Crossing things out mentally doesn’t count

Crossing things out mentally doesn’t count

I seem to keep having this conversation over and over again:

(Student gets a Writing question wrong)

Me to student: Ok, I know you know how to do this question. What happens if you cross out the non-essential clause between the subject and the verb?

Student: [looks at paper, smacks head] Wow, I really don’t know how I missed that.

Me: What’s the first thing you need to do when you see a non-essential clause?

Student gets a mildly guilty look and doesn’t respond.

Me: Remind me again… What’s the first thing you need to do when you see a non-essential clause? (more…)