Pronoun Reference

Which contains a vague pronoun reference?

• As Joe was talking to Sam, Sam started to cry.
• As Joe was talking to Sam, he started to cry.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.W.9-10.4

Which contains a vague pronoun reference?

• In California, you can go surfing.
• In California, people can go surfing

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.W.9-10.4

Which contains a vague pronoun reference?

• Dad yelled at Rick, but he was just being silly.
•  Dad was just being silly when he yelled at Rick.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.W.9-10.2

CCSS.W.9-10.4

They explained to the audience that a muskrat looks like a small beaver with a rat-like tail.

• This sentence is OK
• This sentence has a vague pronoun reference

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.W.9-10.2

CCSS.W.9-10.4

Ron and I ate lunch at that restaurant his dad owns.

• This sentence is OK
• This sentence has an unclear pronoun reference

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.L.9-10.2

CCSS.W.9-10.4

Mr. Castro is here with his father. Would you like me to introduce you to HIM? (This is vague. Who could him refer to in this sentence?)

• Mr. Castro
• father
• me
• Mr. Castro and father

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.3

CCSS.L.9-10.4

The Mosleys were in charge, but the Smiths brought food too. I thought THEIR food was delicious.(This is vague. Who could their refer to in this sentence?)

• Mosleys and Smiths
• Mosleys and food
• Smiths and picnic
• delicious and food

Tags

CCSS.L.6.1D

They explained to the audience that a muskrat looks like a small beaver with a rat-like tail. (Is this OK, or does it have a vague pronoun reference?)

• OK
• vague pronoun reference

Tags

CCSS.L.6.1D

Select the sentence with the most clarity.

• Whenever our pet duck is near our old truck, it runs around honking.

• My aunt called my sister to discuss the theme for my aunt's birthday party.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1

CCSS.L.9-10.2

CCSS.W.9-10.4

Select the clearest sentence.

• Carla needs to read an entire novel this weekend, but she says reading it will be no problem because she has no plans.

• Lucy didn’t want to tell Amanda that she had brought the wrong basket to the picnic.

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.4