Grade 10 · Reading & language

Attach an introductory modifier clearly

Revise an introductory describing phrase so the sentence names its intended doer immediately afterward.

8 authored questions + worked example

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Worked example

Intended meaning: the guide examined the map and then chose a route.

Which revision clearly makes the guide the doer of the introductory action?

Answer & why

Answer: After examining the map, the guide chose a route.

The guide immediately follows the introductory action and is the person who examined the map.

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All questions

All 8 authored questions for this skill.

Question 1

Intended meaning: the editor reread the ending before changing its last sentence.

Which revision gives the introductory phrase a clear doer?

After rereading the ending, its last sentence was changed.
After rereading the ending, the final sentence needed a change.
After rereading the ending, a change to the last sentence seemed useful.
After rereading the ending, the editor changed its last sentence.

A hint

Find the intended doer of the opening action. Check the noun that comes immediately after the comma.

Answer & why

Answer: After rereading the ending, the editor changed its last sentence.

The editor rereads the ending and changes the sentence; the sentence itself does not reread.

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Question 2

Intended meaning: the hikers followed the marked path until they reached a shelter.

Which version clearly attaches the introductory action to the hikers?

Following the marked path, the shelter’s roof looked familiar.
Following the marked path, the hikers reached a shelter.
Following the marked path, a shelter came into view.
Following the marked path, the shelter was reached by the hikers.

A hint

Find the intended doer of the opening action. Check the noun that comes immediately after the comma.

Answer & why

Answer: Following the marked path, the hikers reached a shelter.

The hikers follow the path. Placing them after the phrase states that relationship directly.

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Question 3

Intended meaning: the guide examined the map and then chose a route.

Which revision clearly makes the guide the doer of the introductory action?

After examining the map, the decision belonged to the guide.
After examining the map, a route was chosen by the guide.
After examining the map, the route looked shorter to the guide.
After examining the map, the guide chose a route.

A hint

Find the intended doer of the opening action. Check the noun that comes immediately after the comma.

Answer & why

Answer: After examining the map, the guide chose a route.

The guide immediately follows the introductory action and is the person who examined the map.

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Question 4

Intended meaning: the researcher tested the samples and then discarded the damaged containers.

Which sentence attaches the opening action to its intended doer?

Having tested the samples, the researcher discarded the damaged containers.
Having tested the samples, the containers looked damaged to the researcher.
Having tested the samples, the decision was to discard the containers.
Having tested the samples, the damaged containers were discarded.

A hint

Find the intended doer of the opening action. Check the noun that comes immediately after the comma.

Answer & why

Answer: Having tested the samples, the researcher discarded the damaged containers.

The researcher tested the samples; containers and decisions did not perform that action.

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Question 5

Intended meaning: a cyclist approached the bend and noticed loose gravel.

Which sentence names the intended doer directly after the opening phrase?

Approaching the bend, loose gravel was noticed by the cyclist.
Approaching the bend, the cyclist noticed loose gravel.
Approaching the bend, the road’s loose gravel surprised the cyclist.
Approaching the bend, a patch of gravel came into the cyclist’s view.

A hint

Find the intended doer of the opening action. Check the noun that comes immediately after the comma.

Answer & why

Answer: Approaching the bend, the cyclist noticed loose gravel.

The cyclist is approaching the bend. Naming the cyclist after the phrase removes the misplaced attachment.

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Question 6

Intended meaning: the committee read the objections before revising its proposal.

Which version makes the introductory action unambiguous?

After reading the objections, the proposal was revised by the committee.
After reading the objections, a revision seemed necessary to the committee.
After reading the objections, the committee revised its proposal.
After reading the objections, the proposal’s new version was ready.

A hint

Find the intended doer of the opening action. Check the noun that comes immediately after the comma.

Answer & why

Answer: After reading the objections, the committee revised its proposal.

The committee reads and revises. The other versions put a proposal or revision in the doer’s position.

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Question 7

Intended meaning: the photographer stood on the platform and saw a clear horizon.

Which version places the intended observer after the introductory phrase?

Standing on the platform, a clear horizon was visible.
Standing on the platform, the horizon looked clear to the photographer.
Standing on the platform, the photographer saw a clear horizon.
Standing on the platform, the photograph showed a clear horizon.

A hint

Find the intended doer of the opening action. Check the noun that comes immediately after the comma.

Answer & why

Answer: Standing on the platform, the photographer saw a clear horizon.

The photographer stands on the platform. The horizon, photograph, and general view do not.

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Question 8

Intended meaning: the analyst compared both tables and then noticed a missing row.

Which sentence keeps the opening action attached to the analyst?

Having compared both tables, the tables revealed a missing row.
Having compared both tables, a missing row became obvious.
Having compared both tables, the analyst noticed a missing row.
Having compared both tables, the missing row surprised the analyst.

A hint

Find the intended doer of the opening action. Check the noun that comes immediately after the comma.

Answer & why

Answer: Having compared both tables, the analyst noticed a missing row.

The analyst is the comparer. The sentence should not assign comparison to a row or a table.

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