1. AP Lang Grammar and Conventions
Lesson 4: Misplaced and Dangling Modifier, Parallel Structure, Sentence Structure
Source: Advanced Language and Literature, Shea, Golden, Balla 2016

2. Grammar and Conventions #4:
Modifiers – Words, phrases, and clauses that describe other words in a sentence. They modify the meaning of the words they describe by adding detail or specificity.
Misplaced Modifier – The position of a modifier in a sentence is important. If a modifier is placed too far away from the word it describes, the sentences may be confusing. Activity: Where is the misplaced modifier? The dancers discussed techniques for doing complicated leaps and turns in the car. Corrected: In the car, the dancers discussed techniques for doing complicated leaps and turns.

3. Grammar and Conventions #4:
Modifiers – Words, phrases, and clauses that describe other words in a sentence. They modify the meaning of the words they describe by adding detail or specificity.
Dangling Modifier – If a modifier is not connected to a specific part of the sentence, it dangles from the sentence like a loose thread. Activity: Fix the sentence so that the modifier has a subject. Exhausted from a long night of studying, the test seemed to go on forever. Corrected: Exhausted from a long night of studying, I felt like the test went on forever.

4. Grammar and Conventions #4:
Parallel Structure – a language pattern created through repetition of word forms or grammatical units; often found in lists and comparisons; can highlight logical relationships, improve clarity, create rhythm, and/or add emphasis.
Which is parallel? We watched a movie, sang songs, and ate cake on my birthday We watched a movie, we sang songs, and then everyone had some cake. Activity: Combine the following into sentences using parallel structure. He is an outstanding student. He also is great at art. He is a great friend. The book is the smartest I have read. It is funny. It is also the bravest I have read. The thunder rumbled. I heard it crash, too. The team knows the competition is fierce. They know the opposing team is impressive.
It went really well.

5. Grammar and Conventions #4:
Sentence Variety – STRONG writing incorporates a variety of sentence types and lengths.
Types Simple – contains a main clause Compound – two or more independent clauses; these can be joined by a coordinating conjunction Complex – one main clause and a subordinate clause Compound-complex – two or more main clauses and at least one subordinate clause Normal (SVO) – most common sentence structure in English Inverted – reverses subject and verb order Cumulative – main clause with a series of subordinate clauses or phrases Periodic – ends with a main clause and begins with modifying phrases or clauses.

6. Grammar and Conventions #4:
Putting it all together….
In your journal:
Compare and contrast the writing style of Jeannette Walls and Frank McCourt. Analyze their sentence structures and then discuss in a focused paragraph (topic sentence, textual evidence, commentary, conclusion) how their styles are similar and/or different.
You should embed discussion of use/lack of modifiers, parallel structure, and sentence types.