Grade 6 · Sentence Foundations · Sentences and Word Meaning
Sentences, Fragments and Run-ons
Test any group of words for a subject and a verb, then fix fragments and run-ons three different ways.
Learning objectives
- Identify the subject and verb of a clause
- Explain why a fragment is incomplete
- Repair a run-on sentence in three ways
Common Core ELA alignment
L.6.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. Grade 6 emphasis: work with a single text or clear pairing, with teacher-modelled evidence and summary.
L.6.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation and spelling when writing. Grade 6 emphasis: work with a single text or clear pairing, with teacher-modelled evidence and summary.
L.6.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading or listening, choosing precise and concise wording. Grade 6 emphasis: work with a single text or clear pairing, with teacher-modelled evidence and summary.
MYP criteria
- Criterion D — Using language
ENGAGE
Which one is a sentence?
Read these three: 1) Because the bus was late. 2) The bus was late. 3) The bus was late we missed the film. Only one is a correct sentence. The other two are the two most common errors in Grade 6 writing.
Think about it
- Which one is correct?
- What is missing or extra in the other two?
EXPLAIN
The two-part test
An independent clause needs a subject (who or what) and a verb (what they do or are), and it must make sense standing alone. If it passes all three checks, it is a sentence.
| Example | Subject | Verb | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Because the bus was late | bus | was | Fragment: because makes it dependent |
| The bus was late | bus | was | Correct sentence |
| The bus was late we missed the film | two subjects | two verbs | Run-on: two clauses joined with nothing |
Three ways to fix a run-on
- Full stop: The bus was late. We missed the film.
- Comma plus joining word: The bus was late, so we missed the film.
- Semicolon: The bus was late; we missed the film.
Comma splice
A comma alone cannot join two sentences. The bus was late, we missed the film is still an error.
EXPLORE
Fix the paragraph
Our team practised every morning. Because we wanted to win the final. The pitch was frozen we played anyway, the referee stopped the match at half time.
Think about it
- Find the fragment and attach it to a neighbouring sentence.
- Find two run-on or comma-splice errors and fix each a different way.
MYP_PRACTICE
Criterion D task
Write a 100-word account of a busy morning. Include at least two sentences joined with a comma plus joining word and one joined with a semicolon. Underline each join.
EXIT_TICKET
Check yourself
Think about it
- Write a fragment, then repair it.
- Which fix for run-ons do you prefer, and why?
Interactive practice · sentence revision
Repair the sentence
Choose the strongest repair for each faulty sentence and say why.
Your answer
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Key vocabulary
- Independent clause
- A group of words with a subject and verb that makes sense alone.
- Fragment
- A group of words punctuated as a sentence but not able to stand alone.
- Run-on
- Two sentences pushed together with no punctuation or joining word.
- Comma splice
- Two complete sentences joined by only a comma.
Practice questions
0/2 correct
Level 1 · Criterion D
Which group of words is a fragment?
Level 2 · Criterion D
Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
MYP criterion tasks
Level 3 · Criterion D
Rewrite the practice paragraph correctly and explain each change.
Reflect & track
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