English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons
Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify sentence fragments, comma splices, and fused run-on sentences in a given text.
Define the function of periods, commas, and semicolons in separating or joining independent clauses.
Apply a period or a semicolon to correct a run-on sentence.
Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) to correctly join two independent clauses.
Revise a sentence fragment by attaching it to an independent clause or by adding the necessary sentence components.
Evaluate their own analytical writing to eliminate fragments and run-ons, improving clarity and rhetorical impact.
Ever sent a text that was completely misunderstood? 😵💫 Often, the culprit is a tiny punctuation mark that changes the whole meaning!
This tutorial will equip you with the punctuation to...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA complete thought that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a sentence.The protagonist faced a difficult choice.
Sentence FragmentAn incomplete thought punctuated as if it were a complete sentence. It lacks a subject, a verb, or both, or it is a dependent clause standing alone.Because she was afraid of the consequences.
Run-on SentenceTwo or more independent clauses that are incorrectly joined together without proper punctuation or conjunctions.The theme of betrayal is central to the novel the author explores it through multiple characters.
Comma SpliceA specific type of run-on sentence where two independent clauses are joined only by a comma.The character's motivation is unclear, he acts impulsively.
Coordinating ConjunctionA...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Period Fix
Independent Clause. Independent Clause.
The simplest way to fix a run-on. Use a period to end the first complete thought and capitalize the first letter of the next complete thought. This creates two separate, grammatically correct sentences.
The Semicolon Fix
Independent Clause; Independent Clause.
Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses. This shows a stronger connection between the ideas than a period would, suggesting the two thoughts are part of a single, more complex idea.
The Comma + FANBOYS Fix
Independent Clause, [for/and/nor/but/or/yet/so] Independent Clause.
Use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) to join two independent clauses. This method clarifies the relationship between the two clauses (e....
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Challenging
A student is editing their thesis statement: 'In 'The Odyssey,' Odysseus's journey is both physical and psychological his longing for home is a metaphor for the human search for identity.' Which revision most effectively improves the rhetorical impact and clarity of this complex claim?
A.In 'The Odyssey,' Odysseus's journey is both physical and psychological. His longing for home is a metaphor for the human search for identity.
B.In 'The Odyssey,' Odysseus's journey is both physical and psychological, for his longing for home is a metaphor for the human search for identity.
C.In 'The Odyssey,' Odysseus's journey is both physical and psychological; his longing for home is a metaphor for the human search for identity.
D.In 'The Odyssey,' Odysseus's journey is both physical and psychological, his longing for home is a metaphor for the human search for identity.
Challenging
Read this excerpt from a student's analysis: '(1) The author's tone is deceptively simple. (2) He uses plain language to describe horrific events. (3) This contrast creates a powerful sense of unease in the reader, the understated prose heightens the emotional impact. (4) Ultimately, this technique makes the novel's message about indifference more profound.' Which sentence contains a punctuation error that weakens the paragraph's argument?
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
Which of the following sentences correctly combines two independent clauses and one dependent clause without creating a fragment or a run-on?
A.Although the character seems villainous at first, he has a complex backstory, his motivations are surprisingly sympathetic.
B.The character seems villainous at first, but because he has a complex backstory, his motivations are surprisingly sympathetic.
C.The character seems villainous at first; however, he has a complex backstory, because his motivations are surprisingly sympathetic.
D.Because the character has a complex backstory, he seems villainous at first, his motivations are surprisingly sympathetic.
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Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons is a Grade 9 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
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Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons
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