Edit like an Editor: A Wattpad Featured Guide ✔

PRACTICE: Writing

Heads up: This first section has the most parts out of all the other sections, so it will also have the most practice questions.

Don't feel pressured to answer every single one, but try to challenge yourself! There's no judging here. This is a safe space.

Remember, the point of this guidebook is for you to improve and not feel the need to seek out an editor (at least not until you are one stage away from finally publishing your work!).

Please don't ruin it for yourself and look at the answers others have posted. How will you learn if you do so?

Good luck!

1. Is this clause independent or dependent?

Until the sun sets.

2. Is this clause independent or dependent?

I went to the store, but forgot to buy milk.

3. Is this a run-on sentence?

Sherry turned the doorknob and peeked into the room, risking the wrath of Mrs. Mauzy, who has no patience for students walking into class late.

4. Is there a comma splice in this paragraph? If so, how many are there?

Participants could leave the study at any time, they needed to indicate their preference. The results of the study were inconclusive, therefore more research needs to be done on the topic. The patient shows no improvement in any of the vital signs. The doctors, who were using peer-reviewed research articles that contributed to the body of knowledge in their field, improved their knowledge of obstetrics.

5. Mix and match the following verbs with its correct verb tense.

Future Simple: By the time we finish this, the show (begin).

Past Perfect Progressive: Last time we (drive) to the theatre hall, we had almost been late.

Present Perfect: We need (leave) now if we're going to make it on time.

6. Would you change any of the verb tenses in this paragraph? If so, which verbs and what would you change them to?

"Thank you for helping me out yesterday. It were a handful by myself, if it had not been for you two. I told you, she weren't actually going to shown up. She never keeps promises, anymore. I have been wondered what could have happened for her to just keep going back on her word. It is a real shame."

7. Is this showing or telling?

She shook her head in disbelief.

8. Is this showing or telling?

"I'm sure she wanted to help out," he said.

9. What literary devices can you spot in this example?

Even though I keep trying to run from it, time is like a river, always pushing, prodding, and poking until you pop. The wind is calling my name and it is about time I gave it an answer.

10. How would you properly list the colors of the rainbow to form a complete sentence?

Usually after a storm, a rainbow will shine through the clouds in colors of _________________.

11. Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier?

She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates.

12. Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier?

Only Pastor Johnson gave me $5 to clean all his sidewalks.

13. Would you put 'who' or 'whom' in this sentence?

"Did you give it to him?"

"Give what to (who or whom)?"

14. Would you put 'who' or 'whom' in this sentence?

"She wasn't there today."

"(Who or Whom) wasn't there today?"

15. What is the proper conjugation to use of the verb lay/lie in this sentence?

I was told to (lay/lie) down by the doctor yesterday.

16. What is the proper conjugation to use of the verb lay/lie in this sentence?

Don't shoot! I am (laying/lying) the gun on the ground now.

17. Would you add a hyphen in this sentence? If so, where?

This hard rock cake is impossible to eat.

18. Would you add a dash or dashes to this sentence? If so, what type? 

  There is a north south railway in the same area as the highway that runs east west.  

19. Would you put 'which' or 'that' in the following sentence?

The classrooms, (which/that) were painted over the summer, are bright and cheerful.

20. Would you put 'which' or 'that' in the following sentence?

Our house (which/that) has a red door and green shutters needs painting.

21. Would you put 'further' or 'farther' in the following sentence?

The library is (further/farther) from my house than the bookstore.

22. Would you put 'further' or 'farther' in the following sentence?

I am (further/farther) along in my holiday shopping than I was last year at this time.

*Just a reminder, I won't post the answers until I've posted all of the practice questions.