English for Social Purposes - Writing 1A

GRAMMAR FOCUS & SENTENCE BUILDING

Week 02: Clauses & Sentence Structure pg.3
Week 03: Clauses & Sentence Structure (Cont.) pg.9
Week 04: Fragments & Run-on Sentences pg.18
Week 05: Subject-Verb Agreement pg.25
Week 06: Passive Voice pg.34
Week 07: Using Modifiers Correctly pg.40

Week 09: Sentence Building pg.47
Week 10: Sentence Building pg.50
Week 11: Sentence Building pg.53
Week 12: Sentence Building pg.56
Week 13: Sentence Building pg.59
Week 14: Sentence Building pg.62
Week 15: Sentence Building pg.65

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 English for Social Purposes - Writing 1A
ENGLISH 1A | WEEK 02 | GRAMMAR FOCUS
CLAUSES & SENTENCE STRUCTURE

MAIN AND SUBORDINATE CLAUSES

A main clause is a group of words that contains a complete subject and a complete predicate. Also
known as an independent clause, a main clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Many people wait on the bus.
A subordinate clause also contains a subject and a predicate but cannot stand alone. Because it
depends on a main clause to make sense, it is also known as a dependent clause. Usually, a
subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause, although it may begin with a relative
pronoun (such as who, whose, whom, which, that, or what) or a relative adverb (such as when, where,
or why). In some subordinate clauses, the connecting word also serves as the subject of the clause.
Many people wait on the bus while the driver repairs it.
Will the gentleman who paged Mrs. Trotter please pick up the courtesy phone? (The relative
pronoun who, which connects the clauses, is the subject of the subordinate clause.)
SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
Time: after, as, as soon as, before, since, until, when, whenever, while
Place: where, wherever
Manner: as, as if, as though
Cause: as, because, inasmuch as, since, so that
Concession: although, even though, though
Condition: if, unless

Exercise 1: Check ( ) the blank before each sentence that contains a subordinate clause.

E.g.: Where the wind blows steadily, one can imagine the possibilities of wind power.
1. The tribe that lived here erected many wonderful earthworks and ceremonial mounds.
2. Stacey, who tried out for the Olympic team, has a number of scholarship opportunities for
college.
3. After the heavy snow, we had to spend the morning shoveling out the car.
4. As far as I can tell, there aren’t many choices for us to consider.
5. Reckless behavior impresses no one and may easily endanger one’s health.
6. The comedians bravely acted on while the audience booed their efforts.

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7. Mrs. Chin believes the story because you said it was true.
8. Mike won the bike race inasmuch as my bike lost a tire a mile from the finish line.
9. Whenever did the Ramsey twins paint their parents’ house?
10. The championship game dragged on until everyone knew we had lost.
11. Braxton, my dog, loves ice cream, a food that he should not have, of course.
12. For the longest time Clint hiked on the old trail every weekend.
13. The powerful ocean waves struck the sea wall that had been erected to protect the tidal
basin.
14. Beneath the peaceful valley flows a mighty underground river.
15. If you talk to her, Hernando, please tell her about the senior class party next Friday after
school.

SIMPLE AND COMPOUND SENTENCES
A simple sentence has one complete subject and one complete predicate. The subject, the
predicate, or both, may be compound.
SUBJECT PREDICATE
Long strands of pearls were looped around the door wreath.
Pansies and lilacs filled the flower boxes.
Several dogs sniffed and searched through the loose garbage.
Two or more simple sentences, each considered a main clause, comprise a compound sentence.
Main clauses can be joined to build a compound sentence by using a comma followed by a
conjunction, such as or, and, or but. However, a conjunction is not necessary to form a compound
sentence. A semicolon may be used to join two main clauses without a conjunction. A semicolon is
also used before a conjunctive adverb, such as moreover.
Spring arrived late this year, but Mona’s garden was as beautiful as ever.
Spring arrived late this year; Mona’s garden was as beautiful as ever.
Spring arrived late this year; however, Mona’s garden was as beautiful as ever.


Exercise 2: Write in the blank whether the sentence is simple or compound.
E.g.: compound Jeremy likes to cook, but he isn’t very good at it.
1. That song always reminds me of you.
2. Tell me more about your experiences in China.

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3. Geoff ran into Mr. Gaines last week.
4. Mary may seem nervous during rehearsals, but she becomes quite calm during
her turn on the stage.
5. Glenna will arrive today, but Carl won’t be here until Saturday.
6. Darkness blanketed the countryside, and stars twinkled into sight.
7. Music blared forth from the tiny pocket radio.
8. Neil and Alvin walked in the Muscular Dystrophy Walk-a-thon.
9. Suzanne practices ventriloquism every afternoon.
10. The old tractor was still the most dependable of the lot.
11. Last year Joyce sewed her school wardrobe; moreover, she made several of the
accessories.
12. Nadine needs help with the laundry today; moreover, she wants help on a
regular basis.
13. Cass will draw either a lion’s head or a ram’s head for our door plaque.
14. Lauren is sweeping the dugout, and Kat is cleaning the bases.
15. Mums lined the sidewalk, the side of the house, and even the outer rim of the
yard.
Exercise 3: Underline each main clause. If there is more than one main clause in a sentence, add a
comma or a semicolon as needed.
E.g.: Our school colors are scarlet and white.
1. Young hopefuls lined the waiting room but no one noticed them.
2. Gardenias grew near the elm tree and columbine grew beside the driveway.
3. Carolina is wearing her velvet jacket but Sammy has on jeans and a t-shirt.
4. Walk over to the outlet store or use some of the money to take a taxi.
5. Whales shouldered the waves and dripped rivers.
6. White orchids graced Lynette’s prom dress.
7. The trees glowed in the bright sunlight my eyes could barely stand the strain of looking at them.
8. The local cable station aired my story but they mispronounced my name.
9. The novel’s ending intrigued me.
10. Lisa hung pictures of Beatrix Potter characters in her little sister’s bedroom.
11. Joanna has never been beaten at chess.
12. Parker edited the yearbooks and they will be available in a few weeks.

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13. I bought honey cake for after dinner tonight and I can’t wait to eat it!
14. The three main characters in the play constantly bickered, yelled, or argued.
15. Our baseball team holds the season record for most home runs.


COMPLEX AND COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES

A complex sentence contains a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
MAIN CLAUSE SUBORDINATE CLAUSE
We read stories by candlelight when the lights went out.
Do not be confused by the element the lights went out, which is a complete sentence. The complete
subordinate clause is when the lights went out, which cannot stand alone as a sentence.
A compound-complex sentence has more than one main clause and one or more subordinate
clauses.
MAIN CLAUSE SUBORDINATE CLAUSE MAIN CLAUSE
We were sailing on the lake when the storm hit, so we immediately headed for shore.

Exercise 4: Draw one line under the main clause and two lines under the subordinate clause.
Write C in the blank if the sentence is complex and CC if it is compound-complex.
E.g.: C Emily laughs heartily whenever she watches a Chevy Chase movie.
1. Whenever the road is slippery, drive more cautiously.
2. After I heard the bell choir perform, I decided to join it myself, so I signed up the next day.
3. Link is leaving next Wednesday if he can take time off from work.
4. As long as I have been writing, I don’t remember ever seeing a story quite like this one.
5. After I had typed the document, I found some misspelled words, so I looked them up and changed
them.
6. After he spilled chili on his favorite chair, Bruce admitted that he should have sat at the table to
eat.
7. Although June is a long month, its sunny days can never be long enough.
8. Unless I am mistaken, the first door on the left is the entrance to the art room; however, it may be
another door farther along.
9. We’ll go horseback riding tonight if we can be back home before the Pattersons arrive.
10. After I had seen that Kenneth Branagh movie (Henry V), I was hooked!
11. If you hold the door open too long, the alarm will sound.

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12. So that he could gain control of his time, Arnelle mapped out a weekly schedule.
13. If you have never been to the Smithsonian Institution, you may be surprised at its myriad of
treasures.
14. Mom says that I can’t go with you until I get my homework done.
15. Elise wants to rent a carpet shampooer so that she can fix up her room before the slumber party.


Exercise 5: Choose the correct answer.
Last summer Sue went to visit her friend Ann for the weekend. (1) , when she got there,
nobody answered the door. Sue called Ann on her mobile. ‘Sorry,’ said Ann. ‘I won’t be home until
seven (2) I have to work late, (3) I’ve left a key with the neighbor (4) you can get
into my flat.’
But Ann’s neighbor was out (5) ! (6) she’d forgotten about Sue or she’d had to go out. (7)
it was only twelve, Sue went to the nearest café (8) have something to eat. She was so
hungry that she had a bowl of soup, some spaghetti and a piece of cake (9) . Then Sue went
back to the neighbor’s house. Luckily, she was at home, (10) Sue was able to get into Ann’s
flat.
1 A. However B. So that C. Since D. Therefore
2 A. because B. but C. as well D. in order to
3 A. and B. to C. also D. but
4 A. because B. so that C. though D. in order to
5 A. so B. either C. too D. however
6 A. However B. Neither C. Too D. Either
7 A. Neither B. Also C. As D. However
8 A. so that B. to C. but D. because
9 A. as well B. either C. both D. and
10 A. because B. as C. so D. in order to

Exercise 6: Complete the passage with the words from the box.

before as soon as when after (x2)

first while next until finally

(1) I was sixteen, I learnt to kite surf (2) I was on holiday. (3)
going in the sea, you do a short course on the beach with an instructor. (4)
you fly a small kite (5) you can do it well. (6)
you learn to use a much bigger kite to pull you through the water. (7) you can try to
fly the kite with a board on your feet. It’s hard at first, but (8) a while I started to

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feel more confident and I loved it. (9) doing it several times, I’ve become quite
good at it and (10) I have the money, I’ll buy my own kite and board.

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ENGLISH 1A | WEEK 03 | GRAMMAR FOCUS
CLAUSES & SENTENCE STRUCTURE (cont.)

ADJECTIVE CLAUSES

An adjective clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a noun or a pronoun. It usually follows the
word it modifies.
I decided to keep for myself the present that I had bought for Ron’s birthday. (modifies the noun
present)
She visited Paris, where she had been born. (modifies the noun Paris)
An adjective clause usually begins with a relative pronoun, although it may also begin with when or
where. Sometimes the introductory word is omitted altogether.
The writing group she started meets every Monday evening. (The relative pronoun that was omitted.)
RELATIVE PRONOUNS
that whom whomever
which whose what
who whoever whatever

Exercise 1: Underline each adjective clause. Circle each relative pronoun that is given, and write
in the blank those that have been omitted.
E.g.: that The song Mr. Quatman is promoting has beautiful lyrics.
1. The sweater, which was thick and wooly, kept Margaret warm on her long walk home.
2. Al decided on a college that was near his hometown.
3. Would you like to see the spot where the tornado touched down?
4. They are the kind of books I would like to read again.
5. The woman whose hat seemed twenty stories high sat a row ahead of me.
6. Care of the newborn pups, which was Barry’s sole responsibility, was a full-time job.
7. Micah, who spoke to us during halftime, was able to make it to the game after all.
8. The stereo Judy wants to buy includes a five-disc CD player.
9. The review sessions the chemistry teacher provided made a big difference.
10. Was Mr. Farnsworth the representative whom you contacted?
11. The fish Linda chose was vividly colored black and purple and yellow.
12. The cabinet Kent built was hung in the industrial arts room.

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13. The flutist whose solo you applauded is my sister.
14. The nest, which looks like a wren’s work, rests atop the fuse box.
15. Tom looked forward to the day when he could buy a car of his own.


Adjective clauses may be either essential or nonessential. Essential (or restrictive) clauses are
necessary to make the meaning of a sentence clear. A clause beginning with that is essential.
Nonessential (or nonrestrictive) clauses add interesting information but are not necessary for the
meaning of a sentence. A clause beginning with which is usually nonessential. Use commas to set off
nonessential clauses from the rest of the sentence.
Georgia has a talent that is hard to match. (essential clause)
My uncle, who was born in New York, moved to California when he was twelve. (nonessential clause)

Exercise 2: Underline each adjective clause in the sentences below. Write E (essential) or non.
(nonessential) in the space provided to identify the type of clause.
E.g.: E Aunt Agatha has a zest for living that few can match.
1. Those players who steal bases make baseball fun to watch.
2. The trail guide showed us the path that led to a ghost town.
3. My brother, who is in the service, writes to me at least once a month.
4. Our poster, which is over seven feet tall, hangs just inside the front door of the school.
5. The moment when the last winner is announced will be Jordan’s cue to return to the
stage.
6. Are you the person whose car is parked in the loading zone?
7. The algebra exam that was scheduled for next Tuesday has been postponed.
8. The green and pink teapot, which had been a present from Gail, served as a vase.
9. One of the seamstresses who had sewn the bridesmaids’ dresses was commissioned
to make the bride’s gown.
10. Swiftly approaching is the moment when the winners are announced.
11. The reading club, which met last Thursday, is trying to recruit more members.
12. A lone lilac bush, which protruded through the fence, supplied an unexpected splash
of color in the alley.
13. Tom’s role model is Jeeves, the fictional butler who can solve any problem.
14. Kim and Kelly went to the restaurant that has tableside musicians.

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Exercise 3: Complete the sentences. Use who, which, whose or where.
E.g.: Look at these old photos which I found in a box upstairs.
1. This is the house we lived when we got married.
2. I think that’s the woman used to live next door to us.
3. Yes, she’s the one the dog attacked me in the park.
4. That’s the friend had an apartment in Corfu.
5. Yes, and this is the nice couple restaurant we liked so much.
6. And here’s the beach we went every day. Paradise!
7. Is that the apartment we stayed?
8. No, that was the apartment you wanted to buy!


Exercise 4: Circle the correct answer. There may be more than one correct answer.
E.g.: We went to that new shop which / that / – sells books and CDs.
1. It’s the kind of shop where / that / – you could spend a lot of time.
2. The game which / that / – I bought was very cheap.
3. I found the book which / that / – my dad wanted.
4. The section where / that / – you can listen to CDs is amazing.
5. I saw an old friend which / that / – I hadn’t seen for ages.
6. The woman who / that / – served me in the café upstairs was very rude.
7. When we got home, we played the CDs which / that / – we’d bought.
8. The best one is by the woman who / that / – sang at the Star Club last week.


Exercise 5: Join the following sentences using relative clauses and without changing the
meaning.
E.g.: Marie Curie was the scientist. She discovered radium in 1902.
! Marie Curie was the scientist who discovered radium in 1902.
1. I live on Main Street. It is the noisiest street in this neighborhood.
!
2. The Edinburgh Zoo has Scotland’s biggest collections of animals. It is 5 km west of the city center.
!
3. Alice is the owner of a food company. She is the most successful businesswoman in town.
!

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4. Bob ranked first in the race. His father is also an athlete.
!
5. I bought this watch for Pauline. She is my best friend.
!
6. Doctor Jones works for the city hospital. He prescribed medicine for my sore throat.
!
7. This is Tom. I’ve been sharing a flat with him for two years.
!
8. Jim has chosen a topic. I wanted the same topic for my research paper.
!
9. Can you recommend a car? It would be useful in this mountainous area.
!
10. The report caused a great deal of discussion. She gave the report at the meeting.
!
11. We stopped our car at a place. We could see the coming cars well there.
!
12. Fruit juice is dangerous for children. It has artificial color and sweetener.
!
13. Did you enjoy the movie? I had recommended it.
!
14. Over there is a woman. You met her husband yesterday.
!
15. Do you know the man? The jury gave the first prize to him.
!

ADVERB CLAUSES

An adverb clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. It is used to
tell when, where, why, how, to what extent, or under what conditions. An adverb clause is usually
introduced by a subordinating conjunction.
I cry whenever I see a sad movie. (The adverb clause modifies the verb cry. It tells when.)
An adverb clause that seems to have missing words is called elliptical. The word or words that are
left out are understood in the clause.

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Steve runs faster than I [run].


Exercise 6: Underline the adverb clause in each sentence.
E.g.: When they arrived at Space Camp, the aspiring astronauts grew nervous.
1. After I finished doing the dishes, I helped my dad mow the lawn.
2. The little girl was upset because her puppy was lost.
3. That old house looked spookier than a haunted house in a nightmare would look.
4. Jeremy left for the football game before I could offer him a ride.
5. Jennifer will go on the retreat unless it rains.
6. Dino ran the 100-yard dash much faster than I did.
7. Because the sweaters were on sale, Stuart bought three.
8. Eve was more interested in geography than her brother was.
9. Will you wait in the car until it’s time to leave for school?
10. Alex waxed the car until it looked brand new.
11. We met where his street intersects mine.
12. I heard a strange noise when I turned on the computer.
13. While it was snowing outside, Simon was daydreaming about sunny beaches.
14. The band began a food drive so that we could help the hungry.
15. Since she couldn’t find an opener, Sandy didn’t open the can.


NOUN CLAUSES

A noun clause is a subordinate clause that is used as a noun. A noun clause may be used as a subject,
a direct object, an object of a preposition, or a predicate nominative.
A noun clause usually begins with one of these words: how, that, what, whatever, when, where,
which, whichever, who, whom, whoever, whose, or why.
direct object
Cindy did not know where the beakers were kept.
subject
What makes them different is their ability to change colors to blend with their environment.

Exercise 7: Tick each sentence that contains a noun clause.

E.g.: ! Whenever we choose to leave for the game is fine with them.

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1. The board proposed that all residents be required to recycle.
2. Whatever you choose is fine with me.
3. Mike defended his position on the issue.
4. The community college offers a course in fencing.
5. The teacher predicted how the chemicals might react.
6. Ted should have been at the swim meet an hour ago.
7. The rest of the group arrived later.
8. You may take whichever puppy you want.
9. The raccoons eat whatever they can find.
10. The spilled soda did not stain the carpet.
11. What the majority wants usually becomes the law.
12. Onlookers were disappointed when the shuttle lift-off was delayed.
13. Marla was encouraged to enter her poems in a contest.
14. Many people believe that they can do anything in the world.
15. Melissa thought that her test was marked incorrectly.


Exercise 8: Underline the noun clause or clauses in each sentence.
E.g.: I do not know which route we take to the cabin.
1. Sam did not know where the art exhibit was.
2. I do not know why Tonya chose to go with them instead of us.
3. I dreamed that I was the president of the United States.
4. What makes them so special is their ability to see the good in everyone.
5. When Mom came in with bags of groceries, she was happy for whatever help we could give her.
6. Historians disagree about why wars start.
7. Whoever was in charge of that experiment made it easy to understand.
8. That the boys had nothing in common became apparent.
9. Brent’s patience and understanding were what we appreciated most.
10. Chantal was not interested in what the others wanted to do.
11. Whoever can play the piano will be the first on the list.
12. Kyle always felt that he’d like to live in Australia.
13. Ron said that there were no seats left in the auditorium.
14. Why Jay left the party early was a mystery to everyone.

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15. How anyone could dislike homemade bread amazes me!


Indirect questions
Exercise 9: Complete or rewrite the following. Use the clues where given.
1. A: Have they had dinner yet?
B: I’m not sure dinner yet.
2. A: Jack lives?
B: No, I don’t. But we can find his address in the phonebook.
3. A: Have you seen my keys?
B: I have no idea (be).
4. A: What are you looking for?
B: My eyeglasses. I can’t remember (put)
them.
5. A: Excuse me, could you tell me I can get to
the zoo?
B: By underground. Take the yellow line to Greens Garden.
6. I doubt if he (be able to see) again. He’s had five
surgeries on his eyes, but with no luck.
7. Does this bus go to Manhattan?
Could you tell me ?
8. I am not sure. He may not come back home.
I doubt .
9. A: Did Martha have the car repaired?
B: I don’t know it repaired. She hasn’t talked
to me about that.
10. Will it be snowy today?
I wonder .


Noun clauses beginning with question words.
Exercise 10: Change the following questions into noun clauses.
1. Where did Sally go?
! Do you know ?

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2. When are your parents arriving at the airport?
! Please tell me .
3. Which train did they take to New York?
! I can’t remember .
4. Whose shares are these?
! I don’t know .
5. What do they say?
! I can’t hear .
6. Who is the owner of the house?
! Can you tell me ?
7. How many people were there at the meeting?
! She wants to know .
8. How old do the students start school in your country?
! Do you know ?
9. How far is it from Edirne to Kars?
! Can you tell me ?
10. Why do people need to tell lies?
! Do you know ?

Noun clauses beginning with that
Exercise 11: Rewrite the following sentences to introduce noun clauses.
1. There was very little petrol in the car. I was not aware of that, so on the way to Kansas the car
suddenly stopped.
! I wasn’t .
2. Bill told a lie. That made me angry.
! The fact that .
3. She lacked the necessary qualifications. Due to that she wasn’t accepted for the job.
! Due to .
4. He made the same mistake twice. That is unforgivable.
! The fact that .
5. They accused us of committing a crime. That surprised us.
! The fact that .

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6. It is obvious that he doesn’t know the manners.
! That .
7. It is a fact that water boils at 100oC.
! That .
8. Mary hasn’t been able to make reliable friends. That’s apparent.
! It .
9. Pollution diminishes the quality of our lives. That is a fact hard to deny.
! That .
10. Many people living in Antalya speak German quite well. When I first visited Antalya, I was
surprised by that.
! When I .

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ENGLISH 1A | WEEK 04 | GRAMMAR FOCUS
FRAGMENTS & RUN-ON SENTENCES

A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. It may lack a subject, a verb, or both.

Alternatively, it may be a subordinate clause that cannot stand alone. Correct it by adding the
missing phrase or words.
Although the road stops. (fragment)
Although the road stops here, we can travel farther on foot. (sentence)

Exercise 1: Write frag. next to each sentence fragment. Write S next to each complete sentence.
e.G.: frag. In the event of a disaster.
1. Samuel Clemens became one of the best-loved American storytellers.
2. Because Misha had an innovative style.
3. Works from charcoals to watercolors to pastels.
4. Nancy, feeling that her ideas were unpopular, kept them to herself.
5. By distancing herself from historians, biographers, and critics.
6. In his paintings, David has developed a very individual style.
7. A concept that became apparent in 1915.
8. I’d like to study at the Art Institute of Chicago or the Arts Students League in New York.
9. Willie Stieglitz, a promoter and art exhibitor.
10. Come in.
11. Whom he later called to apologize.
12. Myriads of flowers, some from her well-manicured gardens.
13. Appeared in the mid-1920s.
14. Many clothing designs have been influenced by the American Southwest landscape.
15. Where they first visited in 1995.


Exercise 2: Tell whether you would add a subject (S), a verb (V), or a main clause (M) to form a
complete sentence.
E.g.: V A gaggle of geese honking their displeasure.
1. As if he were the team’s only athlete.
2. Each year thousands of socks lost in dryers around the world.

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3. How to forget Ginny’s parting words.
4. Mentioned the risks associated with eating fatty foods.
5. A doctor for the emotions.
6. Free to the first fifty customers.
7. Since I forgot my essay.
8. The influence of a large crowd.
9. Which appeared in the local paper.
10. Officials from the city zoo arriving this afternoon for a special assembly.
11. Tried to warn Tisha about taking on too many activities.
12. Are living in Alabama near the Space Center.
13. A foghorn sounding through the heavy mist.
14. Presents an additional opportunity.
15. Because I cannot do two things at once.


Exercise 3: Circle the letter of the word group that is a complete sentence.
1. a. If the results are not available by the close of business today.
b. The results may not be available by the close of business today.
2. a. To travel by plane from Washington to Chicago and by train from Chicago to Cairo, which is
at the southern tip of Illinois.
b. It will be expensive to travel by plane from Washington to Chicago and by train from
Chicago to Cairo.
3. a. Hearing the crackle and boom of lightning and thunder in the distance, I ran at once for the
farmhouse.
b. Hearing the crackle and boom of lightning and thunder in the distance.
4. a. Lucille Ball charmed American audiences for many years as a dizzy red-head with show biz
aspirations.
b. Lucille Ball, who was beloved by American audiences for many years.


Exercise 4: Some of the following items contain sentence fragments. Edit each fragment by
expanding it to a complete sentence or by connecting it to a complete sentence. If the passage
contains only complete sentences, write Correct.

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 English for Social Purposes - Writing 1A
1. Music videos began to make their appearance in the late 1980s. Some of them concert
performances and some technological innovations.

2. Videocassette recorders are sold in a variety of stores. Video specialty shops, supermarkets,
hardware stores, and other mass-market outlets.

3. The return on the investment was 20 percent. Which was higher than he expected.

4. He had one purpose in life. Spending money.

5. The flash flood warning that came on the television screen during the Washington- Dallas football
game. It caused quite a stir in the family.

6. The contrast between the two women is great. One of them, Roberta, being arrogant and Patrice
being shy.

7. The name of the game is knowing the right people. Because they will help you invest your money
in the right bank.

8. Perry can be loudmouthed and overbearing. For example, his remarks that he should be working
with “better quality people.”

9. Mike seems to be a good father. For example, he takes his children to ball games or on trips, or just
stays around the house teaching his children new games.

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10. They moved into a condominium in a quiet neighborhood. All they wanted was a safe, peaceful
environment.

A run-on sentence contains two or more complete sentences written as one. To correct a run-on
sentence, separate the main clauses with either an end mark, a semicolon, or a comma and a
coordinating conjunction.
Incorrect: There was a mistake on our bill, the server took care of it. (two main clauses separated by
just a comma)
Incorrect: There was a mistake on our bill the server took care of it. (two main clauses with no
punctuation between them)
Correct: There was a mistake on our bill. The server took care of it.
Correct: There was a mistake on our bill; the server took care of it.
Correct: There was a mistake on our bill, but the server took care of it.

Exercise 5: Write run-on next to each run-on sentence.

E.g.: run-on Robert is ready now, please take him to his soccer game.
1. The performance left the audience cold and several asked for a ticket refund.
2. The Pulitzer awards were established by the powerful publisher Joseph Pulitzer.
3. Garnet owned several first-edition books she bought one in a yard sale.
4. A severe financial panic and depression hit the United States in 1837.
5. Do you think rust protection for a new car is worth the added expense?
6. Communication involves sending and receiving information.
7. Wireless TV systems are competing with cable systems and I say it’s about time that we
have a choice.
8. Scientists from Japan, Italy, and the United States designed the particle accelerator used
at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois.
9. I think we should do something about the overgrown playground on Third Street it
presents a danger to the community.

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 English for Social Purposes - Writing 1A
10. Look at this fossil I bought at the gift shop in the Museum of Natural History.
11. Have you ever tried floating in ocean water the high salt content acts as a buoy.
12. Boston’s Tremont House, built in the 1800s, is credited by some as the first modern hotel.
13. Samuel Morse is known for his contribution to telegraphy but did you know that he also
was the first U.S. citizen to own a camera, an 1839 daguerreotype from Paris?
14. Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb were both inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1936.
15. We have fifteen minutes to complete the tests; Howard’s class has another hour.


Exercise 6: Circle the letter of the item that contains a run-on sentence.
1. a. We enjoyed traveling Route 1 along the Pacific Ocean, the view of the mountains on the
east and the water on the west was breathtaking.
b. We enjoyed traveling Route 1 along the Pacific Ocean where the mountains stretched
along the east and the water stretched along the west.
c. We enjoyed traveling Route 1 along the Pacific Ocean; the majestic mountains stretched
along the east and the water stretched along the west.
2. a. Time is all relative. Places that seem old to Americans often seem new to visitors from
Europe.
b. Time is all relative, places that seem old to Americans often seem new to Europeans.
c. Because time is all relative, places that seem old to Americans often seem new to
Europeans.
3. a. We were eager to get away from our everyday surroundings; our eyes hungered for new
sights.
b. We were eager to get away from our everyday surroundings and see new sights.
c. We were eager to get away from our everyday surroundings we longed to see new sights
and meet new people.
4. a. Children can fill your life with joy and frustrations each one is a unique experience.
b. Filling your life with joy and frustrations, each child is a unique experience.
c. Each child is a unique experience, which can add both joy and frustrations to your life.


Exercise 7: Some of the following items contain run-on sentences. Correct the run-on sentences
by rewriting the passage or by using the appropriate punctuation between complete sentences.
If the sentence is correct, write Correct.

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 English for Social Purposes - Writing 1A
1. Evidence continues to mount it shows that passive smoke causes diseases.

2. Dr. Ling is the director of the hospital he also maintains a private practice.

3. Keisha is not a nurse, she is a doctor.

4. She is very committed to her work, she rarely leaves work at the scheduled ending time.

5. Stevie Wonder has been a professional entertainer since the age of 12, he was the first black
Motown artist to perform overseas.

6. The airline gave a discount on the Atlanta flight, but the number of passengers continued to
decline.

7. The mattress caught fire, and the flames spread quickly.

Exercise 8: Decide if each item is a sentence fragment (F), a run-on sentence (R), or a complete
sentence as written (C).
1. When we were young, naive, and full of untempered idealism about people and life.
2. As I raced toward the finish line, I turned to check the runner behind me and saw him pass
me.
3. To realize our dreams and fulfill our potential at work and at home.
4. To own your own business, you must be motivated and organized.
5. Money does not guarantee happiness, happiness comes from the heart.

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 English for Social Purposes - Writing 1A
6. Books are our friends; they take us to foreign places, introduce us to interesting people, and
provide many hours of fun and relaxation.
7. Having both parents of young children working outside the home presents a daily challenge
because the children must be dressed, fed, and transported before the official work day begins.
8. Like many Americans, we own two foreign cars we have had too many problems with
American-made cars.
9. The house contained four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a sun room, a library, a formal living
room and dining room, and an eat-in kitchen.
10. We purchased a sofa that had a high back and very contemporary lines.

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