Can It Be Improved?

Worksheet Description

This Consulting Syntax References worksheet is designed to assist students in improving their writing by focusing on the syntax of individual sentences. The worksheet instructs students to select two sentences from their current draft that they believe could be enhanced. It then directs them to consult one of the suggested authoritative texts on English usage to find suggestions for improvement. The goal is for students to identify the desired effect they wish to achieve with each sentence and note the recommendations provided by the reference texts.

The worksheet aims to teach students how to critically evaluate and improve the syntax of their sentences to achieve specific effects in their writing. It underscores the importance of precise language use and encourages students to consider the impact of their word choices on readers. Through this activity, students learn to utilize expert resources to refine their writing skills and to consciously craft sentences that effectively convey their intended meaning and tone. The worksheet fosters a deeper understanding of how syntactic changes can enhance clarity, emphasis, and overall communication in their work.