English Language Arts
Grade 11
15 min
Select the members of a group
Select the members of a group
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Accurately identify the subject and predicate in complex sentences.
Differentiate between independent and dependent clauses within literary analysis.
Categorize a group of clauses as complete sentences, fragments, or run-on sentences with 90% accuracy.
Diagnose the specific error in a fragment (e.g., missing subject, missing verb).
Distinguish between the two types of run-on sentences: fused sentences and comma splices.
Revise fragments and run-ons into grammatically correct sentences using multiple methods.
Apply these skills to peer-review and edit their own analytical and synthesis essays.
Ever written a powerful analytical point that lost its impact because of a single punctuation error? 🧐 Let's fix that.
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
SentenceA complete grammatical unit that contains at least one independent clause. It must have a subject, a verb, and express a complete thought.In *The Great Gatsby*, Fitzgerald critiques the illusion of the American Dream.
FragmentAn incomplete sentence that is punctuated as if it were a complete sentence. It may lack a subject, a verb, or fail to express a complete thought.Because Gatsby's dream was rooted in the past.
Run-on SentenceTwo or more independent clauses that are incorrectly joined together. There are two main types: fused sentences and comma splices.Gatsby throws lavish parties he hopes Daisy will one day attend.
Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentenc...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Sentence Formula
Independent Clause = Subject + Verb + Complete Thought
Use this as the fundamental test for any potential sentence. If any of the three components (subject, verb, complete thought) is missing, it is not a complete sentence.
Run-on Repair Methods
1. Period + Capital Letter
2. Semicolon
3. Comma + Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS)
4. Subordinating Conjunction
When you identify two independent clauses incorrectly joined, you must use one of these four methods to correct the run-on. Simply adding a comma is not enough (that creates a comma splice).
The Fragment Test
Read the potential sentence aloud. Does it leave you waiting for more information? If it begins with a word like 'Although,' 'Because,' 'Since,' or 'When...
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Challenging
An AP-level student drafted this group for an essay on *The Great Gatsby*. Select the option that correctly categorizes all four highly complex members.
A.1-Sentence, 2-Run-on, 3-Fragment, 4-Sentence
B.1-Sentence, 2-Fragment, 3-Run-on, 4-Sentence
C.1-Run-on, 2-Fragment, 3-Sentence, 4-Run-on
D.1-Sentence, 2-Sentence, 3-Run-on, 4-Fragment
Challenging
Analyze the following group: (1) The Puritan work ethic shaped early American society. (2) Believing that hard work and discipline were signs of divine grace. (3) This ideology had a lasting impact, it influenced the concept of the American Dream. Which option not only categorizes each member correctly but also provides the most precise grammatical justification?
A.1-Sentence (S+V+Complete Thought). 2-Fragment (participial phrase lacking a subject/main verb). 3-Run-on (comma splice joining two independent clauses).
B.1-Sentence (S+V). 2-Fragment (dependent clause). 3-Run-on (fused sentence).
C.1-Fragment (incomplete thought). 2-Sentence (implied subject). 3-Sentence (correctly joined clauses).
D.1-Sentence (S+V+Complete Thought). 2-Sentence (imperative mood). 3-Fragment (lacks a subject).
Challenging
A writer is drafting an analysis of Southern Gothic literature. The first few lines are presented as a single group: 'William Faulkner's novels often feature grotesque characters and a decaying setting. To explore themes of alienation and moral corruption. His complex, stream-of-consciousness style challenges the reader the prose mimics the chaotic nature of thought.' Select the option that correctly identifies the sequence of structures in this group.
A.Sentence, Sentence, Run-on
B.Sentence, Fragment, Sentence
C.Run-on, Fragment, Sentence
D.Sentence, Fragment, Run-on
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