Analyzing Sentence StructureProblems with Logical Expression

PSAT Strategies: Writing

Analyzing Sentence StructureIs the sentence a run-on sentence?Are the elements of the sentence

parallel?Are there any incomplete split

constructions?Do the verb tenses correctly reflect

the sequence of events?

Run-on SentencesRun-on= sentence that carelessly runs two

main clauses together without appropriate punctuation or connectors.

Run on sentences can be corrected in one of three ways:

end stop punctuation . ? !a semicolon ;, connector (FANBOY)

*however, consequently, therefore, and moreover are NOT connectors.

The lecture was dull you almost fell asleep. (run-on)

The lecture was dull. You almost fell asleep. (end stop)

The lecture was dull; you almost fell asleep. (;)The lecture was dull, and you almost fell asleep. (,

FANBOY)

The lecture was dull, therefore, you almost fell asleep. NO!

The lecture was dull; therefore, you almost fell asleep. The lecture was dull. Therefore, you almost fell

asleep.

Faulty ParallelismFind the flaw:At most colleges, the dominant attitude among

students is that gaining admission to professional graduate school is more important than to obtain a well-rounded education.

To demand that additional seasonings be placed on the table is insulting the chef’s judgement on the proper balance of ingredients.

The review was very critical of the film, citing the poor photography, the weak plot, and the dialogue was stilted.

*Check all items- verb forms, noun forms, word pairs (this…that, either…or, and neither…nor)

Page 593 #29, #30, #31

Incomplete Split ConstructionA split construction is a sentence structure in

which two otherwise separate ideas are joined together by a later element. Be alert for split constructions and check that any interrupted thought is correctly completed.

Correct Example: The officials were not only aware of, but actually encouraged, the misreporting of scores.

Incomplete Split ConstructionOpponents of the President’s foreign policy

disclosed yesterday that the CIA not only knew but tacitly encouraged terrorist activities in Central America.

Her colleagues always speak of Professor Collins as a person who has and will always be sensitive to the needs of younger students.

Judging from the pricing policies of many large corporations, maintaining a stable share of the market is as important, if not more important than, making a large profit.

*Read the sentence without the intervening material. It should make sense and be grammatically correct. #32 and #33

Verb TensePrincipal parts of verbs/irregular verbs – page

295Perfect tenses

Present perfectI am glad you are here at last; I have waited an hour for you

to arrive.Past perfect

The foreman asked what had happened to my eye.Future perfect

When I reach Chicago tonight, my uncle will have left for Los Angeles.

Subjective moodIf I were… as if he were… as though it were… we

suggest that he be assigned… (a wish, condition contrary to fact, as if/though)

Problems of Logical ExpressionFaulty or illogical comparisonsSequence and verb tenseUnintended meaningsConcisenessMisplaced modifiers

Faulty or Illogical Comparisons*Be alert for sentences that attempt to make

an illogical comparison between two dissimilar concepts.

Today, life expectancies of both men and women are much higher compared to the turn of the century when living conditions were much harsher.

The average salary of a professional basketball player is higher than the top level management of most corporations.

Faulty or Illogical ComparisonsComparisons between two objects: -er or moreComparisons among three or more objects: -est

or mostIrregular comparisons-

good better bestwell better bestbad worse worstfar farther, further farthest, furthestlate later latestlittle ? ?many ? ?

Modifiers that don’t changeThese represent the HIGHEST degree, and

therefore cannot be improved: completecorrect deadperfectly deadly uniquetotallyexact supreme infinitely

others?

#34-42

Sequence and Verb TenseFind the errors:As soon as Linda finished writing her dissertation, she

will take a well-earned vacation in Paris.A recent study shows that many mothers re-enter the

labor force after their children left home.*Make sure verb tenses properly reflect the sequence

as well as the duration of any action described in the sentence.

Charles came to town last week and goes to a resort where he rests for three days.

Joan came home last week and goes to to her home in the country where she spends the last weekend of her vacation.

#43-45

Unintended Meanings*Check whether the sentence structure

conveys the intended meaning.

A childless charwoman’s daughter, Dr. Roberts was a self-made woman.

If the present interest rates fall, the dollar will lose some of its value on the foreign exchange.

#46-47

Conciseness*Avoid awkward sentences (A sentence may be grammatically and logically

correct, yet need correction. *choose answers that render the thought more directly- many answer choices introduce additional awkwardness into the original sentence.)

A giant condor is able to spread its wings up to 25 feet.Although most students would benefit from further

study of the sciences, doing so is frightening to most of them in that science courses are more difficult that liberal arts courses.

Given that the Incas lacked the wheel, the buildings at Machu Picchu are more astonishing than any Greek temples that are comparable as an achievement.

Conciseness, cont.Avoid weak passive verbs (any verb construction

using a formof the verb “be” or “have” in addition to the active verb is a passive verb)

One-fourth of the market was captured by the new computer firm.

The lottery prize being $110 million, there are almost as many tickets sold as there are prize dollars.

The teacher, having finished the day’s lesson, let us leave class early. #48

Conciseness, cont.Avoid needlessly wordy sentences. Avoid

needless repetition by selecting a choice that renders the thought the most directly.

The protracted discussion over which route we should take continued for a long time.

An aim of the proposal is chiefly to ensure and guarantee the academic freedom of students.

#50-#56

Misplaced ModifiersStuffed with herb dressing, trussed neatly,

and baked to a golden hue, Aunt Fannie proudly served her famous holiday turkey.

The doctor said gently to the patient that there was nothing wrong with a smile.

At the tailgate party, Fred served cold beer to his thirsty guests in paper cups.

*place modifiers as closely as possible to what they modify.

#57-59