Grade: Grade 7 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Grammar Mastery Lesson: 4 of 6 SAT: StandardEnglishConventions ACT: English

Writing Application

Learn

Now it is time to apply your grammar knowledge to your own writing. Strong writers do not just follow grammar rules; they use grammar strategically to create clear, effective prose.

The Writing-Grammar Connection

Grammar is not just about avoiding errors. When you master grammar, you gain:

  • Clarity: Readers understand exactly what you mean
  • Credibility: Error-free writing builds trust with your audience
  • Style: Grammar choices affect the rhythm and tone of your writing
  • Flexibility: Knowing the rules lets you bend them intentionally for effect

A Self-Editing Process for Grammar

  1. Draft freely: Get your ideas down without worrying about grammar
  2. Read for meaning: Review your draft for content and organization first
  3. Check sentence by sentence: Examine each sentence for grammar issues
  4. Focus on one issue at a time: Read through once for modifiers, once for tense, etc.
  5. Read aloud: Your ear often catches what your eye misses

Common Grammar Pitfalls in Student Writing

  • Starting sentences with participial phrases that do not match the subject
  • Shifting between past and present tense within paragraphs
  • Placing descriptive phrases far from what they describe
  • Using pronouns without clear antecedents

Examples

See how grammar choices affect writing quality.

Example 1: Weak vs. Strong Modifier Placement

Weak: "The presentation impressed the audience that the student gave about climate change."

Strong: "The student's presentation about climate change impressed the audience."

Analysis: The revised sentence places related elements together, making the sentence clearer and more readable.

Example 2: Inconsistent vs. Consistent Tense

Inconsistent: "The experiment showed surprising results. The scientists analyze the data carefully. They concluded that their hypothesis was correct."

Consistent: "The experiment showed surprising results. The scientists analyzed the data carefully. They concluded that their hypothesis was correct."

Analysis: Maintaining past tense throughout creates a smooth narrative flow.

Example 3: Purposeful Tense Shifts

Effective shift: "Shakespeare wrote his plays over 400 years ago, yet his themes remain relevant today."

Analysis: This shift from past to present is intentional and meaningful, contrasting the historical past with the ongoing present.

Practice

Complete the following 12 writing and revision exercises.

1. Write a sentence that begins with a participial phrase (an -ing or -ed phrase). Make sure the phrase correctly modifies the subject.

2. Revise this sentence to fix the misplaced modifier: "The teacher handed out worksheets to the students covered with math problems."

3. Write a three-sentence paragraph about a recent event, using consistent past tense throughout.

4. Revise this passage to fix the tense inconsistency: "The band practiced every day for the concert. They learn three new songs and perfect their old favorites."

5. Write a sentence with an introductory prepositional phrase, followed by a clear subject. Example structure: "After the game, [subject] [verb]..."

6. Combine these two sentences into one, using a participial phrase: "The dog waited by the door. The dog wagged its tail excitedly."

7. Revise this sentence to place the modifier correctly: "The novel was enjoyed by readers that won the award last year."

8. Write a paragraph (4-5 sentences) describing a process (such as making a sandwich or solving a problem). Use consistent present tense.

9. Revise this passage: "Walking into the room, the decorations amazed everyone. The committee works hard and created a beautiful space."

10. Write a sentence comparing something from the past with something in the present. Use appropriate tense shifts.

11. Revise this sentence to eliminate the dangling modifier: "To understand the lesson, the textbook should be read carefully."

12. Write a short narrative paragraph (5-6 sentences) about a memorable experience. Check your work for consistent tense and proper modifier placement.

Check Your Understanding

Reflect on these questions about applying grammar to writing.

  1. Why is it important to draft freely before editing for grammar?
  2. What is the benefit of editing for one grammar issue at a time?
  3. How can reading your writing aloud help you catch grammar errors?
  4. When might a writer intentionally shift verb tenses?
  5. Describe your personal grammar editing process. What steps do you follow?

Next Steps

  • Apply these grammar editing techniques to a current writing assignment
  • Create a personal checklist of grammar issues you commonly make
  • Proceed to Lesson 5: Editing Workshop for peer editing practice
  • Continue building your grammar awareness as you read and write