Compositional Analysis
The smallest section and the quickest marks: linking words, punctuation, capitals, word and sentence order, combining sentences, error spotting and spelling.
The smallest section and the quickest marks: linking words, punctuation, capitals, word and sentence order, combining sentences, error spotting and spelling.
Linking words
| Relation | Words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | because, since, as, because of + noun, due to + noun | The roads were closed because there was a sandstorm. |
| Result | so, therefore, as a result, consequently | Fahad missed the bus, so he was late. |
| Contrast | but, however, although, though, despite + noun / -ing | Although the test was short, it was difficult. |
| Addition | and, also, in addition, moreover, furthermore | The hotel is clean. Moreover, it is cheap. |
| Example | for example, for instance, such as | Citrus fruits, such as oranges, are rich in vitamin C. |
| Time and order | first, then, after that, finally, when, while | First, wash the rice. Then, boil the water. |
Punctuation rules
- A full stop ends a statement; a question mark ends a direct question only.
- Use a comma after a sentence-opening linker (However, …) and before but / so joining two sentences.
- Commas separate items in a list: apples, oranges and bananas.
- The apostrophe shows possession and short forms: Sara’s book, don’t, it’s (= it is); possessive its has none.
Capital letters
- The first word of a sentence, and I always.
- Names of people, cities, countries, languages and nationalities: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Arabic, Saudi.
- Days and months: Monday, May; not seasons: summer.
Question patterns
The right linking word
Decide the relation: cause, result, contrast or addition.
Punctuation
Look for a question mark after a statement, a missing comma after However, or a misplaced apostrophe.
Capitalization
Check the first word, I, names, days and months.
Underlined error
Read the whole sentence and test each underlined part: tense, preposition, agreement, word form.
Word order
Subject + verb + object + place + time.
Combining sentences
Remove the repetition and use who / which or the right linker.
Ordering a paragraph
The first sentence introduces the topic; then details with order words; then a conclusion. A sentence starting with it / they / this is never first.
Spelling
Watch double and silent letters: necessary, accommodation, Wednesday, receive.
Commonly misspelled words
| Correct | Common mistake |
|---|---|
| receive | recieve |
| believe | beleive |
| separate | seperate |
| definitely | definately |
| beginning | begining |
| environment | enviroment |
| government | goverment |
| tomorrow | tommorow |