Introduction
^q7V%{54 It is difficult to identify errors in your own written work, but if you can leave 3 or 4 minutes at the end of the test to perform a careful rereading of each task, you will almost certainly be able to find and correct some.
ah>c)1DA*H Common errors
L/k35 x8 Here are some common errors found in Hong Kong university students' written work. Watch out for them when you are proof reading.
4:/]Y=)x Run-on Sentences and Sentence Fragments
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Check each sentence to make sure it has a subject and a verb and that it expresses a complete concept.
9~SPoR /_0 Do not run two sentences together incorrectly. Use punctuation (full stops, colons or semicolons) or linking words to separate them or clarify meaning.
<)qa{,GX\ Punctuation
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E` Use capital letters at the start of sentences and for names of persons, cities, countries, languages, streets, and titles.
*zrT;j G End every sentence with a full stop or question mark.
~q>jXi Use punctuation (commas, colons, semi-colons) within individual sentences to separate phrases and for easier understanding.
2&6D`{"P Place exact quotes in quotation marks. Full stops and commas go inside the quotation marks.
L]Tj] u ) Use apostrophes correctly to indicate possession.
\!ZA#7 This website gives more information on the general use of punctuation.
YPK@BmAdE http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/index.html#Punctuation. gt
Kih Subject-Verb Agreement
0'sZ7f<e7 Check every subject and verb to make sure that if you have used a singular subject, you have also used a singular verb. Similarly, a plural subject needs a plural verb. Pay extra care to add an 's' to present simple tense verbs in the 3rd person singular.
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f1 T e.g. The IELTS exam tests our level of English.
E|=x+M1sH Sentence Length
;>,B(Xz 4i Keep sentences reasonably short. General guidelines for academic writing recommend a maximum of 25 words per sentence.
ZflB<cI Break long sentences into shorter units.
h#1:ypA6l If too short, perhaps you could link them using a conjunction or other transitional device, but do not overdo this (e.g. by starting nearly every sentence with a linking word.)
[* xdILj Cohesion (sentences)
\kE0h\ Ensure that each sentence follows clearly and logically from the one before it. Note that it is not necessary to keep all sentences the same length; sentences of different lengths in each paragraph makes for a more interesting writing style.
Z%~}*F}7X Cohesion (paragraphs)
1wgL^Qz@ Each paragraph should contain a topic sentence which states the main idea, fact or opinion.
yQJ0",w3o. Paragraphs should be around 4 -5 sentences long. Task one will probably contain 2-3 paragraphs, task two, 4 - 5. Try to use the last sentence to connect in some way with the paragraph after, or the first sentence to link with the paragraph before. Limit paragraph length to a maximum of 100 words.
ZayJllaq^ Verb Tenses
h ;=~%2Y Use the correct tense to express what you want to say and try to keep tenses consistent.
,[n9DPZ These websites give more information on verb tense usage.
"P7OD^(x/ http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/verbs.htm#tense W @"Rdc- http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/CILL/exercises/choosing-verbs.htm yLRe'5#m http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/esltensverb.html 6AIqoX*p Spelling
^"Bhp:o2 Before the test, when you practise writing tasks, check the spelling of any word you are unsure about. Be especially careful of the "ei" and "ie" words, words which add "-ing" and/or "ed," and words with one or more sets of double letters.
