Language, Vocabulary & Sentence Craft — Chapter review · English 7: Reading, Evidence & Expression, Grade 7
Create ten before-and-after sentence entries: two phrase/clause examples, two purposeful sentence combinations, two confusable-word corrections, two context or dictionary sense checks, and two Greek/Latin word-family examples. Explain every choice and include a fresh transfer sentence.
Review the key ideas
Phrases & Clauses
A clause contains a subject and a verb functioning together; a phrase functions as a group of words without its own subject–predicate relationship. An independent clause can stand as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot do so in that use. Some verb forms appear inside phrases, so spotting an -ing word does not by itself prove a clause. Identify the sentence’s relationships rather than judging by length.
Sentence Types: Relationships & Variety
Sentence structure describes how independent and dependent clauses combine. A simple sentence has one independent clause; a compound sentence has at least two; a complex sentence combines an independent clause with at least one dependent clause. A compound-complex sentence combines both features. Length is not the criterion. Choose a structure to make a relationship clear, rather than adding clauses only to sound impressive.
Commonly Confused Words & Precise Meaning
Words that sound alike or resemble one another can serve different grammatical roles and meanings. Check the intended meaning and sentence function, not sound alone. Their indicates possession, there can indicate a place, and they’re contracts they are. Its is possessive, while it’s contracts it is or it has. A substitution test helps explain an edit instead of memorizing a correction without understanding it.
Context Clues, Nuance & Dictionary Checks
Context can suggest a word’s meaning through definition, contrast, examples, cause, or neighboring details. A guessed meaning remains tentative until checked against the full sentence and relevant reference. Denotation is a word’s central dictionary meaning; connotation includes associations that affect tone. Similar dictionary meanings do not make words interchangeable in every audience or claim.
Greek & Latin Roots, Affixes & Word Families
Word parts can suggest relationships among unfamiliar words. A root contributes core meaning; prefixes and suffixes can change meaning or function. Analysis is a clue, not proof of a word’s entire present-day meaning. Confirm the actual use in context and a suitable dictionary. The idea of revising a source-based draft provides examples: re- can suggest again, while -tion often helps form a noun.
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
Near the window is a prepositional phrase without its own subject and predicate. Ari moves the chair is an independent clause. Because Ari moves the chair contains a subject and verb, but because makes it dependent in this use; it needs another clause to complete the intended relationship.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
No. It contains an -ing form but no stated subject–predicate relationship in this isolated group. Examine its function in a complete sentence.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
The first is compound, joining two independent clauses with and. The second is complex because the because-clause is dependent. And coordinates the actions, while because explicitly presents the movement as the cause of seeing the cupboard. The relationship, not the number of words, determines the useful choice.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 4
Answer and explanation
No. A long sentence can contain one independent clause with several phrases. Identify the clauses and how they are connected.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 5
Answer and explanation
They’re moving the sign over there because its letters are small. They’re expands to they are; there indicates the place; its shows the sign’s possession. The edits preserve the intended meaning rather than changing the group’s action or the reason for it.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 6
Answer and explanation
No. It’s is a contraction, while its is possessive. Use the expansion test and sentence context rather than a universal apostrophe rule.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 7
Answer and explanation
Traceable means that the information can be followed back to its record and conditions. The surrounding explanation supplies that sense. Worthless expresses a stronger dismissive judgment than the article supports: an incomplete record can remain useful for a bounded question if its limits are stated.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 8
Answer and explanation
No. Select the sense that fits the actual sentence and grammatical role. Context and a reference work together.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 9
Answer and explanation
Revise and revision belong to a word family; revision is a noun naming the process or result. Preview suggests looking before, while review can mean examining again in this context. Those relationships help, but the letters re at the start of every word do not automatically form that prefix. Check the actual word and meaning rather than applying the pattern mechanically.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.
Problem 10
Answer and explanation
No. A root can provide a clue, but context and current use determine the appropriate meaning. Word history and present meaning are not always identical.
Use the model to discuss reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; written work needs human marking.