English Language Arts
Grade 2
15 min
Identify run-on sentences
Identify run-on sentences
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a run-on sentence in their own words.
Identify the two 'squished' ideas in a simple run-on sentence.
Spot a run-on sentence from a group of correct sentences.
Explain why a run-on sentence is confusing.
Circle the spot in a run-on where a stop sign (punctuation) should go.
Have you ever tried to say too many things at once? 🗣️ It can get all jumbled up!
Today, we will learn about run-on sentences. They are like sentences that forget to stop. We will become sentence detectives! 🕵️♀️
Real-World Applications
Making your stories easier for friends to read.
Writing clear instructions for a game.
Telling a grown-up about your day without confusing them.
Writing a nice, clear letter to a friend.
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Sentence ✅A sentence is one complete thought. It tells a whole idea.The apple is red. 🍎
Idea (or Thought) 🤔An idea is one thing that is happening. It has a who and a what.A cat sleeps. (The idea is about a cat sleeping.)
Run-On Sentence 🚂💨A run-on is two or more ideas squished into one sentence. It doesn't stop!The frog is green it likes to hop.
Stop Sign (Punctuation) 🛑A stop sign tells you when a sentence ends. It's a period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation point (!).The dog barks. The period is the stop sign.
Squished TogetherThis is when two ideas are next to each other without a stop sign in between.I have a ball we can play. ('I have a ball' and 'we can play' are squished.)
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Key Rules & Conventions
One Idea, One Sentence Rule
A good sentence usually has just one main idea.
When you read, check if there is more than one main idea. If so, it might be a run-on.
The Stop Sign Check 🛑
Look for a stop sign (like a period) between ideas.
If you find two ideas with no stop sign between them, you have found a run-on sentence!
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
Read the short paragraph. One sentence is a run-on. Which one is it?
(1) My class went on a field trip to the zoo. (2) We saw many animals the monkeys were my favorite. (3) They were so funny swinging from the branches. (4) I hope we can go back again soon.
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
Which option correctly identifies the run-on sentence and explains why it is a run-on?
A.'The rain fell, the wind blew.' This is a run-on because it uses a comma to connect two complete thoughts without a joining word.
B.'The rain fell and the wind blew.' This is a run-on because it is too long.
C.'The rain fell. The wind blew.' This is a run-on because it has two sentences.
D.'Because the rain fell, the wind blew.' This is a run-on because it starts with 'Because.'
Challenging
Three of these sentences are correct. One is a run-on. Find the run-on.
A.The artist painted a picture of a beautiful sunset.
B.She used bright colors like red, orange, and yellow.
C.I like her painting it makes me feel happy.
D.Maybe I will be an artist when I am older.
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