Practice 8: Proofread the paragraph below for fragments. Circle the number of every fragment, and then write your corrections above the lines.

(1) The word meditate might call to mind the image of a spiritual seeker. (2) Sitting for hours in a cross-legged pose. (3) According to psychologists, however, you practicing meditation any time you quiet your mind, focus on your breath, let thoughts and feelings occur without judging them, and ignore all distractions around you. (4) Engaging in this form of “mindfulness” for just five minutes a day can produce remarkable benefits. (5) Small daily doses of meditation can improve intellectual function. (6) Including concentration and memory. (7) In one study, a group that practiced mindfulness 20 minutes a day for four days performed significantly better on brain tests. (8) Than a group of people who did not meditate. (9) Meditation also shifts brain activity toward more positive emotional states. (10) Many people who meditate regularly. (11) Report a decrease in feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, and stress. (12) Finally, meditation appears to have beneficial physical effects. (13) Such as pain management, lower blood pressure, improved cardiovascular fitness, and a stronger immune system. (14) Try mindfulness meditation the next time you are sitting quietly—on the bus, in a waiting room, in the bathtub, or anywhere. (15) Sink into the present moment and come alive. (16) Body, mind, and spirit.

Practice 4: Finish these sentences by adding a second complete idea after the coordinating conjunction.

She often interrupts me, but

Yuri has lived in the United States for ten years, so

Len has been married three times, and

I like owning a car, for

I like owning a car, but

Practice 1: Read these sentences for meaning. Then fill in the subordinating conjunction that best expresses the relationship between the two ideas.

 ______ you are like most people, you resist admitting mistakes or hurtful actions.

_______ it is commonly thought that apologizing shows weakness, an apology actually requires great strength.

A genuine apology is a powerful tool ______it can repair damaged relationships, heal humiliation, and encourage forgiveness.

 _____ we learn to apologize sincerely, psychologists say, we can prevent grudges, revenge, and a lot of pain.

 _____ you apologize to someone, remember the key ingredients of a successful apology.

 ______ you have hurt someone’s feelings or betrayed that person, you must first admit your wrongdoing.

Specifically describe what you did ______ you reveal an understanding of your offense and its impact.

Say, for example, “I’m sorry for hurting you _____ I criticized you in front of your friends.”

 _____ you apologize, you must communicate remorse with both your words and your body language.

The other person will question your sincerity _____ you seem truly distressed and sorry.

 _____ you end your apology, say that you will not repeat such actions again.

______ it might be difficult, a sincere apology will be worth the effort.

The post Practice 8: Proofread the paragraph below for fragments. Circle the number of appeared first on PapersSpot.