STAAR EOC Test: Writing : Misplaced or Interrupting Modifier Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Modifier Placement Errors
Are you trying to stick to a budget? Using coupons for purchases, also known as “couponing” is a great way to save money on groceries. Coupons are a little piece of paper that can give you a discount on what you buy. You will be amazed at the great bargains and amazing savings you can get!
It’s easy to get started. When you open up your daily newspaper, one might find a glossy insert full of coupons. Some of the coupons will be for things you don’t buy, some will be for things you buy all the time. Go through the coupons and chop out the ones you can use.
The key to successful couponing is getting multiple copies of coupon circulars. Ask your friends, your neighbors, and family if they have any extras. Some coupon users even go through the recycling at their office to find more coupons! Have you ever heard of such a thing in your life! Completely devoted, these circulars help coupon users to get even more savings.
Couponing might sound like hard work, but for many people, it’s also a hobby. Not only does it help them save hundreds of dollars per year, but also it gives them a fun challenge every time they do their shopping.
Select the answer that would best correct the underlined and bolded portion of the passage.
Completely devoted, these circulars help get even more savings for coupon users.
These circulars help coupon users get even more savings, completely devoted.
These circulars, completely devoted, help coupon users get even more savings.
These circulars help completely devoted coupon users get even more savings.
(no change)
These circulars help completely devoted coupon users get even more savings.
When using modifiers, they must be placed in a clear, grammatically relevant part of the sentence. The modifying phrase, "completely devoted," should be placed as close as possible to the phrase it modifies, "coupon users." Otherwise, the misplaced modifier confuses the sentence's meaning, making it sound as though the circulars themselves are devoted.
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