Writing Standards: Strengthening Writing Through Planning, Revising, and Editing (CCSS.W.5.5)
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Common Core 5th Grade ELA › Writing Standards: Strengthening Writing Through Planning, Revising, and Editing (CCSS.W.5.5)
Last Friday our class visited the history museum. I was excited because I had never seen a real dinosaur fossil before. When we got to the first exhibit the guide started talking really fast and some of us tried to read the signs and listen at the same time and it was hard to keep up. After a minute, Ms. Lopez asked the guide to slow down. Then we moved to a room about ancient tools, and I learned how people made fire with stones. By the end of the tour, I could explain my favorite part to my partner.
Which revision best corrects the error in sentence 3?
When we got to the first exhibit, the guide started talking really fast and some of us tried to read the signs and listen at the same time it was hard to keep up.
When we got to the first exhibit the guide started talking really fast, some of us tried to read the signs and listen at the same time, and it was hard to keep up.
When we got to the first exhibit, the guide started talking really fast. Some of us tried to read the signs and listen at the same time, and it was hard to keep up.
When we got to the first exhibit, the guide started talking really fast, which some of us tried to read the signs and listen at the same time.
Explanation
C splits the run-on into clear sentences and adds needed commas. A and B still create run-ons/comma splices, and D is awkward and unclear.
On Saturday, our class organized a neighborhood clean-up. We brought gloves, bags, and a big rolling cart to carry trash. Before we started, we made a simple map and set a meeting spot by the library steps. First we picked up litter at the playground, and then we walked along the river path. When it was full, we took it to the dumpster behind the library. After a water break, we sorted recyclables from trash and checked our map again. By the end, the sidewalks looked much better, and we felt proud of our work.
Which change makes sentence 5 clearer?
When the cart was full, we rolled it to the dumpster behind the library.
When it was full, we took the cart to the dumpster behind the library.
When the bags were full, we took it to the dumpster behind the library.
When the cart was full, we took them to the dumpster behind the library.
Explanation
A replaces the unclear pronoun with the specific noun cart, so the reader knows what was full. B keeps the unclear it, and C/D create agreement or new pronoun problems.
Preparing for the science fair took a lot of planning. The list of materials are taped in my notebook so I don't forget anything. I also wrote steps for each test, and I asked my brother to time me so I could practice. At first, I spoke too softly, but I learned to look up and explain each part. When I packed my display, I checked the lights and adjusted the wires. On the day of the fair, I felt ready to share what I discovered.
Which revision best corrects the grammar in sentence 2?
The lists of materials are taped in my notebook so I don't forget anything.
The list of materials are tape in my notebook so I don't forget anything.
The list of materials are taped in my notebook, so I don't forget anything.
The list of materials is taped in my notebook so I don't forget anything.
Explanation
D correctly matches the singular subject list with the singular verb is. A changes the meaning to plural, B uses the wrong verb form, and C keeps the subject-verb mismatch.
I have been practicing cooking simple meals after school. I wanted to bake cookies, I didn't have any butter. Instead, I looked for a recipe that used oil and cocoa, and I measured carefully. The first batch stuck to the pan, so I waited for it to cool and tried again. On the second try, I greased the tray and set a timer. My family tested them, and my brother gave me a thumbs-up too.
Which revision best corrects the error in sentence 2?
I wanted to bake cookies because I didn't have any butter.
I wanted to bake cookies, but I didn't have any butter.
I wanted to bake cookies I didn't have any butter.
I wanted to bake. Cookies, I didn't have any butter.
Explanation
B fixes the comma splice by adding a conjunction that shows contrast. A changes the meaning, and C and D create new errors (run-on or fragments).
My team built a baking-soda volcano for the science fair. First we planned the steps and collected bottles, paint, and cardboard. We made a big poster with our hypothesis and glued on photos from practice eruptions. Then we presented both parts to the class, and it was hard to understand. Some students asked questions because they were confused about how we measured the gas. We decided to add clearer labels and a chart before the real judging.
Which revision best corrects the unclear pronoun in sentence 4?
Then we presented the poster and the model to the class, and the poster was hard to understand.
Then we presented both parts to the class, and they were hard to understand.
Then we presented both parts to the class, and it was confusing.
Then we presents both parts to the class, and the poster were hard to understand.
Explanation
Choice A names the poster, removing the unclear "it." Choice B changes the meaning to suggest both parts were hard to understand. Choice C keeps the unclear pronoun. Choice D introduces new grammar errors (verb forms do not agree).
On Saturday our class visited the community garden behind the library. Ms. Rivera showed us how to check the soil before watering. We watered the tomatoes they looked thirsty and the hose leaked all over the path. I slipped a little but caught myself on the fence. After that we took turns pulling weeds and putting them into buckets. By the end, the beds looked neat and we felt proud.
Which revision best corrects the run-on sentence in sentence 3?
We watered the tomatoes, they looked thirsty, and the hose leaked all over the path.
We watered the tomatoes they looked thirsty, and the hose leaked all over the path.
We watered the tomatoes because they looked thirsty. The hose leaked all over the path.
We watered the tomatoes, and they looked thirsty and the hose leaked all over the path.
Explanation
Choice C splits the run-on into two clear sentences with a logical connection. Choices A and B still have a run-on/comma splice. Choice D is awkward and still hard to follow.
Our class is putting on a short play for family night. The list of supplies are on the art table, and everyone grab scissors and tape. I am in charge of props, so I brought shoe boxes to make mini houses. Some students want to paint the backdrop, but we need to ask permission first. If we work together, we could finish by Friday.
Which revision best corrects the subject-verb agreement errors in sentence 2?
The list of supplies is on the art table, and everyone grab scissors and tape.
The list of supplies is on the art table, and everyone grabs scissors and tape.
The list of supplies are on the art table, and everyone grabs scissors and tape.
The list of supplies are on the art table, and everyone are grabbing scissors and tape.
Explanation
Choice B makes both subjects agree with their verbs: "list … is" and "everyone grabs." Choice A fixes only the first error. Choice C fixes only the second error. Choice D keeps both agreement problems.
I started walking my neighbor's dog after school. At first, the dog pulled hard on the leash and barked at bikes. I watched videos about training, and my uncle shared tips he uses with his puppy. I tried stopping whenever she pulled, then I gave a treat when she looked at me. We practiced in the quiet park before trying the busy sidewalk. This made it better by the next week.
Which change makes sentence 6 clearer?
This made it better by the next week.
This made walks better by the next week.
These tips made the dog better by the next week.
The training routine made our walks better by the next week.
Explanation
Choice D replaces the vague "This" and "it" with clear nouns, so the reader knows what improved and why. Choices A and B keep the unclear "This." Choice C is awkward and suggests the dog itself became "better," which is imprecise.
Last Saturday, our class visited the community garden behind the library. I brought a small notebook to remember the steps for planting seedlings. Maya walked with me while we looked for ripe tomatoes and listened to the bees humming. We met Maya and her mom near the tool shed, and she said we could help water the beds. I felt excited but also nervous about using the heavy hose, which curled like a snake. First we checked the soil with our fingers, then we took turns squeezing the handle. By the end, my shoes were wet, but the rows looked fresh and shiny.
Sentence 4 has an unclear pronoun. Which revision best makes sentence 4 clearer?
We met Maya and her mom near the tool shed, and Maya's mom said we could help water the beds.
We met them near the tool shed, and she said we could help water the beds.
We met Maya and her mom near the tool shed, and they said we could help water the beds.
We met Maya and her mom near the tool shed, and said we could help water the beds.
Explanation
Choice A names "Maya's mom," removing the unclear "she." B keeps the unclear pronoun. C switches to "they," which is still vague about who spoke. D drops the subject after the comma, creating a grammatical error.
During writing club, our group planned the first issue of the school newspaper. I volunteered to cover the playground cleanup next week. First I made a list of questions for the interview. I tested my voice recorder to be sure it worked. I interviewed the principal she answered my questions and told me about the new library. After that, I wrote a short headline and a lead sentence that explained who, what, and when. Tomorrow I will ask a friend to read my draft aloud so I can hear what needs fixing.
Which revision best corrects the run-on in sentence 5 without changing the meaning?
I interviewed the principal, she answered my questions, and told me about the new library.
I interviewed the principal. She answered my questions and told me about the new library.
I interviewed the principal because she answered my questions and told me about the new library.
I interviewed the principal she answered my questions, and told me about the new library.
Explanation
B separates the two independent clauses into two sentences, fixing the run-on without changing meaning. A and D are comma splices. C changes the meaning by making the interview happen because of the answers.