WEEK 1 LESSON — Core Grammar & Writing Foundations

Reference Lesson for All Diagnostic Exercises

📌 Introduction

This lesson explains the grammar and writing skills covered in your Week 1 Diagnostic. Read it before or after doing the exercises. If you make mistakes, return to the matching section to review the rule.

Learning goals:

1. Subject–Verb Agreement (SVA)

(Supports Exercise 1)

Key Rules

Common Mistakes

Tip: Identify the true subject first, especially when other phrases come between the subject and the verb.

2. Tense Consistency & Sequencing

(Supports Exercise 2)

Key Rules

Common Mistakes

3. Reference & Pronouns

(Supports Exercise 3)

Good writing avoids repetition by using pronouns and reference words.

Types of References

Examples

The report was long. The report confused the class.
→ It was long and it confused the class.
Students saw the instructions. The students ignored the instructions.
→ They saw them, and then ignored them.
Tip: Each pronoun must clearly refer to one noun. Avoid unclear reference.

4. Articles & Prepositions

(Supports Exercise 4)

Articles

Prepositions

Tip: Memorize common preposition combinations (good at, weak in, apologize for, consist of, etc.).

5. Error Correction

(Supports Exercise 5)

Common Error Types

Tip: After correction, check if the sentence “sounds natural” in academic English.

6. Sentence Combining

(Supports Exercise 6)

Use conjunctions to connect ideas:

Example

The idea was simple. It required careful planning.
→ The idea was simple; however, it required careful planning.

7. Fixing Fragments & Run‑ons

(Supports Exercise 7)

Fragments

A fragment is not a complete sentence.

Because the exam was difficult.
→ Because the exam was difficult, we left early.

Run‑ons / Comma splices

Two full sentences joined incorrectly.

The plan was clear, the team was confused.
→ The plan was clear, but the team was confused.
→ OR: The plan was clear. The team was confused.
Tip: Check for: Subject + Verb completeness and correct punctuation.

8. Functions in Context

(Supports Exercise 8)

Know the purpose (“function”) of each expression:

Tip: Match tone to context—formal academic English avoids overly direct language.

9. Discourse Markers

(Supports Exercise 9)

These connect ideas logically:

Tip: Choose the marker that matches the relationship between ideas, not the one that “sounds good”.

10. Transformations

(Supports Exercise 10)

  1. Passive Voice: Someone cleaned the classroom → The classroom was cleaned.
  2. Reported Speech: “Do you like the show?” she asked me → She asked me if I liked the show.
  3. Conditionals: They will cancel the trip if it rains → The trip will be cancelled if it rains.
  4. Negation with “too…”: He is too young to vote → He is not old enough to vote.
  5. Contrast / despite / although: Despite the rain, they continued → Although it was raining, they continued.
  6. Present perfect with “last time”: I last visited Rabat in 2023 → I haven’t visited Rabat since 2023.
  7. Duration: We started two hours ago → We have been working for two hours.
  8. Passive Prohibition: Please don’t use your phones → Phones must not be used.

11. Writing a Short Paragraph (100–120 words)

(Supports Exercise 11)

Your paragraph must include:

  1. Introduction of yourself (Name, background, major, interests).
  2. One measurable academic goal (Use numbers or specifics):
    • I want to improve my writing score from 12/20 to 16/20.
    • I plan to read 20 pages per week.
  3. One contrast marker (underline it)
    • however, although, while, on the other hand
  4. One cause/effect connector (underline it)
    • because, therefore, as a result, so

Example Structure

How to Use This Lesson