7 Deadly Writing Sins

In my secondary English classroom, I have high expectations for my students.  After all, they have been using this language since they were approximately two.  Thus, I have a list of 7 deadly sins that result in automatic point deductions and require rewrites and extra practice/remediation when mistakes are made.  These are mistakes that no one should make; they make writers look ridiculous and careless.

1. Know the difference between there, their, and they're.  They're going to their house over there.

2. Know the difference between you're and your.  You're going to bring your book, right?

3. Know the difference between then and than.  Than is compArAtive; then relates to timE.  There is no A in time; then always relates to time.

4. Know the difference between its and it's.  It's is a contraction; you can always separate it into its parts to determine if it's correct.

5. Know the difference between too, two, and to.  I am going to take two to the zoo, and a third one, too.

6. Know the difference between effect and affect.  It's not hard to tell how the effects will affect you.

7. Know the difference between loose and lose.  You might lose your pants if your belt is loose.

Maybe this list makes me too detail oriented, but I believe that good writers are also clear and effective communicators.  You cannot communicate with others effectively if you are routinely mistaking one word for another.