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Guide to Grammar and Writing: Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

Details

Main Website:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Activity Website:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/runons.htm

Activity Description

In this activity, students learn about run-on sentences. Students are given a pre-test, taught the concepts, and quizzed at the end to evaluate comprehension.

Preparation

  1. Be sure students are familiar with the following terms and concepts before conducting this activity: clauses (independent and dependent), coordinating conjunctions, semicolons, and pronouns.
  2. Review the Run-on Sentences PowerPoint external link opens new browser window or tab (select the PowerPoint icon on the Web page)
  3. Download and print the Pretest Results Example Document (above) for each student.
  4. Download and print the Run-on Sentences Example Document (above) for each student.

How-To

  1. Introduce the topic and distribute the Pretest Results document to each student. Direct them to, and have them take the run-on sentences pre-test external link opens new browser window or tab. Have students select the "My Totals, Please!" button at the bottom of the page when they are finished and complete the Pretest Results handout to identify their weakness(es).
  2. Introduce the concept of run-on sentences with the PowerPoint presentation. Be sure to connect the material with the weaknesses identified in the pre-test to help students focus on their particular weaknesses.
  3. Distribute and review the Run-on Sentences document. Again, be sure to connect the material with the weaknesses identified in the pre-test to help students focus on their particular weaknesses.
  4. Direct students to the four online quizzes, making sure to closely monitor student progress (as there is often more than one correct answer): Avoiding Comma Splices external link opens new browser window or tab, Avoiding Comma Splices II external link opens new browser window or tab, Repairing Run-on Sentences external link opens new browser window or tab, and Fragments and Run-on Sentences external link opens new browser window or tab.
  5. Students who need more practice should be directed online information on Run-on Sentences external link opens new browser window or tab and encouraged to navigate through sections 2-10.

More Ways

  • This is an incredible resource for writing teachers. The site offers in-depth explanations (and sometimes PowerPoint presentations) and accompanying quizzes on a large number of writing-related topics that are categorized by Word & Sentence Level, Paragraph Level, and Essay & Research Paper Level.

Program Areas

  • ESL: English as a Second Language

Levels

  • Intermediate Low
  • Intermediate High
  • Advanced
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OTAN activities are funded by contract CN240137 from the Adult Education Office, in the Career & College Transition Division, California Department of Education, with funds provided through Federal P.L., 105-220, Section 223. However, OTAN content does not necessarily reflect the position of that department or the U.S. Department of Education.