Revision Skills

Question 1

What are the 7 steps in the Paramedic Method of editing and revising a paper?

Answer 1

1) Circle the prepositions (of, in, about, for, onto, into)
2) Draw a box around the “is” verb forms
3) Ask, “Where’s the action?”
4) Change the “action” into a simple verb
5) Move the doer into the subject (Who’s kicking whom)
6) Eliminate any unnecessary slow wind-ups
7) Eliminate any redundancies.

Question 2

What are the 5 steps in the Reverse Paramedic Method of editing and revising sentences?

Answer 2

1) Circle the prepositions. Eliminate any unnecessary prepositions.
2) Identify any references to the researchers (the doer).
3) Replace references to the researchers with a passive construction that emphasizes the experiment (what was done).
4) Eliminate any unnecessary slow wind-ups.
5) Eliminate any redundancies.

Question 3

What are visual-textual devices used to show emphasis in writing?

Answer 3

Underlining, italics, different font styles, all caps, boldface

Question 4

A sentence written is active voice has what characteristics?

Answer 4

The subject is the one performing the action of the verb.

Question 5

Describe a sentence using passive voice. Give example.

Answer 5

In a sentence using passive voice, the subject is acted upon; he or she receives the action expressed by the verb.

The boy was bitten by the dog. (Active would be “The dog bit the boy.”)

Question 6

What does it mean when a verb is used with indicative mood? Give example.

Answer 6

Indicate mood means the verb indicates fact or opinion.

He was here.
I am hungry.
She will bring her books.

Question 7

What does it mean when a verb is used in imperative mood? Give examples.

Answer 7

Imperative mood expresses commands or requests. Usually the understood subject is “you”.

Be here at seven o’clock. (Understood: You be here at seven o’clock.)
Cook me an omelette. (Understood: You cook me an omelette.)
Bring your books with you. (Understood: You bring your books with you.)

Question 8

What does it mean when a verb is used in subjunctive mood? Give examples.

Answer 8

When the verb shows something contrary to fact. When you express a wish or something that is not actually true, use the past tense or past perfect tense; when using the verb ‘to be’ in the subjunctive, always use were rather than was

If he were here… (Implied: …but he’s not.)
I wish I had something to eat. (Implied: …but I don’t.)
It would be better if you had brought your books with you. (Implied: …but you haven’t brought them.)