Modifiers Lesson

GMAS Test Prep

Day 2

Focus: Language

2

Learning Targets

I can…

 recognize and correct misplaced and dangling modifiers in sentences.

 explain the functions of phrases and clauses.

 choose different types of sentences to convey ideas effectively.

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A robin perched on a branch.

Test-Taking Strategies

Block out incorrect answer choices.
Identify key words in the question.

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Reread the question.
Determinemy answer in my head, find the

matching answer choice.
Submitonly after reviewing.

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

A modifier is a word or group of words that describes, renames, or provides additional
information about another word.

Using a modifier incorrectly can change the intended meaning of the sentence and often
makes unintentionally funny sentences.

A misplaced modifier is in the wrong place and needs to be moved closer to the word it is
modifying (describing).

A dangling modifier is just hanging there with nothing to modify (describe).

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Here’s an example:

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The hunter took careful aim at the turkey wearing camouflage.

Let me show you how to correct this sentence.

Let me think about what might be wrong with this sentence.

Is there a misplaced or dangling modifier?

Wearing camouflage,
the hunter took careful
aim at the turkey.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

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Why is this sentence more clear?

Let’s try this one!

We saw the birds driving down the mountain.

What’s wrong with this sentence?

How can we fix this sentence?

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We saw the birds while we were driving

down the mountain.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Sample Footer Text

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Now you try it by yourself!

Lost for days, he finally found his parakeet.

What’s wrong with this sentence?

How can you fix this sentence?

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He finally found his
parakeet, which had
been lost for days.

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Below is a sample test question.

Can you identify which key word(s) in the test question are most
important?

Which is the BEST way to combine these sentences to form
a simple sentence?

The birds are chirping. The birds are eating seeds.

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A.The eating birds are chirping seeds.
B.The birds are chirping, and the birds are eating seeds.
C. The birds are chirping and eating seeds.

Poll

Which is the BEST way to combine these sentences to form a simple sentence?

The birds are chirping. The birds are eating seeds.

• The eating birds are chirping seeds.

• The birds are chirping, and the birds are eating seeds.

• The birds are chirping and eating seeds.

Read this sentence:

I went to the spring to get some water, and I saw a deer drinking
there.

Which type of sentence is this?

A. simple
B. compound
C. complex
D. compound complex

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Multiple Choice

Read this sentence:

I went to the spring to get some water, and I saw a deer drinking there.

Which type of sentence is this?

• Simple sentence
• Compound sentence
• Complex sentence

• compound-complex sentence

Below is another sample test question.

Can you identify which key word(s) in the test question are most
important?

Which is the BEST way to combine these sentences into one sentence that
conveys the same meaning.

Sara loves parrots. The parrots make a lot of noise that disturbs Sara.

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A.Sarah loves parrots and the noise they make a lot to disturb

her.

B.Sara’s parrots disturb her, so she loves them.
C. Sara loves parrots, but they make a lot of noise that
disturbs her.

Multiple Choice

Which is the BEST way to combine these sentences into one sentence that conveys the same meaning.

Sara loves parrots. The parrots make a lot of noise that disturbs Sara.

• Sarah loves parrots and the noise they make a lot to disturb her.

• Sara’s parrots disturb her, so she loves them.

• Sara loves parrots, but they make a lot of noise that disturbs her.

Which is the BEST definition for the phrase relative seclusion as it is used in the
excerpt from “Stop Feeding Wild Birds”?

Natural food locations are scattered everywhere. Birds that have to look for food on
their own can easily find it in places where they can eat in relative seclusion. At artificial
feeding sites, however, the birds often have to compete .

A . quiet

B . shelter

C . privacy

D . isolation

`

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Multiple Choice

Which is the BEST definition for the phrase relative seclusion as it is used in the excerpt from “Stop Feeding Wild Birds”?
Natural food locations are scattered everywhere. Birds that have to look for food on their own can easily find it in places where they can eat in relative seclusion. At artificial feeding sites, however, the birds often have to compete .

• quiet

• shelter

• privacy

• isolation

Next Steps

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• Complete your 3 Question Fast Formative on Pear Assessment.

• You will be given your next assignment.

Did you meet your learning
target today?

Can you…

 recognize and correct misplaced and dangling modifiers in sentences?

 explain the functions of phrases and clauses?

 choose different types of sentences to convey ideas effectively?

17

A robin perched on a branch.