4. Ability to use the
mechanics of the language.
Language is used properly including:
• Grammar and usage, e.g.,
- subject-verb agreement
- pronoun references (all pronouns refer
to definite nouns)
• Punctuation
- Commas are used to:
* signal nonrestrictive or nonessential
material,
* prevent confusion, and
* indicate relationships among ideas
and sentence parts.
- Unnecessary commas that make
sentences difficult to read are absent.
- Two independent clauses are linked
with a comma when used with a
coordinating conjunction: ("and," "or,"
"but," "for," "nor," "so," "yet"). Other-wise, a period or semi-colon is used.
- Apostrophes indicate possession for
nouns ("Jeanne's hat," "several years'
work") but not for personal pronouns
("its," "your," "their," and "whose").
Apostrophes also indicate omissions in
contractions ("it's" = "it is"). In general
they are not used to indicate plurals.
• Spelling
• Capitalization |
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