GED Language Arts, Writing Lesson 7 Mechanics

Mechanics
Mechanics is an important content area on the GED Language Arts, Writing Test. About 25 percent of the multiple-choice questions will be based on these topics. Mechanics concepts include capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. Writing that is mechanically correct - that is, writing that has correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling - always makes a better impression than writing that contains errors.

Capitalization
When to Capitalize
You probably already know that the first word in a sentence and the pronoun I are always capitalized. These additional rules will help you decide when to capitalize other words. proper noun a word that names a specific person, place, or thing RULE 1 Capitalize a proper noun, a word that names a specific person, place, group, or thing. William Boyle invented the credit card in 1951. He lived on Spark Street in West Stead on Long Island. Mr. Boyle worked for the Franklin National Bank. RULE 2 Capitalize a proper adjective, a descriptive word that comes from the name of a specific person or place. Franklin's main competitor was First American Bank. RULE 3 Capitalize a title that comes directly before a person's name. On the bank's board of directors was Mayor Graham. A depositor, Ms. Ailey, asked for credit to pay a big heating bill. Titles and family names (for example, mother, father, grandmother) are capitalized when they are used to address a person directly. Ms. Ailey said, "How do you do, Mayor." "Mr. Boyle, Sir, I would appreciate a line of credit, just like you give to wealthy depositors and businesses." RULE 4 Capitalize the names of holidays, days of the week, and months of the year. Statements were sent out on the first Monday of the month. By New Year's Day in January 1952, Franklin National Bank had set up over 700 credit card accounts for its customers.

proper adjective a descriptive word formed from a proper noun

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When Not to Capitalize

Some writers overcapitalize; that is, they capitalize words that should not be capitalized. You need to learn to avoid using unnecessary capital letters. RULE 1 A title or a family name that is preceded by a, the, or a possessive pronoun such as my is not capitalized. Incorrect: Alice went to see the Dean. Correct: Alice went to see the dean. Correct: Alice went to see Dean Asher. Incorrect: She went with her Uncle. Correct: She went with her uncle. Correct: She went with her Uncle William. RULE 2 The names of the seasons are not capitalized. Incorrect: Both are going back to school in the Fall. Correct: Both are going back to school in the fall. RULE 3 A school subject is not capitalized unless it is the name of a specific course or a language. Incorrect: Alice wants to take a History course. Correct: Alice wants to take a history course. Correct: Alice wants to take American History 101 and Swahili. RULE 4 A direction word is not capitalized unless it refers to a specific place, such as a region of the country. Incorrect: They walked South to the administration building. Correct: They walked south to the administration building. Correct: Alice was born here, but William grew up in the South. RULE 5 A geographic place is not capitalized unless it is part of a specific name you can find on a map. Proper nouns are sometimes abbreviated. When a word should be capitalized, its abbreviation should be capitalized too: Mount Shasta, Mt. Shasta. Incorrect: The school is next to a huge Lake. Correct: The school is next to a huge lake. Correct: The school is next to Lake Ontario. Put a check mark next to the sentence that has a capitalization error. a. Joe and his cousin, Hank, are taking geometry and English in school this summer. b. Hank is staying with his Aunt Carol on this side of the River, so he doesn't have a long commute from north of town. You were correct if you checked option b. There is no reason to capitalize river because it is not part of a specific place name.

Lesson 15 Capitalization

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GED Practice
Directions: Choose the one best answer to each question. Questions 1 through 4 refer to the following paragraphs. From Gifts to Gardens (A) (1) Many people throw out potted Easter lilies or mother's day plants soon after they bloom. (2) The National Lily foundation, however, claims that, with some care and rest in your garden, potted lilies can recover and bloom the next year. (B) (3) Wait until the last frost in your region. (4) In far northern areas, this usually means waiting until midjune. (5) Knock the bulb out of its pot, keeping the leaves and stem because they provide food for the bulb. (6) Plant the bulb about eight inches deep in a sunny spot and feed it about once a month. (7) At the end of Summer when the leaves are dead, cut the plant back, and cover it with pine needles or mulch. (8) Your lily should blossom for many years.
1. Sentence 1: Many people throw out potted Easter lilies or mother's day plants soon after they bloom.

2. Sentence 2: The National Lily foundation, however, claims that, with some care and rest in your garden, potted lilies can recover and bloom the next year.

Which correction should be made to sentence 2? (1) change National Lily to national lily (2) change foundation to Foundation (3) change claims to claim (4) replace potted lilies with they (5) change bloom to be blooming
3. Sentence 4: In far northern areas, this usually means waiting until mid-june.

Which correction should be made to sentence 4? (1) change northern to Northern (2) change means to meant (3) insert a comma after waiting (4) change mid-june to Mid-june (5) change mid-june to mid-June
4. Sentence 7: At the end of Summer when the leaves are dead, cut the plant back, and cover it with pine needles or mulch.

Which correction should be made to sentence 1? (1) change throw to threw (2) change Easter to easter (3) insert a comma after lilies (4) change mother's day to Mother's Day (5) insert a comma after plant

Which correction should be made to sentence 7? (1) change Summer to summer (2) remove the comma after dead (3) change dead, cut to dead. Cut (4) change pine to Pine (5) no correction is necessary

The names of many holidays and other proper nouns consist of more than one word. Be sure to capitalize all the relevant words in a proper noun.

Answers start on page 745. 134 Language Arts, Writing Mechanics

Commas Items in Series and Compound Sentences

The comma is a guide for readers. It tells when to pause in a sentence or which elements in a sentence need to be separated in a meaningful way. Learning the rules for using commas will help you become a better writer and a better reader. RULE 1 Use a comma to separate items in a series-a list of three or more. The items in the series may be words or phrases. Correct: Cakes, pies, and cookies will be sold at the charity bake sale. Committees have helped with getting publicity, soliciting donations, and decorating booths. When there are only two items, do not use a comma. A comma before the final and in a series is optional. However, using commas throughout the rest of a series is required. Correct: The advertising committee wants more posters and flyers . When three or more items are all separated by the conjunction and or or, do not use commas. Correct: The advertising committee wants more posters and flyers and mailings. RULE 2 Use a comma between the clauses in a compound sentence. Remember that a compound sentence contains two or more complete thoughts, called independent clauses, joined by a coordinating conjunction: and, but, or, for, nor, so, or yet. Everyone is helping, so the bake sale should be a hit. Put a check mark next to the sentence with a comma error. a. Old-fashioned vending machines were usually filled with stale candy or sandwiches. b. Some newer vending machines contain rolls pizza coffee and fresh fruit. c. The newer ones also make change for bills in the denominations of ones, fives, or tens. You were correct if you checked option b. The series needs commas: Some newer vending machines contain rolls, pizza, coffee, and fresh fruit.

Do not use a comma to separate two subjects in a compound subject or two verbs in a compound predicate: Mary and Jim fished. Liz fished and swam.

Lesson 16 Commas

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Introductory Elements and Appositives

Words and phrases that introduce or interrupt the main idea of a sentence are usually set off from the rest of the sentence with commas. RULE 1 Use a comma to separate introductory elements-words or phrases at the beginning of a sentence-from the rest of the sentence. No, the bank is closed on Memorial Day. As a result of overspending, Ron's funds are low. RULE 2 Use a comma after a dependent clause that comes at the beginning of a sentence. Remember that a dependent clause contains a subject and a verb but is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone. It begins with a subordinating conjunction such as before or if. But: appositive a noun phrase that adds information about a noun or pronoun When all his bills came in, he was stunned. He was stunned when all his bills came in.

An appositive is a noun phrase that further explains or describes another noun or pronoun. If the appositive is necessary to identify the noun or pronoun, it is essential. If the appositive simply adds some information but is not necessary in order to identify the noun or pronoun, it is nonessential. RULE 3 Use commas to separate a nonessential appositive from the rest of the sentence. Do not use commas for essential appositives. Nonessential: Ron, my friend, has 13 credit cards. Essential: He is reading the library book Ten Ways to Get Out of Debt.

parenthetical expression a word or phrase that adds nothing essential to the meaning of a sentence

A parenthetical expression is a word or phrase that adds nothing essential to the meaning of a sentence. Many parenthetical expressions are transitions. Some common parenthetical expressions are for example, incidentally, of course, however, and on the one hand. RULE 4 Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions. Ron has cards, for example, for most stores in the mall. Put a check mark next to the sentence that uses commas correctly. a. In addition to skills, appearance is important at an interview. b. My job counselor, Della Rollins helped me pick an interview outfit. You were correct if you checked option a because In addition to skills is an introductory phrase that should be followed by a comma. In option b, a second comma is needed after the nonessential appositive Della Rollins.

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GED Practice
Directions: Choose the one best answer to each question. Questions 1 through 4 refer to the following memo. Memo TO: Staff DATE: September 12, 2002 RE: Deli Opening (A) (1) Next Friday Saturday, and Sunday, the Four Corners Supermarket will hold an in-store sale to introduce our new deli department. (2) We will have tasty cooking demonstrations for customers. (3) All delimade sandwiches, soups, and salads will be half-price. (4) In addition samples of our delicious smoked ham, roast beef, and tuna salad will be served throughout the store. (B) (5) Before the event, you will have the opportunity to meet all the new staff in the deli department. (6) The new deli manager, Sybil Howard expects that the new department will increase store sales by 50 to 75 percent during the special event. (7) You can help by encouraging your friends, and relatives to visit our new department.
1. Sentence 1: Next Friday Saturday, and Sunday, the Four Corners Supermarket will hold an instore sale to introduce our new deli department. 2. Sentence 4: In addition samples of our delicious smoked ham, roast beef, and tuna salad will be served throughout the store.

Which correction should be made to sentence 4? (1) insert a comma after In addition (2) remove the comma after ham (3) insert a comma after salad (4) change will be to was (5) no correction is necessary
3. Sentence 6: The new deli manager, Sybil Howard expects that the new department will increase store sales by 50 to 75 percent during the special event.

Which correction should be made to sentence 6? (1) change manager to Manager (2) insert a comma after Howard (3) insert a comma after sales (4) change expects to expected (5) replace the special event with it
4. Sentence 7: You can help by encouraging your friends, and relatives to visit our new department.

Which correction should be made to sentence 7? (1) replace You with One (2) change help to be helping (3) remove the comma after friends (4) insert a comma after relatives (5) no correction is necessary

Which is the best way to write the underlined portion of this sentence? If the original is the best way, choose option (1). (1) Friday Saturday, and Sunday, (2) Friday Saturday and Sunday, (3) Friday, and Saturday and Sunday (4) Friday Saturday, and Sunday (5) Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,

Answers start on page 745

Lesson 16 Commas

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Spelling Possessives
Possessives are words that show ownership. You make a noun show possession by using an apostrophe (') and usually the letter -s. Plural nouns that do not show possession do not use an apostrophe. RULE 1 Add 's to show the possessive for a singular noun and for a plural noun that does not end in -s. Singular Possessive: John's sons are going fly-fishing next week. Singular Possessive: Jesss old reel is oiled and ready. Plural Possessive: The children's rods are stacked in the garage. possessive a word that shows ownership RULE 2 Add only an apostrophe to show the possessive for a plural noun ending in -s Plural Possessive: Plural Possessive: Both sons' fishing flies are already tied. The flies' hooks have been carefully inserted.

RULE 3 Don't use an apostrophe with the possessive pronouns his, hers, its, ours, yours, theirs, and whose. Incorrect: Correct: To check for possession, try to turn the words into a phrase with of. Possessive: Bob's sister = the sister of Bob That big catch of trout is their's. That big catch of trout is theirs.

Put a check mark by the sentence in which all possessives are spelled correctly. a. Here is Jills' picture in the photo album. b. Who's pictures are these? c. They are of my Grandmother Tess and her two younger sister's, Bess and Jess. d. Her brothers' names are Fess and Les Rimes. You were correct if you checked option d. The possessive plural brothers' is spelled correctly. In option a, the singular possessive Jills' should be spelled Jill's. In option b, the possessive pronoun Who's should be spelled Whose. In option c, the plural noun sister's should be spelled sisters.

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Contractions
contraction a word formed from two words that are combined and shortened by leaving out letters. An apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter(s).
A contraction is a shortened way to write two words by combining them and omitting one or more letters. Like possessives, contractions use apostrophes. RULE 1 Use an apostrophe to take the place of the missing letters in a contraction: I + am = I'm. Incorrect: Do'nt put the apostrophe in the wrong place. Correct: Don't put the apostrophe in the wrong place. Most contractions combine a personal pronoun and a verb: you've = you have she'd = she had it's = it is isn't aren't don't doesn't haven't can't couldn't = = = = = = = is not are not do not does not have not cannot could not we're = we are he'd = he would they'll = they will wasn't weren't didn't won't hasn't shouldn't wouldn't = = = = = = = was not were not did not will not has not should not would not

Negative contractions combine a verb and the word not:

To check the spelling of a contraction, look at the placement of the apostrophe. An apostrophe replaces a letter or letters in one word of a contraction. For example: We're = We are. The apostrophe replaces the a in are.

RULE 2 Do not confuse contractions with possessives that sound the same. Incorrect: Its a common spelling problem. Correct Contraction: It's a common spelling problem. Incorrect: Correct Possessive: Make sure each word has it's apostrophe in the correct place. Make sure each word has its apostrophe in the correct place.

To decide whether a word is a contraction or a possessive, mentally substitute the two words that form the contraction. If the sentence makes sense, the word is a contraction. You can substitute it is in the first sentence, so that is a contraction and needs the apostrophe. You cannot substitute it is in the second sentence, so its is a possessive. Put a check mark by the sentence that uses a contraction correctly. a. It's a library book. b. It's due date was last month. You were correct if you checked option a. You can substitute It is in the sentence: It is a library book.

Lesson 17 Spelling

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Homonyms
homonyms words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings Homonyms are words that sound alike but have different spellings and different meanings. There are no rules to help you write homonyms. You simply have to learn how to spell the particular homonym you want to use. As you have learned, some contractions and possessives are homonyms: it's/its, you're/your, who's/whose. Here are some other commonly confused homonyms: board (piece of wood) bored (not interested) To avoid errors with homonyms, read the entire sentence before you decide how to spell the word. That way, you will know the intended meaning of the word. brake (to stop) break (to damage or destroy; rest period) coarse (rough, textured) course (path, track) feat (achievement) feet (plural of foot) grate (to shred) great (extremely good) hear (to listen) here (in this place) hole (opening) whole (entire) knew (past tense of know) new (latest, additional) passed (went by) past (a time before) principal (main; head of a school) principle (rule, belief) right (correct; opposite of left) write (to form words) their (belonging to them) there (in that place) they're (contraction of they are) to (in the direction of) too (also) two (the number 2) way (path, direction) weigh (to measure heaviness) weak (not strong) week (seven days) wear (to have on clothing) where (what place) weather (climate) whether (if) wood (what trees are made of) would (verb expressing a wish)

Some words are not actual homonyms, but they are often confused because they sound so similar: accept (to receive or get) except (excluding) For more information on homonyms see the Writer's Checklist on pages 888-891. affect (to influence) effect (a result) than (comparison) then (after that)

Put a check mark by the sentence with no misspelling. a. The instructor's lesson will positively affect the class. b. The instructor's lesson will positively effect the class. You were correct if you chose option a. The instructor's actions will influence the class positively.

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GED Practice
Directions: Choose the one best answer to each question. Questions 1 through 4 refer to the following letter. Dear Thomas Peters: (A) (1) Don't miss this special renewal opportunity. (2) If you act now, you'll receive 48 weakly issues of OnLine Emblem, plus 12 monthly special reports for the great rate of only $18.95. (B) (3) Don't miss the only newsmagazine covering the people, local news, and community actions shaping the Internet economy. (4) Our magazines' coverage provides you with breaking news on e-mail, shopping discounts, jobs, and sports. (5) With your paid renewal, well send you an additional 12 monthly special reports covering exciting Internet issues. (C) (6) Don't wait another minute to continue the service that Professor Jane Notch of Dwyer University's School of Computer Science calls "the best, most accurate publication" covering the Internet today!
1. Sentence 2: If you act now, you'll receive 48 weakly issues of On-Line Emblem, plus 12 monthly special reports for the great rate of only $18.95. 2. Sentence 4: Our magazines' coverage provides you with breaking news on e-mail, shopping discounts, jobs, and sports.

Which correction should be made to sentence 4? (1) change magazines' to magazine's (2) change provides to provide (3) replace you with one (4) replace breaking with braking (5) no correction is necessary
3. Sentence 5: With your paid renewal, well send you an additional 12 monthly special reports covering exciting Internet issues.

Which correction should be made to sentence 5? (1) replace your with you're (2) remove the comma (3) replace well with we'll (4) change special reports to Special Reports (5) no correction is necessary
4. Sentence 6: Don't wait another minute to continue the service that Professor Jane Notch of Dwyer University's School of Computer Science calls "the best, most accurate publication" covering the Internet today!

Which correction should be made to sentence 2? (1) change you act to one acts (2) remove the comma after now (3) change receive to have received (4) replace weakly with weekly (5) replace great with grate

Which correction should be made to sentence 6? (1) replace wait with weight (2) insert a comma after service (3) change Professor to professor (4) change University's to Universities (5) no correction is necessary

As you work through these exercises, note the homonyms that give you trouble. Study them and practice writing sentences with them. That way, you will know them when you take the GED Writing Test.

Answers start on page 745

Lesson 17 Spelling

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GED Review Mechanics

Directions: Choose the one best answer to each question. Questions 1 through 4 refer to the following paragraphs. How to Take Phone Messages (A) (1) In these days of voicemail and automated phone menus, the art of answering the telephone may be part of our past. (2) Yet some companies still recognize the value of personal contact. (3) Here are some great tips for receiving incoming calls and taking customer's messages. (B) (4) After greeting a customer, say the name of the company and "How may I help you?" as politely as possible. (5) Its important to listen carefully to callers and ask them to repeat any names or numbers you don't understand. (6) To take a message for an employee who isn't available, note the person's name who is getting the message and the time of the call. (7) Than write down the caller's name, company, phone number, and any message he or she wants to leave. (8) Verify both the name by spelling it back and the telephone number by repeating the numbers. (9) Finally, thank the caller and make sure the message gets to the right person promptly.
1. Sentence 1: In these days of voicemail and automated phone menus, the art of answering the telephone may be part of our past. 2. Sentence 3: Here are some great tips for receiving incoming calls and taking customer's messages.

Which correction should be made to sentence 3? (1) replace Here with Hear (2) change are to is (3) replace great with grate (4) insert a comma after calls (5) change customer's to customers'
3. Sentence 5: Its important to listen carefully to callers and ask them to repeat any names or numbers you don't understand.

Which correction should be made to sentence 5? (1) replace Its with It's (2) change callers to callers' (3) replace and with a comma (4) insert a comma after names (5) change don't to do'nt
4. Sentence 7: Than write down the caller's name, company, phone number, and any message he or she wants to leave.

Which correction should be made to sentence 7? (1) replace Than with Then (2) replace write with right (3) change caller's to callers (4) remove the comma after name (5) insert a comma after message

Which correction should be made to sentence 1? (1) insert a comma after voicemail (2) remove the comma after menus (3)' replace our with hour (4) replace past with passed (5) no correction is necessary

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Questions 5 through 9 refer to the following paragraphs. Getting Your Calcium (A) (1) Calcium is a mineral needed for strong, healthy, and lasting, teeth and bones. (2) Doctors generally agree that 2000 milligrams of calcium a day is safe for most people. (B) (3) Although many people take calcium in pills nutritionists recommend eating foods naturally rich in calcium. (4) Dairy products are the foods richest in calcium and now many of them are also low-fat or nonfat. (5) For people with difficulty digesting milk there are now low lactose alternatives. (6) In addition, foods such as orange juice can be fortified with calcium. (7) Non-dairy products that are rich in calcium, include broccoli, leafy green vegetables, and fortified bread and cereals.
5. Sentence 1: Calcium is a mineral needed for strong, healthy, and lasting, teeth and bones. 7. Sentence 4: Dairy products are the foods richest in calcium and now many of them are also low-fat or non-fat.

Which is the best way to write the underlined portion of this sentence? If the original is the best way, choose option (1). (1) calcium and (2) calcium (3) calcium. And (4) calcium, and (5) calcium and,
8. Sentence 5: For people with difficulty digesting milk there are now low-lactose alternatives.

Which correction should be made to sentence 5? (1) insert a comma after difficulty (2) insert a comma after milk (3) replace there are with they have (4) change are to is (5) no correction is-necessary
9. Sentence 7: Non-dairy products that are rich in calcium, include broccoli, leafy green vegetables, and fortified bread and cereals.

Which correction should be made to sentence 1? (1) change is to has been (2) insert a comma after mineral (3) remove the comma after lasting (4) insert a comma after teeth (5) no correction is necessary
6. Sentence 3: Although many people take calcium in pills nutritionists recommend eating foods naturally rich in calcium.

Which correction should be made to sentence 7? (1) replace that with they (2) change are to have been (3) remove the comma after calcium (4) remove the comma after broccoli (5) insert a comma after bread

Which correction should be made to . sentence 3? (1) change take to were taking (2) insert a comma after calcium (3) insert a comma after pills (4) change nutritionists to Nutritionists (5) no correction is necessary

Avoid unnecessary commas in a series by. counting the items. For only two, do not usea comma. For three or more, subtract one from the number of items. That is the number of commas you need.

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Questions 10 through 13 refer to. the following paragraphs. Elections (A) (1) Every four years in the Fall, Americans go to the polls on Election Day to elect a president. (2) The largest number of presidents have come from the South. (3) Interestingly, the nation's most populous State, California, has produced only two presidents, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. (B) (4) Although the job of a vice president seems comparatively unimportant, it is a vital transitional position for the nation. (5) For example, after Nixon resigned from the White House, vice president Ford succeeded him. (6) Ford had been a representative in congress from the Midwest before Nixon named him to succeed Spiro Agnew. (7) Even though Ford was not returned to office by the voters, the country had been spared a serious gap in leadership.
10. Sentence 1: Every four years in the Fall,

11. Sentence 3: Interestingly, the nation's most

populous State, California, has produced only two presidents, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. Which correction should be made to sentence 3? (1) change nation's to Nation's (2) change State to state (3) change has to have (4) insert they were after presidents, (5) change presidents to Presidents
12. Sentence 5: For example, after Nixon resigned

from the White House, vice president Ford succeeded him. Which correction should be made to sentence 5? (1) remove the comma after example (2) change White House to white house (3) remove the comma after House (4) change president to President (5) change vice president to Vice President
13. Sentence 6: Ford had been a representative in

Americans go to the polls on Election Day to elect a president. Which correction should be made to sentence 1? (1) change Fall to fall (2) change go to goes (3) change go to went (4) change president to President (5) no correction is necessary

congress from the Midwest before Nixon named him to succeed Spiro Agnew. Which correction should be made to sentence 6? (1) change had to has (2) change had been to was being (3) change representative to Representative (4) change congress to Congress (5) change Midwest to midwest

For more information on Mechanics, see the Writer's Checklist on page 888.

Answers start on page 746.

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needed. Option (1) removes a necessary comma. Option (3) inserts an unnecessary comma. Option (4) changes a correct past tense verb to the past perfect. Option (5) changes the verb to the past perfect when the simple past is needed.
17. (4) looks (Verb tenses) Option (4) is correct because

there is no reason to capitalize the adjective pine. Since seasons are not capitalized, option (5) is incorrect.

Lesson 16: Commas

GED Practice (page 137) All items in this practice are related to commas.
1.

the words today and often choose are clues that the simple present tense is needed. Options (1), (2), (3), and (5) are incorrect shifts in verb tense.
18. (3) will focus (Verb tenses) Option (3) is correct

because the simple future tense is needed in the second, main clause. The introductory clause (As consumer demand ... increases) sets up a condition that continues into the future. Options (1), (2), and (4) are incorrect shifts in verb tense. Option (5) is an incomplete verb form.

(5) Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Option (5) is correct because Friday is the first item in a series of three days. Options (1), (2), (3), and (4) do not correctly punctuate the series. (1) insert a comma after In addition Option (1) correctly inserts a comma after an introductory phrase, so option (5) is incorrect. Option (2) incorrectly removes a comma in a series. Option (3) inserts an unnecessary comma at the end of the series. Option (4) incorrectly changes the verb tense. (2) insert a comma after Howard Option (2) is correct because Sybil Howard is a nonessential appositive that identifies the noun manager and should be set off by commas before and after. Option (1) is incorrect because manager is not a proper noun. Option (3) inserts an unnecessary comma. Option (4) incorrectly changes the verb tense. Option (5) uses a pronoun with a vague antecedent. (3) remove the comma after friends Option (3) is correct because a comma is not needed between two items. Option (1) incorrectly creates a pronoun shift. Option (2) uses an incorrect verb form. Option (4) inserts an unnecessary comma. The unnecessary comma should be removed, so option (5) is incorrect.

2.

Mechanics lesson 15: Capitalization

GED Practice (page 134) All items in this practice are related to capitalization.
1.

3.

(4) change mother's day to Mother's Day Option (4) is correct because holidays are capitalized. Option (1) incorrectly changes the verb tense. Option (2) is incorrect because Easter is a holiday and should be capitalized. Options (3) and (5) insert unnecessary commas. (2) change foundation to Foundation Option (2) is correct because foundation is part of the name of a specific organization and should be capitalized. For the same reason, option (1) incorrectly makes a proper name lowercase. Option (3) is incorrect because the verb claim does not agree with the Singular subject Foundation. Option (4) incorrectly uses a pronoun with an unclear antecedent. Option (5) incorrectly changes the verb form. (5) change mid-june to mid-June Option (5) is correct because months of the year should be capitalized. Option (1) is incorrect because northern is a direction and does not name a specific region of the country. Option (2) incorrectly changes the verb tense. Option (3) inserts an unnecessary comma. Option (4) incorrectly capitalizes the wrong part of the phrase mid-June. (1) change Summer to summer Option (1) is correct because seasons are not capitalized. Option (2) removes a comma after an introductory clause. Option (3) creates a sentence fragment out of the introductory clause. Option (4) is incorrect because

4.

2.

Lesson 17: Spelling

GED Practice (page 141) All items in this practice are related to spelling.
1.

3.

(4) replace weakly with weekly Option (4) is correct because the homonym meaning "once every seven days" is needed in the sentence. Option (1) incorrectly creates a pronoun shift. Option (2) incorrectly removes a comma after an introductory clause. Option (3) incorrectly changes the verb tense. Option (5) replaces a correctly spelled word with its homonym. (1) change magazines to magazine's Option (1) is correct because the possessive is singular, not plural. Option (2) is incorrect because provides agrees with the singular subject coverage. Option (3) incorrectly creates a pronoun

4.

2.

Answers and Explanations Unit 1

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shift. Option (4) replaces a correctly spelled word with its homonym. Option (5) is incorrect because the possessive is singular, not plural.
3. (3) replace well with we'll Option (3) is correct

5. (3) remove the comma after lasting (Commas)

because the contraction of we will needs an apostrophe. Option (1) incorrectly replaces the possessive pronoun your with the contraction of you are. Option (2) incorrectly removes a comma after the introductory phrase. Option (4) is incorrect because special reports is not a proper noun. Option (5) is incorrect because contractions use apostrophes.
4. (5) no correction is necessary The sentence is

Option (3) is correct because it removes an unnecessary comma at the end of a series. Option (1) incorrectly changes the verb tense. Options (2) and (4) insert unnecessary commas. Option (5) is incorrect because the unnecessary comma should be removed.
6. (3) insert a comma after pills (Commas) Option (3)

correct as written. Option (1) replaces a correctly spelled word with its homonym. Option (2) inserts an unnecessary comma. Option (3) is incorrect because a title followed by a name should be capitalized. Option (4) incorrectly replaces a possessive with a plural.

is correct because it inserts a comma after the introductory clause. Option (1) incorrectly changes the verb tense. Option (2) inserts an unnecessary comma. Option (4) incorrectly capitalizes a noun that is not proper. Option (5) is incorrect because there should be a comma after the introductory clause.
7. (4) calcium, and (Commas) Option (4) is correct

GED Review Mechanics

(pages 142-144)
1. (5) no correction is necessary (Commas) The

because it inserts a comma before the coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses in a compound sentence. Options (1), (2), (3), and (5) do not use the correct combination of commas and conjunctions.
8.(2) insert a comma after milk (Commas) Option (2)

sentence is correct as written. Option (1) inserts an unnecessary comma. Option (2) incorrectly removes a comma after an introductory phrase. Options (3) and (4) replace correctly spelled words with their homonyms.
2. (5) change customer's to customers' (Spelling)

Option (5) corrects the misspelled plural possessive. Options (1) and (3) replace correctly spelled words with their homonyms. Option (2) is incorrect because is does not agree with the plural subject tips. Option (4) inserts an unnecessary comma.
3.(1) replace Its with It's (Contractions) Option (1)

is correct because it inserts a comma after the introductory phrase. Option (1) is incorrect because it inserts the comma too early in the sentence; digesting milk is part of the introductory phrase. Option (3),incorrectly changes the verb. Option, (4) is incorrect because is does not agree with the plural subject alternatives. Option (5) is incorrect because the sentence needs a comma after the introductory phrase. 9: (3) remove the comma after calcium (Commas) Option (3) is correct because it removes an unnecessary comma separating the subject from the verb. Option (1) incorrectly replaces that with a pronoun. Option (2) incorrectly changes the verb tense. Option (4) removes a comma needed in a series. Option (5) inserts an unnecessary comma because the pair bread and cereals is the last item in the series.
10. (1) change Fall to fall (Capitalization) Option (1) is

is correct because the contraction of It is is needed in the sentence. Option (2) incorrectly replaces a plural with a plural possessive. Option (3) creates a comma splice. Option (4) inserts an unnecessary comma. Option (5) misspells a contraction.
4. (1) replace Than with Then (Spelling) Option (1)

is correct because the homonym meaning "at that time" is needed in the sentence. Option (2) replaces a correctly spelled word with its homonym. Option (3) replaces a correctly spelled singular possessive with a plural. Option (4) removes a necessary comma in a series. Option (5) inserts an unnecessary comma at the end of the series.

correct because seasons of the year are not capitalized. Option (2) is incorrect because goes does not agree with the subject Americans. Option (3) incorrectly changes the verb tense. Option (4) is incorrect because a title is not capitalized unless it is followed by a name. Fall should not be capitalized, so option (5) is not correct.

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Answers and Explanations Unit 1

11. (2) change State to state (Capitalization) Option

(2) is correct because state is not a proper noun and therefore should not be capitalized. For the same reason, option (1) is incorrect; Nation's should not be capitalized. Option (3) is incorrect because the verb have does not agree with the subject state. Option (4) creates a comma splice. Option (5) is incorrect because a title is not capitalized unless it is followed by a name.
12. (5) change vice president to Vice President

removes a necessary comma after an introductory phrase. Option (3) incorrectly capitalizes the common noun state. Option (4) incorrectly shifts the verb tense to the future. Option (5) removes a necessary comma in a series.
5.

(Capitalization) Option (5) is correct because a title is capitalized when it is followed by a name. Option (1) incorrectly removes a comma after an introductory phrase. Option (2) is incorrect because White House is a proper noun naming a specific building. Option (3) incorrectly removes a comma after an introductory clause. Option (4) capitalizes only part of the title.
13. (4) change congress to Congress (Capitalization)

(5) change are to is (Usage/Subject-verb agreement) option (5) is correct because the singular verb is agrees with the Singular subject person, not the interrupting phrase digging with hand tools. Option (1) incorrectly makes the verb is digging. Options (2) and (4) insert unnecessary commas. Option (3) incorrectly makes a plural noun possessive. Option (4) correctly replaces a vague pronoun with its antecedent. Option (1) is the pronoun with a vague antecedent. Options (2) and (3) are incorrect pronouns. Option (5) provides an incorrect antecedent.
7.(1) move sentence 8 to the end of paragraph B

6. (4) The building department (Usage/Pronouns)

Option (4) is correct because Congress is a proper noun naming a specific' organization. Options (1) and (2) incorrectly change the verb tense. Option (3) incorrectly capitalizes a title that is not followed by a name. Option (5) is incorrect because Midwest is a proper noun naming a specific region of the country.

GED Unit Review Language Arts, Writing

(pages 145-155) 1. (4) replace you're with your (Mechanics/ Spelling possessives and homonyms) Option (4) is correct because the possessive pronoun your, not the contraction for you are as in the original, is needed in the sentence. Options (1) and (2) incorrectly shift the verb tenses in the two clauses of the sentence. Option (3) inserts an unnecessary comma. Option (5) is incorrect because you're should be replaced.
2. (2) When you need a cracked or broken

(Organization/Unity and coherence) Option (1) correctly moves a detail to the paragraph it supports. Sentence (9) begins a whole new topic. Options (2) and (4) remove important details. Option (3) moves a supporting detail out of logical order. Moving sentence 8 improves paragraph C, so option (5) is incorrect.
8. (2) remove the comma after signs

(Mechanics/Unnecessary commas) Option (2) correctly removes an unnecessary comma between a subject and verb. Option (1) removes a necessary comma in a series. Option (3) is an incomplete verb form. Option (4) incorrectly changes the verb from plural to Singular; the verb should agree with signs. Option (5) leaves in an unnecessary comma.
9. (3) change are to is (Usage/Subject-verb

windshield replaced, (Sentence structure/ Modifiers) Option (2) correctly inserts a subordinating conjunction and a subject and verb into the dangling modifier, changing the phrase into a subordinating clause. Options (I), (3), (4), and (5) do not correct the error. 3. (5) no correction is necessary (Usage/Subject-verb agreement) Option (1) incorrectly shifts the verb tense to the future. Option (2) is incorrect because the singular subject looks agrees with the singular subject Everyone. Option (3) supplies an incorrect verb form. Option (4) inserts an unnecessary comma.
4. (1) change Spring to spring (Mechanics/

agreement) Option (3) is correct because the Singular verb is agrees with the singular subject merchandise. When a compound subject is joined by or, the verb should agree with the last subject. Option (1) incorrectly changes a plural to a possessive. Option (2) inserts an unnecessary comma. Option (4) replaces a correctly spelled word with its homonym. The preposition for is needed in the sentence, not the number word four. The plural verb are does not agree with the Singular subject merchandise, so option (5) is incorrect.
10. (2) Another questionable tactic, called a

Capitalization) Option (1) is correct because seasons of the year are not capitalized. Option (2)

kickback, (Sentence structure/Modifiers) Option (2) places the modifier next to the noun

Answers and Explanations Unit 1

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