They're worth a lot to me.  I agree with most of them, but I would combine
the two verb ones and include one I know will be controversial with this
group:  a comma before "and" in a series.  Omitting the comma can lead to
sentences with two different meanings.  Also, I'd replace shifts in person
with misplaced modifiers.  
 
Any other opinions?
 
 
Linda Comerford
317.786.6404
[log in to unmask]
www.comerfordconsulting.com <http://www.comerfordconsulting.com/> 
 

  _____  

From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Carol Morrison
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 3:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Interview Questions/#10-Top Ten Grammatical/Mechanical Topics


Partially based on Connors & Lunsford's study and Hairston's hierarchy of
errors, these are my top 10, not necessarily listed in any order of
increasing or decreasing importance:
 
1) Fragments
2) Run-On or Fused Sentences
3) Subject-Verb agreement
4) Verb Tense (wrong tense or form)
5) Tense shift
6) Shift in Person
7) Pronoun usage
8) Comma Splices
9) Word Usage
10) Parallelism

I actually have a list of 15 grammatical/mechanical/usage concerns, but
these are the top ten, as requested (for what it's worth).
 
Best-
Carol Morrison
Adjunct Professor of English
Bucks County Community College
Delaware Valley College

Linda Comerford <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Great questions, Steve!  And here's a challenge for the rest of you:  I'd be
very interested in knowing how all of you would answer his intriguing Top 10
question.  Any takers?
 


Linda Comerford
317.786.6404
[log in to unmask]
www.comerfordconsulting.com <http://www.comerfordconsulting.com/> 
 

  _____  

From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 1:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Interview Questions?


Herb,

I think you should ask directly about the candidates's work and experience.
I am sure you want someone who not only values grammar but also can teach it
well? 

How do you teach grammar as a part of composition? 
Where and how do you address it?
What grammatical areas do you find students need help with most these days?
How much does grammar count when you grade compositions?
How do you assess grammatical understanding of your students?
How would you explain the use of commas in a series to a student?
What have you found works with students who seem to have difficulty
understanding a grammatical concept?
How do you make grammar interesting as many students find it dull? 
What do you think are the top 10 grammatical/mechanical topics students MUST
master before they graduate? 

Ask to look at some compositions the candidates have corrected. Ask to see
samples of their own writing.

Etc.

Steve Cohen
The Allen-Stevenson School


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