F Error recognition
OR THIS lesson, I will focus on error recognition. This section of Paper 01 tests your ability to recognise if there are redundancies, mixed metaphors, clichés, poor use of diction (word choice) and grammatical errors in given sentences. I have provided you with a refresher of specific terms that you may come across in this section.
MIXED (MISUSED) METAPHORS
Mixed metaphors are different metaphors – occurring in the same utterance, especially in the same sentence – which are used to express the same concept. They are usually illogical (contradictory). Mixed metaphors often, but not always, result in a conflict of concepts.
EXAMPLES
1. We saw the writing on the wall and realised it was not a level playing field.
2. All at once he was alone in this noisy hive with no place to roost.
3. Instead of biting the bullet, many Jamaicans prefer to throw in the towel.
4. If we can hit the bull’s eye, then the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards.
CLICHÉ
A cliché is an expression, idea, or element of an artistic work which has become overused to the point of losing its original meaning, or effect, to the point of being trite or irritating. This especially occurs when, at some earlier time, it was considered meaningful or novel.
EXAMPLES
1. What goes around comes around. 2. Make hay while the sun shines. 3. The early bird catches the most worms. 4. Out of sight, out of mind. 5. Action speaks louder than words.
MALAPROPISM
A malapropism (also called a dogberryism) is an absurd or humorous misuse of a word, especially by confusion with one of a similar sound. An example is Yogi Berra’s statement: “Texas has a lot of electrical votes,” rather than “electoral votes”.
EXAMPLES
1. Students should be punished when they validate the school rules.
2. Parents will not want to send their children to a school with a bad repetition.
3. He needs to make his own discussion and not depend on others to influence him.
4. She suffered from a serious migration and had to take painkillers regularly.
PROVERB
This is a brief, popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or expresses a belief that is generally thought to be true. 1. Empty barrels make the most noise. 2. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. 3. Birds of a feather flock together. 4. When trouble come, pickney shut fit you. 5. The early bird catches the most worms.
IDIOM
This is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but has a separate meaning of its own together.
EXAMPLES
Kick the bucket (die) Spilled the beans (let out a secret) Feeling blue (sad) An arm and a leg (very expensive)
ACTIVITY
Some of the sentences below are incorrect because they contain one of three types of error. Each incorrect sentence contains only one type of error. Some of the sentences are correct as they are. Select the letter that best describes each sentence:
a. If the sentence is too wordy, that is repetitive or contains redundancies. b. If the sentence contains clich*s or misused metaphors. c. If the sentence is incorrect grammatically or faulty in diction. d. If the sentence is acceptable as it stands.
1. In the early years of one’s life, one must sow and build in order to reap the harvest of achievement before the final curtain.
2. There is no doubt in our minds about the person who committed this heinous and criminal act.
3. Donald and me are very disappointed with the outcome of the games.
4. Any disease such as diabetes or cancer which are difficult to cure must be researched.
5. The consensus of opinion was that the test was the easiest they have had in years. 6. The team fought tooth and nail to avoid being defeated. 7. She was recommended for the position because of her efficiency and diligence.
8. The principal and the parents launched the project as a rocket, but could not keep pace with its speed above water.
9. Though he seems to walk with an air of arrogance, he is a down-to-earth person who has never lost the common touch.
10. It is important that we identify the causes of truancy in our schools. Until next week, take care!
VOCABULARY TOP-UP
loquacious – talkative. lucrative – profitable. ludicrous – absurd or ridiculous.