Editing for shifts

Edit the sentence or sentences to eliminate distracting shifts.

Click Submit after each question to see feedback and to record your answer. After you have finished every question, your answers will be submitted to your instructor’s gradebook. You may review your answers by returning to the exercise at any time. (An exercise reports to the gradebook only if your instructor has assigned it.)

For help with this exercise, see Shifts.

Example

1 of 10

A new neighbor often forms lasting impressions of their neighborhood based on the way they were treated when they first moved in.

Possible revision:

Question

CvGptU8Aa47MvPRlfgukjK9DJ4Hyi/o1
New neighbors often form lasting impressions of their neighborhood based on the way they were treated when they first moved in.
Editing for shifts – 1

2 of 10

In the film Ironman, Robert Downey Jr. plays an eccentric billionaire whose life is drastically changed when a bomb almost killed him and he was captured by terrorists.

Possible revision:

Question

CvGptU8Aa47MvPRlfgukjK9DJ4Hyi/o1
In the film Ironman, Robert Downey Jr. plays an eccentric billionaire whose life is drastically changed when a bomb almost kills him and he is captured by terrorists.
Editing for shifts – 2

3 of 10

As we pulled out of the driveway, my father yelled at us to be careful and don’t drive over fifty-five!

Possible revision:

Question

CvGptU8Aa47MvPRlfgukjK9DJ4Hyi/o1
As we pulled out of the driveway, my father yelled at us, “Be careful, and don’t drive over fifty-five!”orAs we pulled out of the driveway, my father yelled at us to be careful and not to drive over fifty-five.
Editing for shifts – 3

4 of 10

An interior designer usually interviews homeowners to formulate an overall plan for a house. For example, a designer might ask the owners what their favorite colors are and do they enjoy cooking big meals.

Possible revision:

Question

CvGptU8Aa47MvPRlfgukjK9DJ4Hyi/o1
An interior designer usually interviews homeowners to formulate an overall plan for a house. For example, a designer might ask the owners what their favorite colors are and whether they enjoy cooking big meals.
Editing for shifts – 4

5 of 10

Our elementary school principal expected absolute obedience; he taught you to obey all rules without question.

Possible revision:

Question

CvGptU8Aa47MvPRlfgukjK9DJ4Hyi/o1
Our elementary school principal expected absolute obedience; he taught us to obey all rules without question.
Editing for shifts – 5

6 of 10

When my mother went to college, her research papers were written on typewriters, not computers.

Possible revision:

Question

CvGptU8Aa47MvPRlfgukjK9DJ4Hyi/o1
When my mother went to college, she wrote her research papers on typewriters, not computers.
Editing for shifts – 6

7 of 10

We were sitting on the stoop, eating takeout burgers and talking, and no one was doing anything illegal. Suddenly, a patrol car cruises by, and four officers jump out and come toward us.

Possible revision:

Question

CvGptU8Aa47MvPRlfgukjK9DJ4Hyi/o1
We were sitting on the stoop, eating takeout burgers and talking, and no one was doing anything illegal. Suddenly, a patrol car cruised by, and four officers jumped out and came toward us.
Editing for shifts – 7

8 of 10

A standardized test is supposed to measure a student’s knowledge and ability. However, the main thing they measure is how well a student takes standardized tests.

Possible revision:

Question

CvGptU8Aa47MvPRlfgukjK9DJ4Hyi/o1
Standardized tests are supposed to measure a student’s knowledge and ability. However, the main thing they measure is how well a student takes standardized tests.orA standardized test is supposed to measure a student’s knowledge and ability. However, the main thing it measures is how well a student takes a standardized test.
Editing for shifts – 8

9 of 10

A woman with a loudspeaker urged us to contact our local representatives about the dangers of global climate change. Also, get involved in other political issues.

Possible revision:

Question

CvGptU8Aa47MvPRlfgukjK9DJ4Hyi/o1
A woman with a loudspeaker urged us to contact our local representatives about the dangers of global climate change and to get involved in other political issues.
Editing for shifts – 9

10 of 10

After waiting for three hours to apply for my driver’s license, I finally reached the front of the line. You could see the indifference in the clerk’s face as he told me to come back the following day with proper identification.

Possible revision:

Question

CvGptU8Aa47MvPRlfgukjK9DJ4Hyi/o1
After waiting for three hours to apply for my driver’s license, I finally reached the front of the line. I could see the indifference in the clerk’s face as he told me to come back the following day with proper identification.
Editing for shifts – 10