English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons
Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons
What you'll learn
- Identify fragments and run-on sentences in complex paragraphs with 80% accuracy.
- Apply knowledge of punctuation rules (commas, semicolons, colons, dashes, periods) to correct 4 out of 5 fragments and run-on sentences in a given passage.
- Explain the grammatical reasons why specific punctuation choices effectively correct fragments and run-on sentences, using correct terminology in a written response with at least 3 supporting details.
- Revise a short argumentative essay of at least 300 words to eliminate all fragments and run-on sentences, as assessed by a rubric focusing on sentence structure and clarity.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify sentence fragments and run-on sentences, especially those containing comparative or superlative adjectives.
Use periods correctly to separate complete thoughts and eliminate fragments or run-ons.
Use commas and coordinating conjunctions to combine independent clauses and fix run-on sentences.
Use semicolons to join closely related independent clauses, particularly when making comparisons.
Revise sentence fragments that involve comparative or superlative adjectives into complete sentences.
Revise run-on sentences that involve comparative or superlative adjectives using appropriate punctuation.
Apply correct punctuation to improve clarity and precision in their argumentative writing, especially when comparing ideas or evidence.
Ever tried to tell...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Sentence FragmentA sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. It's missing a subject, a verb, or doesn't express a complete thought, even if it contains a comparative adjective.More interesting than the last movie.
Run-on SentenceA run-on sentence combines two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) without proper punctuation or a coordinating conjunction.The blue car is faster the red car is slower.
Independent ClauseAn independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.The tallest building stood proudly.
Comparative AdjectiveAn adjective used to compare two nouns or pronouns. It often ends in '-er' (e.g., taller, faster) or uses 'more' o...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
Fixing Fragments with Periods
To fix a fragment, add the missing subject or verb, or combine it with a nearby independent clause. Always end a complete sentence with a period.
Use this when a group of words doesn't express a complete thought. Make sure your comparative statement has a subject and a verb.
Fixing Run-ons with Periods
Separate two independent clauses into two distinct sentences by placing a period at the end of the first clause and capitalizing the first word of the second clause.
This is the simplest way to fix a run-on. Use it when the two clauses are related but don't need a stronger connection.
Fixing Run-ons with Commas and Coordinating Conjunctions
Join two independent clauses with a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)....
5 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
In an argumentative essay claiming that dogs are better pets than cats, which sentence most effectively uses punctuation and comparative adjectives to present evidence?
A.Dogs are more trainable than cats they are also more affectionate.
B.Dogs are more trainable than cats. And more affectionate.
C.Dogs are more trainable than cats; furthermore, they are generally more affectionate.
D.Dogs are more trainable, than cats, and they are also more affectionate.
Challenging
A student wrote: 'The evidence from the article is stronger. Although the evidence from the video was more emotionally powerful.' How should this be revised for clarity and correctness?
A.The evidence from the article is stronger, although the evidence from the video was more emotionally powerful.
B.The evidence from the article is stronger; although the evidence from the video was more emotionally powerful.
C.The evidence from the article is stronger although the evidence from the video was more emotionally powerful.
D.The evidence from the article is stronger. The evidence from the video was more emotionally powerful.
Challenging
Which option correctly revises the entire paragraph? 'The first source was the most credible. It had more facts. The second source was less reliable it used opinions. Making my argument stronger.'
A.The first source was the most credible, it had more facts. The second source was less reliable, it used opinions, making my argument stronger.
B.The first source was the most credible because it had more facts. The second source was less reliable; it used opinions. These points make my argument stronger.
C.The first source was the most credible. It had more facts, the second source was less reliable, it used opinions. Making my argument stronger.
D.The first source, which was the most credible, had more facts, the second source was less reliable because it used opinions, making my argument stronger.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing FreeMore from Adjectives that compare
English Language Arts for other grades
Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons"?
Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons is a Grade 6 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons?
You'll be able to: Identify fragments and run-on sentences in complex paragraphs with 80% accuracy; Apply knowledge of punctuation rules (commas, semicolons, colons, dashes, periods) to correct 4 out of 5 fragments and run-on sentences in a given….
Is "Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Choose punctuation to avoid fragments and run-ons?
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.