CAHSEE Practice

1. CAHSEE Practice Parallel Structure Passive/ Active Voice Punctuating Dialogue Comparative/ Superlative

2. Parallel Structure When writing it is important you pick a pattern and stick with it!

3. Sample Item • Directions: Choose the sentence that has no errors in structure. • Eileen bought new shoes for the party, a gold charm for her mother, and to treat her best friend Maria to lunch. • Eileen decided to buy new shoes for the party, purchasing a gold charm for her mother, and treating her best friend Maria to lunch. • Eileen purchased new shoes for the party, a gold charm for her mother, and lunch for Maria, her best friend. • Eileen bought new shoes for the party, a gold charm for her mother, and to treat her best friend Maria to lunch. • Eileen decided to buy new shoes for the party, purchasing a gold charm for her mother, and treating her best friend Maria to lunch. • Eileen purchased new shoes for the party, a gold charm for her mother, and lunch for Maria, her best friend.

4. Parallel Structure When writing items in a series (list) or in pairs, you must use the same (parallel grammatical structure. • Parallelism looks like this: Shane , , and . Shane , , and .

5. Items in a Series I like to skate at Banning Park, surf at Redondo Beach, and when my girlfriend comes to visit. (Not Parallel) I like to skate at Banning Park, surf at Redondo Beach, and visit with my girlfriend. (Parallel)

6. Items in a Series In the mountains I enjoy skiing down black runs, when I sled with my cousins, and having snowball fights. (Not Parallel) In the mountains I enjoy skiing down black runs, sledding with my cousins, and having snowball fights. (Parallel)

8. Paired Items • I think walking home is easier than to take the bus. (Not parallel) • I think walking home is easier than taking the bus. (Parallel)

9. Paired Items • I think he should either study regularly or quitting his job is another possibility. (Not parallel) • I think he should either study regularly or quithis job. (Parallel)

11. Parallel Structure in Context • After World War I ended, many people in the United States had a hard time returning home and to adjust/ adjusting to life. Many writers felt the need to capture this struggle after knowing and experiencing/ experience the hardships of World War I firsthand. Some writers left the country and traveled to Europe in order to write about how World War I had affected the lives of American. It was not only less expensive to live in Europe, but it was also easier for a writer to make/ making a living.

12. Identify the sentence that has no errors in structure. • Barking dogs, kittens that were meowing, and squawking parakeets greet the pet shop visitors. • Barking dogs, meowing kittens, and squawking parakeets greet the pet shop visitors. • Dogs that bark, kittens that meow, and parakeets squawking greet the pet shop visitors. • Barking dogs, kittens that were meowing, and squawking parakeets greet the pet shop visitors. • Barking dogs, meowing kittens, and squawking parakeets greet the pet shop visitors. • Dogs that bark, kittens that meow, and parakeets squawking greet the pet shop visitors.

13. Identify the sentence that has no errors in structure. • During class, Samuel spent his time flirting with Brittney, eating candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet. • During class, Samuel spent his time flirting with Brittney, he ate candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet. • During class, Samuel spent his time to flirt with Brittney, to eat candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet. • During class, Samuel spent his time flirting with Brittney, eating candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet. • During class, Samuel spent his time flirting with Brittney, he ate candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet. • During class, Samuel spent his time to flirt with Brittney, to eat candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet.

14. Identify the sentence that has no errors in structure. • Alex looked everywhere for his math book—under the bed, on his desk, and he searched inside the refrigerator. • Alex looked everywhere for his math book—viewing under the bed, searching on his desk, and inside the refrigerator. • Alex looked everywhere for his math book—under the bed, on his desk, and inside the refrigerator. • Alex looked everywhere for his math book—under the bed, on his desk, and he searched inside the refrigerator. • Alex looked everywhere for his math book—viewing under the bed, searching on his desk, and inside the refrigerator. • Alex looked everywhere for his math book—under the bed, on his desk, and inside the refrigerator.

15. Identify the sentence that has no errors in structure. • The manager wanted staff who arrived on time, smiled at the customers, and didn’t snack on the chicken nuggets. • The manager wanted staff who arrived on time, would be smiling at the customers, and would not be snacking on the chicken nuggets. • The manager wanted staff who arrived on time, smiled at the customers, and no snacking on the chicken nuggets. • The manager wanted staff who arrived on time, smiled at the customers, and didn’t snack on the chicken nuggets. • The manager wanted staff who arrived on time, would be smiling at the customers, and would not be snacking on the chicken nuggets. • The manager wanted staff who arrived on time, smiled at the customers, and no snacking on the chicken nuggets.

16. Identify the sentence that has no errors in structure. • After giving Jeremy her phone number, Felicia had to tolerate his late night calls, stupid conversations, and requests for her math homework. • After giving Jeremy her phone number, Felicia had to tolerate his late night calls, the fact that he carried on stupid conversations, and requests for her math homework. • After giving Jeremy her phone number, Felicia had to tolerate being woken up late at night, having stupid conversations, and he constantly requested her math homework. • After giving Jeremy her phone number, Felicia had to tolerate his late night calls, stupid conversations, and requests for her math homework. • After giving Jeremy her phone number, Felicia had to tolerate his late night calls, the fact that he carried on stupid conversations, and requests for her math homework. • After giving Jeremy her phone number, Felicia had to tolerate being woken up late at night, having stupid conversations, and he constantly requested her math homework.

17. Fill in the blanks with the item that best fits the sentence structure. • Pasta boiling in water, __________, and garlic bread baking in the oven welcomed Francisco as he opened the door. • simmered tomato sauce in the pan • tomato sauce simmering in the pan • tomato sauce that simmered in the pan • saucy tomatoes that were simmering in the pan • Pasta boiling in water, __________, and garlic bread baking in the oven welcomed Francisco as he opened the door. • simmered tomato sauce in the pan • tomato sauce simmering in the pan • tomato sauce that simmered in the pan • saucy tomatoes that were simmering in the pan

18. Fill in the blanks with the item that best fits the sentence structure. • During our vacation in the Bahamas, we hope __________, to enjoy beautiful sunsets, and to dance ourselves dizzy at reggae clubs. • that we eat delicious seafood • that eating delicious seafood occurs • to eat delicious seafood • eating delicious seafood • During our vacation in the Bahamas, we hope __________, to enjoy beautiful sunsets, and to dance ourselves dizzy at reggae clubs. • that we eat delicious seafood • that eating delicious seafood occurs • to eat delicious seafood • eating delicious seafood

19. Fill in the blanks with the item that best fits the sentence structure. • Karen wished Ray chewed with his mouth closed, for otherwise he was everything she wanted in a date; he was tall, intelligent, and __________. • he looked good • being good looking • one handsome man to look at • handsome • Karen wished Ray chewed with his mouth closed, for otherwise he was everything she wanted in a date; he was tall, intelligent, and __________. • he looked good • being good looking • one handsome man to look at • handsome

20. Fill in the blanks with the item that best fits the sentence structure. • To win Laurie’s love, Albert visited the florist for roses, the drugstore for a box of chocolates, and __________. • bought an expensive gold necklace at the jewelry store • the jeweler for an expensive gold necklace • the jeweler where he bought an expensive gold necklace • to buy an expensive gold necklace • To win Laurie’s love, Albert visited the florist for roses, the drugstore for a box of chocolates, and __________. • bought an expensive gold necklace at the jewelry store • the jeweler for an expensive gold necklace • the jeweler where he bought an expensive gold necklace • to buy an expensive gold necklace

21. Fill in the blanks with the item that best fits the sentence structure. • Kimberly won’t date Terry because he is too short, too noisy, and _________. • because he picks his teeth with his fingers • too impolite • is the most impolite man she has ever met • Picking his teeth with his fingers • Kimberly won’t date Terry because he is too short, too noisy, and _________. • because he picks his teeth with his fingers • too impolite • is the most impolite man she has ever met • Picking his teeth with his fingers

23. Active vs. Passive Voice • In active voice we can clearly see the subject of a sentence performing the action. The queen ate a jam sandwich • In passive voice the subject passively sits while some action happens to it! The jam sandwich was eaten by the queen.

24. Is this sentence active or passive? Mark was eating an apple. Who/what is the sentence about? Mark Is Mark doing the action, or is the action happening to him? Active

25. Is this sentence active or passive? The picture was painted by Tom. Who/what is the sentence about? The Picture Is the picture doing the action, or is the action happening to it? Passive

26. What is passive voice & how can I tell if I’m using it??? • Verb phrase will always include a verb in the form of “be” and/or “auxiliary verbs” • A.K.A. “be verbs” • Ex: am, is, are, was, were, been, being, be, have, has, had, etc. • Also recognized when a verb phrase includes “by the…” What is passive voice & how can I tell if I’m using it??? Passive voice is usually longer, wordier and way more boring! Passive voices will usually include a verb in the form of “be” and/or “auxiliary verbs” A.K.A. “be” verbs

27. Just Like in Life... Being active is usually better!

28. Forms of the Verb to be • I am/ was We are/ were • You are/ were You are/ were • He or she are/ were They are/ were • Have been will have been You can recognize passive sentences because the verb phrase often includes: “by the…”

29. Active or Passive?Simon Says! Directions: We will look at a series of sentences. • If it is active, jump up! • If it’s passive stay seated. • We will correct all passive voice sentences together.

30. Active or Passive?Simon Says! The crafts fair was put on by the tenth graders.

31. Active or Passive?Simon Says! Paul eats beef tongue for dinner. Yuck!

32. Active or Passive?Simon Says! At McDonalds, the Big Mac is the most popular sandwich.

33. Active or Passive?Simon Says! His broken arm bone was mended by the doctor.

34. Active or Passive?Simon Says! The lines formed by the waiting customers can go on forever.

35. Active or Passive?Simon Says! She loves Jonny Depp.

38. Sample Questions • Which revision of the following sentence uses only the active voice? • The new technique for dressing wounds that Clara Barton found was something that she stumbled upon. A. The technique that Clara was using was discovered by accident. B. Clara Barton invented a new way of dressing wounds. C. Dressing wounds in a new way was Clara’s discovery. D. With the new invention of dressing wounds, something new was Clara’s claim to fame. • Which revision of the following sentence uses only the active voice? • The new technique for dressing wounds that Clara Barton found was something that she stumbled upon. • A. The technique that Clara was using was discovered by accident. • B. Clara Barton invented a new way of dressing wounds. • C. Dressing wounds in a new way was Clara’s discovery. • D. With the new invention of dressing wounds, something new was Clara’s claim to fame.

39. Sample Question • Which is the BEST way to state the action in the sentence? • The soothing rhythm of Clara’s work on the field was broken only by the soldiers’ cries of pain. A. On the field, Clara’s soothing rhythm of work was broken only by the soldiers’ cries of pain. B. Clara’s rhythm of work, which was soothing, was broken only by the soldiers’ cries of pain. C. Soothing on the field, Clara’s rhythm was broken only by the soldiers’ cries of pain. D. Only the soldiers’ cries of pain broke the soothing rhythm of Clara’s work on the field. • Which is the BEST way to state the action in the sentence? • The soothing rhythm of Clara’s work on the field was broken only by the soldiers’ cries of pain. A. On the field, Clara’s soothing rhythm of work was broken only by the soldiers’ cries of pain. B. Clara’s rhythm of work, which was soothing, was broken only by the soldiers’ cries of pain. C. Soothing on the field, Clara’s rhythm was broken only by the soldiers’ cries of pain. D. Only the soldiers’ cries of pain broke the soothing rhythm of Clara’s work on the field.

40. Sample Question • Choose the BEST way to write the following sentence: At the last basketball game of the season, awards were received by many players. A. many players received awards. B. many players were given awards. C. awards were given to many players. D. Leave as is. • Choose the BEST way to write the following sentence: At the last basketball game of the season, awards were received by many players. A. many players received awards. B. many players were given awards. C. awards were given to many players. D. Leave as is.

41. Sample Question • One tradition in our family is that Thanksgiving dinner is prepared by all of us working together. A. all of us working together are preparing Thanksgiving dinner. B. we all work together to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. C. by all of us working together, Thanksgiving dinner is prepared. D. Leave as is. • One tradition in our family is that Thanksgiving dinner is prepared by all of us working together. A. all of us working together are preparing Thanksgiving dinner. B. we all work together to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. C. by all of us working together, Thanksgiving dinner is prepared. D. Leave as is.

43. Punctuating Dialogue Never make a mistake again

44. Quotation Marks “Fred, I want you to take that new truck back to the dealership,” Mary snarled, “right now!” “No way will you get me to,” Fred paused, “return that truck.” Only the words spoken are surrounded by quotation marks.

45. Keep commas and periods inside the quotation marks “ I do not know,” yelled Albert. Albert yelled, “I do not know.” Which one is correct? • The teacher screamed, “Everyone needs to line up at the door”. • The teacher screamed, “Everyone needs to line up at the door.”

46. An uninterrupted speech needs quotation marks only at the beginning and the end. “My mother was right. I never should have married you. You only ever think of yourself and I’m always the one who has to suffer.” “Oh cry me a river.” ” I’m the one who came out on the losing end of this marriage!” “Why didn’t you listen to your mother?” Which one is correct?

47. Quote inside of a quote Use single quotation marks for quotes within quotes. He said, “Danea said, ‘Do not treat me that way.’”

48. Exclamations and Questions • After using an exclamation or questions in a quote, you DO NOT need to capitalize the following words, unless they are names or proper nouns. • “Did you hear Mr. Marcoux?” asked Steve. • “Watch out!” warned John. • “No homework tonight!” Mrs. Myles announced.

49. Punctuating Dialogue Practice Linda announced Nobody should miss that movie Nobody should miss that movie Linda announced. Nobody Linda announced should miss that movie That movie is great Linda exclaimed Nobody should miss it

50. Punctuate the Dialogue Practice Does it end happily ever after asked Monique, sitting up suddenly. Her eyes were wide open now. You know said her father. No, I don’t she protested. She was a princess, wasn’t she he asked. Of course. Well, then he replied it just has to end happily.