J203, Media Writing


Answers to the 1994 grammar test


Many of the errors were punctuation problems. There were disagreement problems, dangling modifiers and usage problems. Changes are in bold.

1. Berdahl commented on the remarkable beauty of the Knight Library and congratulated everybody involved in its remodeling and expansion.


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2. "There is a place for news in modern life, but news can get in the way of poetry," Berdahl said.


3. Joe said he moved from Seattle to Beaverton, Ore., when his father, a computer systems analyst, was transferred.


4. If that green suitcase isn't yours, it could be theirs.


5. As a representative of the Libertarian Party, Vander Ploeg emphasized cutting taxes and government involvement in citizens' affairs.


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6. Police brutality and racial discrimination are problems that affect black people "regardless of economic position," the keynote speaker said.


7. "The motel room was tiny; (or period) I would have left school if I'd had to stay in that place," John said.


8. The soda manufacturer, which signed exclusive agreements with Oregon State, Indiana and several other universities, wanted to encourage loyalty to its brand.


9. While the Estonian ferry sank, nineteen lifeboats tossed in rough seas 100 miles off the coast of Norway.


10. Coach Brooks urged the team to remember that "the Rose Bowl is only a game."


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11. Students in J203 and J364 should make sure they're registered for a lecture and a lab.


12. Solid research and clear thinking are important in any type of media writing.


13. My friend Jack McCallum took a leave of absence from Sports Illustrated to write a book about basketball star Shaquille O'Neal.


14. "Most people think of grammar as drudgery. I think of it as a challenge," she said. No error


15. The eccentric sculptor has proposed a Mount Rushmore for the 1990s. It would feature the faces of Bart, Homer and Lisa -- the Simpsons immortalized in sandstone.


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16. "I went to Willamette Pass last week," he said. "I went to Hoodoo too."


17. Although its tactics remain the same, the environmental group has evolved over the years. No error


18. Since John returned to Eugene, his interest in rock-climbing has plummeted.


19. The just-completed Knight Library renovation, which cost $27 million, was funded through private and public sources.


20. "If you think you see a light at the end of the tunnel, it's probably a mirror," Russial said.


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