American English in Action IELTS 4.

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Unit 4 writing feedback homework

1. Comma Splices
If you have two independent clauses that need to be separated, you have several choices:

You can make them into two sentences using a full stop. This is probably the easiest solution
but may not be the best in terms of style or developing your argument.

Jim usually gets on with everybody. He is an understanding person.

You can use a semicolon. Semicolons should not be overused but can be very powerful when
used in the correct situations. In our example, using a semi-colon suggests a link between the
two clauses without stating that link specifically. This can be a powerful tool in developing a
convincing argument.

Jim usually gets on with everybody; he is an understanding person.

You can introduce either a coordinating or subordinating conjunction to connect the

sentences. By doing this, you make the connection between the two more explicit.

Jim usually gets on with everybody because he is an understanding person.

Jim usually gets on with everybody, as he is an understanding person.

A. In the following questions you will be presented with a series of sentences containing a
comma. You have to indicate whether you think that the sentence is an example of the comma
splice. If it is a comma splice, rewrite the entire sentence on the answer sheet so it is correct.

1. After a couple of drinks, we enjoyed a lovely stroll along the beach.

2. I love eating fruit, it is one of my favorite things.
3. After visiting the cinema, we are intending to go to the pub.
4. There are many reasons to visit Greece, the beaches are lovely and the people are friendly.
5. I'll never be able to buy a house, prices these days are just ridiculous.
6. I cannot afford a house in London, so I am moving to Sunderland.
7. This is a lovely cake, you must give me the recipe one day.
8. The computer in my room is old, but the carpet is ancient.
9. Given the lack of understanding among the general public, it is not surprising that many
people are guilty of using the comma splice.
10. Hungary is an interesting country, the churches contain some of the finest frescos found
anywhere in Europe.
2. Parallel Structure
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have
the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual
way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or
"or."

B. Find and correct mistakes in parallel structures by rewriting the following sentences.
1. By obeying the speed limit, we can save energy, lives and it costs us less.
2. My home offers me a feeling of security, warm, and love.
3. The pioneers labored to clear away the forest and planting crops.
4. When I refused to help her, she became very angry and shout at me.
5. In my spare time, I enjoy taking care of my aquarium and to work on my stamp collection.
6. Computers are often used to control, adjustment, and correct complex industrial perations.
7. Mathematics can be considered a language, an art, a science, a tool or playing a
game.
8. Paper may contain vegetable, minerals, or man-made fibers.
9. Many people who live near the ocean depend on it as a source of food, recreation,
and to have economic opportunities.
10. This summer the Recreation Department will sponsor classes in swimming and to lift
weights.
11. A bulldozer is used for pushing earth and to grade it.
12. In ancient Rome people used perfume for bathing, to soak their clothing, and even to give
their horses a more pleasant odor.

3. Using the present perfect tense

C. Look at the chart and fill in the gaps with the past simple or present perfect simple of the
verbs in brackets to make correct sentences.
1. The chart shows the percentage of American students who (use) ………………… illicit drugs
since 2000.

2. The proportion of female students who have ever used illicit drugs (increase) ……………………
by more than 50 percent since 2000.

3. In 2010, the percentage of American male students reported to be using drugs (rise)
…………………. to 50 percent.

4. From the graph we can see that illicit drug use among American female students (rise)
…………………………… each year.

5. The percentage of male students who used illicit drugs (be) ……………………. greater than the
percentage of female students from 2000 to 2010.

6. However, American female students (overtake) …………………… male students in drug use
since 2010.

7. The overall drug-use rate among American students (grow) ……………………… each year and
the most significant rise (occur) ……………………… between 2000 and 2005.

D. Write an introduction, including a paraphrase of the question, for each of the following
essay topics.

1. An increasing number of developing countries are expanding their tourist industry. Why do
you think it is the case? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

2. Many people argue that eating junk food has led to an unhealthy lifestyle. This problem has
become more common among young people these days. Do you agree or disagree that junk
food is the cause of the issue?

3. Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programs should aim to educate
viewers about important social issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?

4. Some believe that advances in technology have increased the gap between rich and poor
while others think the opposite has happened. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

5. Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and
beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others
disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.