which one is NOT a faulty sentence?

a. The newspapers are supposed to be delivered by 7:00, but I am usually finished before 6:45.

b. I called the delivery service this morning, they told me the shipment would arrive on time.

c. Look in the closet you should find it there.

d. I was the first to sign the petition Harry was second.

8. Which version is punctuated correctly?

a. Charlotte, who ran in the Boston Marathon last year will compete in this year’s New York Marathon.

b. Charlotte who ran in the Boston Marathon, last year, will compete in this year’s New York Marathon.

c. Charlotte who ran in the Boston Marathon last year, will compete in this year’s New York Marathon.

d. Charlotte, who ran in the Boston Marathon last year, will compete in this year’s New York Marathon.

9. Which version is punctuated correctly?

a. The park service will not allow anyone, who does not have a camping permit, to use this campground.

b. The park service will not allow anyone who does not have a camping permit to use this campground.

c. The park service will not allow anyone, who does not have a camping permit to use this campground.

d. The park service will not allow anyone who does not have a camping permit, to use this campground.

10. Which version is punctuated correctly?

a. As soon as she finished her dinner, Lisa, who is a volunteer at the hospital, reported for her shift.

b. As soon as she finished her dinner Lisa, who is a volunteer at the hospital reported for her shift.

c. As soon as she finished, her dinner, Lisa who is a volunteer at the hospital, reported for her shift.

d. As soon as she finished her dinner, Lisa who is a volunteer at the hospital reported for her shift.

11. Which of the underlined portions of the following sentence is punctuated incorrectly?

My mother was born on (a) December 15, 1944, in Kingwood, West (b) Virginia, when she was (c) five, her family moved to (d) 347 Benton Street, Zanesville, OH.

a. December 15, 1944,

b. Virginia, when

c. five, her

d. 347 Benton Street, Zanesville, OH

12. Which version is punctuated correctly?

a. Yes I would like to receive the credit card application and please send it as soon as you can to my home address.

b. Yes, I would like to receive the credit card application and please send it, as soon as you can to my home address.

c. Yes, I would like to receive the credit card application and, please send it as soon as you can to my home address.

d. Yes, I would like to receive the credit card application, and please send it as soon as you can to my home address.

13. Which version is punctuated correctly?

a. It seems, Brian, you have not been completely honest about the amount of time you’ve been spending on your studies. That is disappointing.

b. It seems Brian you have not been completely honest about the amount of time you’ve been spending on your studies that is disappointing.

c. It seems, Brian, you have not been completely honest about the amount of time you’ve been spending on your studies, that is disappointing.

d. It seems Brian you have not been completely honest about the amount of time you’ve been spending on your studies. That is disappointing.

14. Which is the correct punctuation for the underlined portion?

The weather forecasters are predicting 10 inches of snow tonight therefore the annual chili supper will be rescheduled for next week.

a. tonight, therefore

b. tonight, therefore,

c. tonight; therefore,

d. tonight, therefore;

15. Which is the correct punctuation for the underlined portion?

You may choose to read any two of the following novels The Great Gatsby, Song of Solomon, Sophie’s Choice, The Color Purple, The Bell Jar, and The Invisible Man.

a. novels, The

b. novels: The

c. novels; the

d. novels. The

16. Which version is punctuated correctly?

a. One of my complaints—if you really want to know is that the recycling bins are not clearly labeled.

b. One of my complaints—if you really want to know—is that the recycling bins are not clearly labeled.

c. One of my complaints, if you really want to know—is that the recycling bins are not clearly labeled.

d. One of my complaints if you really want to know is that the recycling bins are not clearly labeled.

17. Which version is punctuated correctly?

a. Much still needs to be learned about the new candidate Mr. Clayton, we will continue our interview with him tomorrow.

b. Much still needs to be learned about the new candidate, Mr. Clayton; we will continue our interview with him tomorrow.

c. Much still needs to be learned about the new candidate. Mr. Clayton; we will continue our interview with him tomorrow.

d. Much still needs to be learned about the new candidate, Mr. Clayton we will continue our interview with him tomorrow.

18. Which version is punctuated correctly?

a. Whose coat is this? Is it yours or Eric’s?

b. Whose coat is this? Is it your’s or Eric’s?

c. Who’s coat is this? Is it your’s or Eric’s?

d. Who s coat is this? Is it yours or Eric’s?

19. Which version is punctuated correctly?

a. “May I ride with you?” asked Del. “I can’t get my car started.”

b. May I ride with you? asked Del. “I can’t get my car started.”

c. “May I ride with you? asked Del. I can’t get my car started.”

d. “May I ride with you”? asked Del, “I can’t get my car started.”

20. Which of the following items should be placed in quotations marks and should NOT be italicized or underlined?

a. the title of a book

b. the title of a story

c. the title of a movie

d. the title of a newspaper

21. Which version uses hyphens correctly?

a. The well-known singer-songwriter gave a three hour concert.

b. The well known singer songwriter gave a three-hour concert.

c. The well-known singer-songwriter gave a three-hour concert.

d. The well known singer-songwriter gave a three hour concert.

22. Which of the following should NOT be hyphenated?

a. forty-five dollars

b. one-hundredth of an inch

c. a ten-minute break

d. five-pieces of gum

23. Which version uses parentheses correctly?

a. I plan to do my geography report on the Central American country of Belize (formerly known as British Honduras).

b. I plan to do my geography report on the (Central American country of) Belize, formerly known as British Honduras.

c. I plan to do my (geography) report on the Central American country of Belize, formerly known as British Honduras.

d. I plan to do my geography report on the Central American country (of Belize) formerly known as British Honduras.

For questions 24 and 25, choose the correct verb form.

24. Last night, Rita ... a standing ovation for her performance.

a. has gotten

b. gotten

c. will get

d. got

25. Brandon ... his camera so he could photograph the basketball game.

a. brang

b. brought

c. bring

d. had brung

26. Which of the following underlined verbs is NOT written in the correct tense?

Last year, I (a) vacationed in Jamaica. I (b) sunbathe on the beach every morning. In the afternoons, I (c) explored the island, and when evening came, I (d) couldn’t wait to change my clothes and try another local restaurant.

a. vacationed

b. sunbathe

c. explored

d. couldn’t wait

27. Choose the version that correctly rewrites the following sentence in the active voice.

I was taken to the public library by my sister before I was able to read.

a. Before I was able to read, I was taken to the public library by my sister.

b. Before learning to read, my sister took me to the public library.

c. Before I was able to read, my sister took me to the public library.

d. I was taken to the public library before I knew how to read, by my sister.

28. Which of the following sentences is in the passive voice?

a. Maya hoped that her party would not be ruined by the impending thunderstorm.

b. Maya was hoping that her party would not be ruined by the impending thunderstorm.

c. Maya is hoping that her party won’t be ruined by the impending thunderstorm.

d. Maya has hoped that her party won’t be ruined by the impending thunderstorm.

For questions 29 and 30, choose the verb that agrees with the subject of the sentence.

29. Neither of the boys ... to basketball camp.

a. have been

b. were

c. is been

d. has been

30. Christian and Jennifer … to go canoeing next Saturday.

a. are trying

b. is trying

c. tried

d. have tried

31. Choose the subject that agrees with the verb in the following sentence. ... of the customers have complained about poor service.

a. One

b. Neither

c. Each

d. Some

32. In which of the following sentences is the underlined verb NOT in agreement with the subject of the sentence?

a. Where are the forms you want me to fill out?

b. Which is the correct form?

c. Here is the forms you need to complete.

d. There are two people who still need to complete the form.

33. In which of the following sentences is the underlined pronoun incorrect?

a. Alicia and me want to spend Saturday at Six Flags Amusement Park.

b. Either Sam or William will bring his CD player to the party.

c. She and I will work together on the project.

d. Why won’t you let her come with us?

34. In which of the following sentences are the underlined pronouns correct?

a. Would he or me be a better bowling partner?

b. Would he or I be a better bowling partner?

c. Would him or me be a better bowling partner?

d. Would him or I be a better bowling partner?

For questions 35-38, choose the option that correctly completes the sentence.

35. Four band members and … were chosen to attend the state competition. One of ... will do the driving.

a. me, we

b. me, us

c. I, we

d. I, us

36. Marcus ... the bags of groceries on the kitchen table 15 minutes ago.

a. had sat

b. set

c. sit

d. sat

37. About five minutes after the sun ..., my alarm goes off, and ... time to get up.

a. raises, it’s

b. raises, its

c. rises, it’s

d. rises, its

38. Julian ran ... in the race today, but Kyle wound up with the ... score overall.

a. good, better

b. good, best

c. well, better

d. well, best

39. Which of the sentences is clearly and correctly written?

a. Driving along the country road, a deer ran in front of us.

b. A deer ran in front of us while driving along the country road.

c. As we were driving along the country road, a deer ran in front of us.

d. Running in front of us, we saw the deer, driving along the country road.

For questions 40-46, choose the option that correctly completes the sentence.

40. If we divide this pizza ... the five people here, there won’t be ... pieces left over.

a. among, any

b. among, no

c. between, any

d. between, no

41. Yesterday, I ... the campers to the ... we had chosen near the river.

a. lead, cite

b. lead, site

c. led, cite

d. led, site

42. As we have done in the ..., we will ... at the coffeehouse at 10:00 A.M.

a. past, meet

b. past, meat

c. passed, meet

d. passed, meat

43. As you can ... see, there has been a ... in the water pipe.

a. planely, brake

b. planely, break

c. plainly, brake

d. plainly, break

44. Do you know ... Teresa will ... to join our organization?

a. weather, choose

b. weather, chose

c. whether, choose

d. whether, chose

45. Did you ... the team jacket you were supposed to ... to the meet this after noon?

a. loose, wear

b. lose, where

c. loss, wear

d. lose, wear

46. Do you ... if Serena Williams ... the tournament?

a. know, one

b. know, won

c. no, one

d. no, won

47. Which of the following phrases contains a redundancy? (It expresses the same idea twice, with different words.)

a. I did not go to the shopping mall.

b. She always does very well in school.

c. The judges have temporarily delayed the competition until later.

d. Liz and Lauren have both contributed greatly to the fundraising campaign.

48. Which of the following sentences contains a сliсhe?

a. Why not start now? There’s no time like the present.

b. Just keep trying. You’ll catch on.

c. Whew! I’m tired.

d. I’m as shocked at the news as you are.

49. Which version has a consistent point of view?

a. The history of English is divided into three periods. You could mark the earliest one at about the fifth century a.d.

b. You can say that the history of English could be divided into three periods, and I know the earliest one begins about the fifth century a.d.

c. The history of English is divided into three periods. The earliest one begins at about the fifth century a.d.

d. I learned that the history of English is divided into three periods and that you begin the earliest one at about the fifth century a.d.

50. Which version has a parallel structure?

a. We write for a variety of purposes: in expressing our feelings, to convey information, to persuade, or to give pleasure.

b. We write for a variety of purposes: to express our feelings, convey information, persuasion, or giving pleasure.

c. We write for a variety of purposes: an expression of our feelings, conveying information, persuade, or to give pleasure.

d. We write for a variety of purposes: to express our feelings, to convey information, to persuade, or to give pleasure.

Answers

If you missed any of the answers, you can find help for that kind of question in the lesson shown to the right of the answer.

1. b. Lesson 1

2. b. Lesson 1

3. c. Lesson 1

4. d. Lesson 2

5. b. Lesson 2

6. c. Lesson 3

7. a. Lesson 3

8. d. Lesson 4

9. b. Lesson 4

10. a. Lesson 4

11. b. Lessons 5, 6

12. d. Lesson 5

13. a. Lesson 5

14. c. Lesson 6

15. b. Lesson 6

16. b. Lesson 7

17. b. Lesson 7

18. a. Lesson 7

19. a. Lesson 8

20. b. Lesson 8

21. c. Lesson 9

22. d. Lesson 9

23. a. Lesson 9

24. d. Lesson 10

25. b. Lesson 10

26. b. Lesson 10

27. c. Lesson 11

28. b. Lesson 11

29. d. Lesson 12

30. a. Lesson 12

31. d. Lesson 12

32. c. Lesson 12

33. a. Lesson 13

34. b. Lesson 13

35. d. Lesson 13

36. b. Lesson 14

37. c. Lesson 14

38. c. Lesson 14

39. c. Lesson 15

40. a. Lesson 15

41. d. Lesson 16

42. a. Lesson 16

43. d. Lesson 16

44. c. Lesson 17

45. d. Lesson 17

46. b. Lesson 17

47. c. Lesson 18

48. a. Lesson 18

49. c. Lesson 19

50. d. Lesson 19

Lesson 1. Capitalization

Words have a longer life than deeds.

—Pindar, Greek poet (522 B.C.E.-443 B.C.E.)

LESSON SUMMARY

Capitalization goes beyond the first word of a sentence. This chapter covers the finer points of capitalization by breaking them down into two segments: general rules and specific rules.

Start by seeing just how much you already know about the proper use of capital letters. On the next page, you see the same passage written twice. The first column, called Problem, contains no capitalization at all—definitely a problem in writing! Circle those letters you think should be capitalized in the Problem column, and then check yourself against the Solution column.

Problem

when I first saw the black hills on january 2, 1995, i was shocked by their beauty. we had just spent new year’s day in sioux falls, south dakota, and had headed west toward our home in denver, colorado. as we traveled along interstate 90, i could see the black hills rising slightly in the distance. after driving through the badlands and stopping at wall drug in wall, south dakota, the evergreen-covered hills broke the barren monotony of the landscape. my oldest daughter said, “dad, look! there’s something that’s not all white.” we saw mount rushmore and custer state park, the home of the largest herd of buffalo in north america. we also drove the treacherous spearfish canyon road. fortunately, our jeep cherokee had no trouble with the ice and snow on the winding road. we were unable to see needles national park because the needles highway was snowed shut. winter may not be the best time to see these sights, but we enjoyed them nonetheless.

Solution

When I first saw the Black Hills on January 2, 1995, I was shocked by their beauty. We had just spent New Year’s Day in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and had headed west toward our home in Denver, Colorado. As we traveled along Interstate 90, I could see the Black Hills rising slightly in the distance. After driving through the Badlands and stopping at Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota, the evergreen-covered hills broke the barren monotony of the landscape. My oldest daughter said, “Dad, look! There’s something that’s not all white.” We saw Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, the home of the largest herd of buffalo in North America. We also drove the treacherous Spearfish Canyon Road. Fortunately, our Jeep Cherokee had no trouble with the ice and snow on the winding road. We were unable to see Needles National Park because the Needles Highway was snowed shut. Winter may not be the best time to see these sights, but we enjoyed them nonetheless.

How did you do? As you progress through the lesson, try to identify the specific rules that you missed.

General Capitalization Rules

This table summarizes general capitalization rules. Rules relating to specific categories of proper nouns are addressed in the next section.

Here is an example of a dialogue that illustrates these rules. (A note about paragraphing in dialogue: Each time a speaker finishes, begin a new paragraph for the next speaker’s dialogue.)

“Good afternoon,” said the personal trainer as I walked into the gym.

“Good afternoon!” I replied, excited to get started. “You must be Ms. Milner. I’m Jennifer Burnett. It’s very nice to meet you.”

“Tell me about your current workout routine, Jennifer. I’m eager to put together a brand-new exercise program for you.”

I smiled and said, “It’s so nice to be working with you. I heard you were a ’true fitness guru.’”

Practice

Check your ability to apply these rules in the following practice questions. Choose the correctly capitalized option from each of the following sets. Answers to each set of questions can be found at the end of the lesson.

1. a. the movie terrified me at first. after a few minutes, i began to calm down.

b. The movie terrified me at first. after a few minutes, I began to calm down.

c. The movie terrified me at first. After a few minutes, I began to calm down.

2. a. “what are you doing?” my supervisor asked. “trying to finish the memo I’ve been writing,” i replied.

b. “What are you doing?” my supervisor asked. “Trying to finish the memo I’ve been writing,” I replied.

c. “What are you doing?” My supervisor asked. “Trying to finish the memo I’ve been writing,” I replied.

3. a. the book noted that Henry VIII reigned from 1509-1547 A.D.

b. The book noted that Henry VIII reigned from 1509-1547 a.d.

c. The book noted that Henry VIII reigned from 1509-1547 A.D.

4. a. After the game is over, I want to watch the interviews with the players.

b. after the game is over, I want to watch the interviews with the players.

c. After the game is over, i want to watch the interviews with the players.

Proper Nouns and Proper Adjectives

All proper nouns and proper adjectives—ones that name a specific person, place, or thing—must be capitalized, but remembering which nouns and adjectives are proper can be difficult. The tables that follow lay out the most common categories of proper nouns and adjectives. Each section begins with a table that illustrates five to seven related rules, followed by several practice exercises.

Practice

Using these rules, choose the correctly capitalized version of each of the following pairs.

5. a. Chaucer was one of the foremost poets from the Middle ages.

b. Chaucer was one of the foremost poets from the Middle Ages.

6. a. The Martins will begin their summer with a weeklong Memorial Day celebration at a beautiful lakeside hotel.

b. The Martins will begin their summer with a weeklong Memorial day celebration at a beautiful Lakeside hotel.

7. a. The u.s. constitution contains the bill of rights.

b. The U.S. Constitution contains the Bill of Rights.

8. a. Judy has two Uncles who fought in world war II.

b. Judy has two uncles who fought in World War II.

Practice

Choose the correctly capitalized version of each of the following pairs.

9. a. Shakespeare’s comedy of errors is one of his easiest plays to read.

b. Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors is one of his easiest plays to read.

10. a. We caught a Vanguard Airlines flight to Orlando.

b. We caught a Vanguard airlines flight to Orlando.

11. a. The Talmud is a guide to the teachings of judaism.

b. The Talmud is a guide to the teachings of Judaism.

12. a. Paul has an editing job with Meredith Publishing.

b. Paul has an Editing job with Meredith Publishing.

13. a. The University of Michigan has an excellent business school.

b. The university of Michigan has an excellent business school.

14. a. Dr. Gallagher researched her book at the Library of Congress.

b. Dr. Gallagher researched her book at the Library of congress.

Practice

Choose the correctly capitalized version of each of the following pairs.

15. a. New York City’s Sixth Avenue is also called the Avenue of the Americas.

b. New York city’s sixth avenue is also called the Avenue of the Americas.

16. a. Near a body of water called firth and forth, you can see Edinburgh, Scotland.

b. Near a body of water called Firth and Forth, you can see Edinburgh, Scotland.

17. a. There is an incredible view of the Pacific ocean from Big Sur, California.

b. There is an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean from Big Sur, California.

18. a. Mount Everest, which is in the middle of the Himalayas, is the highest mountain in the world.

b. Mount Everest, which is in the middle of the Himalayas, is the highest mountain in the World.

19. a. I have traveled on the Garden state Parkway, a main highway in New Jersey.

b. I have traveled on the Garden State Parkway, a main highway in New Jersey.

Proper Adjectives

Proper adjectives are adjectives—that is, words that modify nouns—formed from a proper noun, often the name of a place. For instance, the proper noun Canada becomes the proper adjective Canadian when it modifies another noun, as in Canadian bacon. Note that the noun is not capitalized unless it is a proper noun in its own right.

Examples:

English muffin, Polish sausage, Japanese yen

Practice

Choose the correctly capitalized version of each of the following pairs.

20. a. Some residents of ireland still speak the Gaelic Language.

b. Some residents of Ireland still speak the Gaelic language.

21. a. Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist, painted many self-portraits.

b. Frida Kahlo, a mexican artist, painted many self-portraits.

22. a. My Irish ancestors immigrated to the United States in 1853.

b. My irish ancestors immigrated to the United States in 1853.

23. a. I will never attempt to swim the English channel.

b. I will never attempt to swim the English Channel.

24. a. The new Ethiopian Restaurant was getting rave reviews.

b. The new Ethiopian restaurant was getting rave reviews.

When NOT to Capitalize

Putting capital letters where they don’t belong is as bad as leaving them out where they do belong. Watch for these capitalization traps.

■ Avoid unnecessarily capitalizing compass directions; however, direction words that refer to a specific area of the country should be capitalized.

Examples:

We headed west after the Depression.

The future of the country was cultivated in the West.

■ Avoid unnecessarily capitalizing the words referring to family members. Capitalize them only when they are used as names. If a possessive adjective (my, our, your, his, her, their) comes before the word referring to a family member, the family word is not capitalized.

Examples:

When Uncle Harry visited last winter, none of my other uncles came to see him.

After my mother called me for lunch, Father served the entree.

■ Avoid unnecessarily capitalizing the seasons of the year or parts of the academic year.

Example:

If the university offers History of Education 405 in the spring semester, Horace can graduate in May.

■ Avoid unnecessarily capitalizing school subjects. They should be capitalized only if they are part of the name of a specific course.

Examples:

I try to avoid math courses because I’m not very good at them.

Betsy is taking Algebra II and Trigonometry I next semester.

■ Avoid unnecessarily capitalizing words modified by proper adjectives.

Examples:

Polish sausage, not Polish Sausage

Mexican restaurant, not Mexican Restaurant

Practice

Choose the correctly capitalized version of each of the following pairs.

25. a. Digging the Canal through Panama took many years.

b. Digging the canal through Panama took many years.

26. a. The Smoky Mountains are in the Southeastern part of the country.

b. The Smoky Mountains are in the southeastern part of the country.

27. a. Nicholi Milani does more business in the East than in the West.

b. Nicholi Milani does more business in the east than in the west.

28. a. My least favorite subject in school is history, although I have to admit I enjoyed taking European History I last semester.

b. My least favorite subject in school is History, although I have to admit I enjoyed taking European History I last semester.

29. a. Marianne had never been as far East as Columbus, Ohio.

b. Marianne had never been as far east as Columbus, Ohio.

Answers

1. c.

2. b.

3. c.

4. a.

5. b.

6. a.

7. b.

8. b.

9. b.

10. a.

11. b.

12. a.

13. a.

14. a.

15. a.

16. b.

17. b.

18. a.

19. b.

20. b.

21. a.

22. a.

23. b.

24. b.

25. b.

26. b.

27. a.

28. a.

29. b.

TIP

Find the obituaries in your local newspaper. Examine the capitalization used in the writing. How many of the rules you learned today can you find represented in a single obituary notice?