Part I: Sentence Correction
- The list of items is on the table. (Subject-Verb Agreement)
- Everyone needs to submit their assignment on time. (Subject-Verb Agreement)
- The teacher told the student that he was late. (Vague Pronoun Reference)
- She enjoys reading, swimming, and dancing. (Faulty Parallelism)
- He walked into the room; he sat down. (Run-On Sentence)
- After finishing the homework, I relaxed. (Sentence Fragment)
- Running to catch the bus, I realized that the backpack fell off. (Dangling Modifier)
- She almost drove her kids to school every day. (Misplaced Modifier - this is correct as it is; however "She would drive her kids to school every day" clarifies her driving habit).
- A person must take care of their health if they want to live long. (Unnecessary Shift in Person)
- They were happy to see their friends. (Subject-Verb Agreement)
- I met a man on the street who was wearing a hat and had a long beard. (Misplaced Modifier)
- While I was eating, the phone rang. (Fragment)
- The students studied very hard. (Unnecessary Repetition / Faulty Structure)
- The boys or the girl was responsible. (Subject-Verb Agreement)
- She told Mary that Mary was not working. (Vague Pronoun Reference)
- To improve his writing, John edited the paper. (Dangling Modifier)
- I enjoy playing the piano, reading books, and going for walks. (Faulty Parallelism)
- The teacher graded the assignments quickly; he wanted to go home. (Run-On Sentence)
- The teacher gave us homework yesterday and explains it today. (Unnecessary Shift)
- Without knowing what to say, I stood there. (Fragment)
Part II: Writing Tasks
A. Paragraph Writing Task
Topic: The importance of education in Ethiopia
Education is a vital component for the growth and development of Ethiopia. It serves as the foundation for individual empowerment and national progress. In a country where many still face poverty, education provides the means for people to secure better employment opportunities and improve their living standards. The government has recognized this importance and has made significant investments in the education sector, resulting in increased enrollment rates in primary and secondary schools. Additionally, education promotes critical thinking and innovation, which are essential for overcoming societal challenges. However, despite these advances, issues such as insufficient resources, inadequate teacher training, and disparities in access remain prevalent. Therefore, continuous efforts are necessary to enhance the quality of education and make it accessible to all Ethiopians. Ultimately, education has the power to transform lives and communities, making it a crucial priority for the future of Ethiopia.
B. Essay Writing
Title: Should students be required to wear uniforms? Why or why not?
The debate on whether students should be required to wear uniforms in schools encompasses several important considerations, including equality, discipline, and personal expression. Advocates for school uniforms argue that requiring students to wear them creates a sense of equality among peers; it minimizes the economic disparities that can lead to bullying and social isolation. When everyone wears the same attire, students may focus more on their studies rather than on their clothing choices, potentially fostering a more conducive learning environment.
Moreover, uniforms can instill a sense of discipline and school pride. When students don uniforms, they may develop a better attitude towards their educational institution and feel a stronger connection to their school community. This can lead to increased student responsibility and better behavior within the school as students recognize they are representatives of their school.
However, opponents of school uniforms argue that enforcing a dress code limits students' ability to express their individuality. Clothing can be a form of self-expression, and by requiring uniforms, schools may inadvertently suppress students' personalities and individual choices, which are essential during formative years. Furthermore, enforcing uniform policies can create additional burdens on families who may struggle to afford the specific clothing items required by schools.
In conclusion, while the requirement for school uniforms has its benefits in promoting equality and discipline, it can also raise concerns about individuality and financial strain on families. Therefore, schools should consider flexible dress codes that allow for some personal expression while still promoting a unified and respectful learning environment. Striking this balance could lead to an improved school experience that values both community and individuality among students.