Parts of Speech & Grammar Mechanics

Parts of Speech, Syntax & Punctuation Mechanics

The Writing subtest rigorously tests your ability to identify grammatical elements in context and detect common mechanical errors.

Noun: Person, place, thing, or abstract idea (e.g. teacher, school, curriculum, patience).
Pronoun: Replaces a noun (e.g. he, she, it, they, who, everyone).
Verb: Expresses action or state of being (e.g. write, listen, is, were).
Adjective: Modifies or describes a noun or pronoun (e.g. diligent student, quiet room).
Adverb: Modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb (e.g. read attentively, very bright).
Preposition: Shows relationship in time or space (e.g. on the desk, during recess, under the table).
Conjunction: Connects words, phrases, or clauses (e.g. and, but, although, because).
Interjection: Expresses strong emotion (e.g. Wow!, Ouch!).

Comma Splice: Two complete sentences joined only by a comma (e.g. "The bell rang, the students stood up." Fix: add "and" or use a period/semicolon).
Sentence Fragment: A dependent clause or phrase lacking a main independent subject and verb (e.g. "Because the rain started suddenly." Fix: attach to an independent clause).

Exam Sample Problem:

Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

Step-by-Step Solution:

Sentence: "The stack of student essays (is/are) ready for review."

Identify the true grammatical subject: "stack" (singular).
Identify and eliminate intervening prepositional phrases: "of student essays".
Match the singular subject with the singular verb: "The stack ... is ready."
Answer: The correct verb is "is".