This document is part of a study, conducted by Ed Vavra, of the syntax of students' writing.

Spring 1995 Pre Writing Student # 35

Student's Text:

Comments:

\-\{In the work place} there may be many distractions. \F\Distraction {such as loud noises, loud music, or even a woman's skirt.} \-\These distractions, specifically a woman's skirt, can cause conflict {between males and females.}

\-\[When a woman wears a short skirt {to work}] it is the males responsibility to be professional and not be distracted {by it.} \-\It is okay to look but not to be {at a constant gaze.} \-\Taking a peak too far can slow down production.

\-\{In the same sense,} a woman must be professional also. \-\She must decide [whether her clothes are suitable {for the work place.}] \-\Sure she wants men to look {at her,} but not stare and slow down production.

\-\I don't believe [it was necessary {for the men} to complain, nor {for the women} to sue their supervisor {for sexual harassment.}] \-\You don't have take such a small problem that far.

\-\A simple solution {to this problem} would be to let the women wear [what they want to.] \-\Tell the men [that [if they can't control themselves and act professional,] then find another job.]

\-\{In my own opinion} three inches {above the knees} is not too short {for a skirt.} \-\I think [neither side has a legitimate case.]

[sic]

Raw Data

Calculated Data

Number of words = 205
Number of paragraphs = 6

Number of main clauses = 15

# of Prepositional Phrases = 16
# of words in P Phrases = 59

# of Sub Clauses Level 1 = 6
# of Words in = 60

# of Sub Clauses Level 2 = 1
# of Words in = 8

# of Sub Clauses Level 3 = 0
# of Words in = 0

# of Sub Clauses Level 4= 0
# of Words in = 0

# of Fragments = 1
# of Comma Splices = 0
# of Run-ons = 0

# of S/V Agr Errors = 0

Words per main clause = 13.7

Prep Phrases / Main Clause = 1.07
% of words in P Phrases = 29

Total Sub Clauses / Main Cl = .47

Sub Clauses Level 2+ / MC = .07

Words per paragraph = 34.2

Main clauses per paragraph = 2.5

Unanalyzed Text:

      In the work place there may be many distractions. Distraction such as loud noises, loud music, or even a woman's skirt. These distractions, specifically a woman's skirt, can cause conflict between males and females.
     When a woman wears a short skirt to work it is the males responsibility to be professional and not be distracted by it. It is okay to look but not to be at a constant gaze. Taking a peak too far can slow down production.
     In the same sense, a woman must be professional also. She must decide whether her clothes are suitable for the work place. Sure she wants men to look at her, but not stare and slow down production.
      I don't believe it was necessary for the men to complain, nor for the women to sue their supervisor for sexual harassment. You don't have take such a small problem that far.
     A simple solution to this problem would be to let the women wear what they want to. Tell the men that if they can't control themselves and act professional, then find another job.
     In my own opinion three inches above the knees is not too short for a skirt. I think neither side has a legitimate case.