Editing

In this lesson, we will be learning about the Editing component. You will be given a passage that contains errors. The words that are underlined and emboldened have either a spelling or grammatical error. Punctuation errors have been encircled. You will be given a blank to provide the correct answer. 

Grammar Questions

Let’s understand the objectives and strategy to rectify grammatical errors in a passage.

1. You will need to correct the form of the underlined verb/ connector/ conjunction/ noun/ preposition/ pronoun/ to match the context of the sentence and passage.
2. Begin by reading the entire passage.
3. Reread the passage at the end to check that your answers make sense.

Instructions to edit a passage

Read the passage carefully. The words that are underlined have either spelling or grammatical errors. Write the correct word in each respective blank. Punctuation errors have been encircled.

You are only required to answer the given blank at the bottom of the passage. Do not put more than one answer in each blank.

Practice Questions

Question 1:

People with phobias are aware that their fears are irrational, since they are still unable to resolve them. Such fears can interfere with school, work and even personal relationships.

1. but
2. and
3. because

Answer:

In this question, we can identify that there is a grammar error. The incorrect conjunction is mentioned in the question. As the statements/ sentences before and after the error are contradictory statements, the correct conjunction to be used here is "but". So, the correct answer to this question is option (1) - "but".

Question 2:

Samuel loved all things sharp. He collected them as a hobby. Above his study table were two decorative knife in a beautiful display case.

1. Knifes
2. Knives
3. Knive
4. Knife

Answer:

Knife is one of those irregular nouns which changes to "ves" when it becomes plural. So, the correct answer to this question is option (2) - "knives".

Question 3:

Read the following short passage and identify the word that has an error.

In recent years, the number of jaywalking cases have increased. Some pedestrians consider it a normal part of life and don’t think twice about it. Still, the law is clear: jaywalking is not allowed.

Image Credit: unsplash.com
 

1. Consider
2. Think
3. Have
4. Clear

Answer:

The correct answer to this question is (3) - “have”. The first sentence in the passage has this error. In the passage, it is mentioned that “the number of jaywalking cases have increased”. But, “have” is the incorrect verb used. The subject there is not “jaywalking cases” but “the number”, which is singular in nature. So, the correct verb to be used in the first sentence with a singular subject is “has”. 

Question 4:

This wasn’t the first time. Last year, Lenny got called into the principle’s office for vandalising a wall.

Image Credit: pixabay.com
 

1. Principal’s
2. Principles
3. Principals
4. Principals’

Answer:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - “Principal’s”. A principal is the headmaster of a school or a person who’s in charge of certain things in a school. On the other hand, a principle is a rule, a law, a guideline, or a fact.

Test Your Concepts

Answer the following questions based on the concepts we’ve covered in this article. If you get stuck, revisit the relevant section to revise the concepts.

Question 1:

Annette got out of the car and rushed to my side with a concerned look on her face. “Beth, are you okay?” she asked. Thankfully, I got away and only a sprained ankle.

1. After
2. But
3. On
4. With

Question 2:

The students picked up his bags and lined up outside. They chatted happily but moved swiftly and in an orderly manner.

1. Hers
2. Their
3. Them
4. Your

Question 3:

Unfortunately, I did not react fast enuf and skidded a distance before landing on my face.

1. Inough
2. Enouf
3. Enough
4. Enaff