Grade: Grade 7 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Grammar Mastery Lesson: 6 of 6 SAT: StandardEnglishConventions ACT: English

Unit Checkpoint

Overview

This checkpoint assesses your mastery of the grammar skills covered in this unit. You will demonstrate your understanding of modifier placement, verb tense consistency, and your ability to apply these skills in reading and writing contexts.

Skills Assessed

  • Identifying and correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers
  • Maintaining verb tense consistency within and across sentences
  • Recognizing when tense shifts are appropriate
  • Editing passages for grammar errors
  • Applying grammar knowledge to your own writing

Test-Taking Tips

  1. Read each question carefully before answering
  2. For passage-based questions, read the entire passage first
  3. Identify what the question is asking: error identification, correction, or explanation
  4. Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
  5. Trust your ear, but verify with rules

Review Examples

Before you begin the checkpoint, review these key examples.

Modifier Placement Review

Rule: Place modifiers as close as possible to the words they modify.

Error: "The actor performed the scene wearing a costume that lasted ten minutes."

Correction: "Wearing a costume, the actor performed the scene that lasted ten minutes."

Dangling Modifier Review

Rule: A modifying phrase must have a clear subject to modify in the main clause.

Error: "After studying all night, the test seemed easy."

Correction: "After studying all night, I found the test easy."

Verb Tense Consistency Review

Rule: Maintain consistent tense unless there is a logical reason to shift.

Error: "The team practiced hard and wins the championship."

Correction: "The team practiced hard and won the championship."

Checkpoint Assessment

Complete all 12 items. For each question, identify the error and provide the correction.

Part A: Modifier Placement (Items 1-4)

1. Identify and correct the modifier error: "The waiter served soup to the guests in bowls decorated with flowers."

2. Identify and correct the modifier error: "Running at full speed, the finish line appeared ahead of the runner."

3. Identify and correct the modifier error: "The astronomer discovered a new comet using a powerful telescope that orbits the sun."

4. Identify and correct the modifier error: "Covered in chocolate frosting, the children eagerly reached for the cupcakes."

Part B: Verb Tense Consistency (Items 5-8)

5. Correct the tense error(s): "The explorer traveled through the jungle. She encounters many obstacles but refuses to give up. Finally, she reached her destination."

6. Correct the tense error(s): "The band performs at the festival last weekend. They played all their hit songs and attract thousands of fans."

7. Correct the tense error(s): "Scientists study the effects of climate change. They collected data for years. Their research shows alarming trends."

8. Determine if this tense shift is appropriate and explain why: "Ancient Romans built impressive aqueducts. These engineering marvels still stand today and continue to inspire modern architects."

Part C: Passage Editing (Items 9-10)

9. Edit this passage for all grammar errors:

"Preparing for the debate competition, the research materials were organized carefully. The team members studies their notes. They practice their arguments and prepares for tough questions. Feeling confident, the competition day finally arrived."

10. Edit this passage for all grammar errors:

"The nature documentary captures stunning footage of wildlife in Africa. Filmed over two years, audiences are amazed by the images. The cinematographer risk dangerous situations. She follows animal herds and recorded their daily lives."

Part D: Writing Application (Items 11-12)

11. Write a paragraph (4-5 sentences) about a school event using consistent past tense. Include at least one sentence that begins with a participial phrase.

12. Write a paragraph (4-5 sentences) explaining why grammar skills are important for success in school and beyond. Use consistent present tense and include at least one sentence with an introductory prepositional phrase.

Self-Assessment

After completing the checkpoint, evaluate your performance.

  1. Which types of questions did you find easiest? Why?
  2. Which types of questions were most challenging?
  3. What strategies helped you identify errors?
  4. How confident do you feel about applying these skills to SAT/ACT passages?
  5. What grammar concepts do you need to review further?

Scoring Guide

  • 11-12 correct: Excellent! You have mastered the grammar concepts in this unit.
  • 9-10 correct: Good work! Review the concepts you missed.
  • 7-8 correct: Solid foundation. Consider revisiting lessons 1-2 for more practice.
  • Below 7: Review all lessons in this unit before moving on.

Next Steps

  • Review any concepts that remain challenging
  • Revisit earlier lessons if you scored below 9
  • Apply these grammar skills to your writing across all subjects
  • Continue to the next ELA unit to build on these foundations
  • Practice with SAT/ACT prep materials to see these concepts in test format