TSI READING & WRITING RULES

What does a period (.) do?

Breaks up two separate standalone sentences.

When should you use a comma (,)?

For a brief pause, NOT to connect two complete sentences.

What punctuation connects two complete sentences correctly?

A period or semicolon (;).

What does a semicolon (;) do?

Connects two related complete sentences.

Fix the sentence: "I went to the store, I bought milk."

I went to the store. I bought milk. (or use ;)

What is a sentence fragment?

An incomplete sentence that cannot stand alone.

Example of a fragment?

"Because I went to the store."

How do you fix fragments?

Make them complete thoughts.

What is the goal of good writing?

Use fewer, clearer words.

What should you avoid when combining sentences?

Multiple subjects or unnecessary wording.

Why avoid the word "being"?

It's often unnecessary and makes sentences awkward.

What are transition words used for?

To connect ideas and show relationships.

What transition shows contrast?

Although, however, but

What transition shows cause/effect?

Because, therefore, so

What transition shows examples?

For example, for instance

What transition shows sequence?

Then, after, later

Fill in: "_____ I usually get good grades, I failed this semester."

Although

What must pronouns match?

The number (singular/plural) of the subject.

Example: "If ____ exercise regularly..."

you

What is subject-verb agreement?

Matching singular/plural subjects with correct verbs.

Which is correct: "They eat" or "They eats"?

They eat

Which is correct: "It eats" or "It eat"?

It eats

What are the 3 verb tenses?

Past, present, future

What is a misplaced modifier?

A descriptive phrase placed incorrectly.

Where should modifiers go?

Right next to the word they describe.

Why are misplaced modifiers bad?

They create confusion or wrong meaning.

What is logical order?

Ideas flow clearly and make sense.

What is the "sentence sandwich" method?

Read the sentence before, the sentence, and the sentence after.

Why use logical order?

To check if a sentence fits naturally.

What should you do if unsure?

Trust what sounds correct.

Why is this helpful (Trust what sounds correct.)?

Not all grammar rules are obvious—instinct helps.

Rule #1

Punctuation

Rule #2

Sentence Fragments

Rule #3

Keep It Simple

Rule #4

Transition Words

Rule #5

Make It Match

Rule #6

Misplaced Modifiers

Rule #7

Logical Order

Rule #8

Trust Your Ear

Look Up Unknown Words

Always look up any word you don’t know so you fully understand the passage.

Why Vocabulary Matters

If you don’t understand a word, you can misunderstand the whole question.

Reading for Meaning

Don’t rush. Slow down, reread if needed, and focus on understanding.

Reading Strategy

Ask yourself: “What idea is the author trying to communicate?”

Use Text Evidence

The correct answer is always supported by the passage.

Eliminate Wrong Answers

Use the text to prove why answers are wrong, not just why one is right.

Avoid Personal Opinion

Do not bring in your own thoughts or outside knowledge.

Focus on the Passage

Everything you need is in the text - stick to it.