Accuracy and Range in Vocabulary, Grammar and Mechanics
Accuracy is judged in context
Markers reward correct, varied and appropriate language. Errors that most damage clarity are: subject–verb disagreement, tense inconsistency, sentence fragments and run-ons, faulty pronoun reference, and misplaced modifiers. Range means choosing the precise word and varying structure, not using long words.
Grammar priorities
- Agreement: 'The number of students is rising'; 'A range of factors contributes'.
- Tense consistency: keep the literary present when analysing texts ('The narrator reveals…'), and past tense for historical evidence.
- Articles and countability: 'research', 'evidence', 'information' are uncountable - 'much evidence', not 'many evidences'.
- Prepositions and collocation: 'concerned about', 'responsible for', 'an increase in'.
- Parallel structure: 'to inform, to persuade and to entertain', not mixed forms.
- Modifiers: place 'only' and 'almost' next to the word they modify.
Vocabulary range
Build word families around key concepts: argue, contend, assert, claim, maintain; significant, substantial, considerable; undermine, challenge, subvert. Learn the register and collocation of each, not just its meaning. Avoid thesaurus substitution that produces unnatural phrasing.
Mechanics
Punctuate quotations correctly, use apostrophes for possession, capitalise consistently, and use commas to separate introductory clauses. Semicolons join independent clauses; colons introduce explanations or lists.
Traps
Informal register in formal writing ('a lot of', 'heaps'); comma splices; ambiguous pronouns ('this' with no referent); and overusing a favourite connective.
Rule of thumb: read the sentence aloud; if you stumble, the reader will too. Fix the structure, then upgrade one word.
Worked example: 'There are many evidences that shows social media effects teenagers negatively.' Revised: 'Substantial evidence indicates that social media affects teenagers negatively.' Corrections: uncountable 'evidence'; singular verb 'indicates'; correct verb 'affects'.