lesson
Remove ambiguity that is accidental
1 · Learn
Pronouns and grammatical agreement help readers track who acts. 'When Sara met Leila, she was carrying the parcel' can leave the carrier unclear. Repeating a name may be better than preserving an ambiguous pronoun.
Not every ambiguity is a literary effect. In instructions and explanations, accidental ambiguity can prevent the reader understanding or acting correctly.
2 · Worked example
If Leila carried it, revise to 'Sara met Leila, who was carrying the parcel.' The relative clause identifies the intended person.
3 · Your turn
Rewrite the original sentence to make Sara definitely the carrier.
Check your answer
Sara was carrying the parcel when she met Leila.
4 · Apply your learning
Proofread a paragraph separately for references, tense and agreement, explaining each correction.
Adult guidance and safety
Use supplied evidence and allow defensible alternative readings. Do not manufacture quotations or treat model responses as the only valid phrasing. Whole-text literary study, period breadth, chosen examination texts and board-specific assessment require separate completion.
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