Part 1: Writing Identifying and Fixing Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences:

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1 Fundamentals of Writing 2 Lesson 2 Here is what you will learn in this lesson: I. Writing: The Sentence Sentence Writing: Identifying and fixing sentence fragments and runon sentences. Paragraph Writing: What is a paragraph? Paragraph organization Considering purpose and audience Writing to teach or inform. II. Punctuation: Sentence end punctuation III. Grammar Parts of speech adjectives Adjective clause Part 1: Writing Identifying and Fixing Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences: Sentence Fragments: As you have learned in the last lesson, a complete sentence must have a subject and a predicate and it must express a complete thought. A sentence that is missing any one of these elements is called a sentence fragment. Let s see how this looks in the examples below. Example 1: All the spoons in the drawer (What is being said about the spoons in the drawer?) Example 2: Are growing in the garden (What is growing in the garden?) Example 3: When we went to the zoo (What happened when we went to the zoo?) Let s discuss what is missing in each example and see how to correct the errors. Example 1: A very important element is missing in this example: the predicate. To fix this error, something needs to be said about the spoons. All the spoons in the drawer are dirty. 1 of 9

2 Example 2: A very important element is missing in this example, as well: the subject. To fix this error, we need to know what is growing in the garden. Pumpkins are growing in the garden. Example 3: Although this example has a subject (we) and a predicate (went), it does not express a complete thought. To fix this error, we must add words to make the meaning clear. We saw a white giraffe when we went to the zoo. Run-on Sentences: A run-on sentence happens when two complete ideas are incorrectly combined into one sentence. A run-on sentence can occur for two reasons: 1. The incorrect punctuation is used when combining the ideas. 2. No punctuation is used when combining the ideas. Let s see how this looks in the examples below: Example 1: The girls needed new shoes, we went to Sears and bought them each two pairs. This run-on sentence uses the incorrect punctuation to combine the related ideas. A run-on sentence can be fixed by using one of the following methods: 1. Write each complete idea as a separate sentence. The girls needed new shoes. We went to Sears and bought them each two pairs. 2. Combine the ideas using a comma and a coordinating conjunction. The girls needed new shoes, so we went to Sears and bought them each two pairs. 3. Combine the ideas using only a semicolon. The girls needed new shoes; we went to Sears and bought them each two pairs. 4. Combine the ideas using a semicolon, a conjunctive adverb, and a comma. A conjunctive adverb is an adverb that is used like a conjunction to connect two main ideas. They help transition from one thought to the other. Some common conjunctive adverbs are consequently, therefore, nevertheless, however, moreover, and otherwise. The girls needed new shoes; therefore, we went to Sears and bought them each two pairs. Example 2: The weather was warm today I went swimming. 2 of 9

3 This run-on sentence does not use any punctuation when sharing the related ideas. The run-on sentence can be fixed by following the same methods described previously. 1. The weather was warm today. I went swimming. 2. The weather was warm today, so I went swimming. 3. The weather was warm today; I went swimming. 4. The weather was warm today; therefore, I went swimming. Now you try it: 1. Read over the information on page 1 on sentence fragments. Using one of the examples, add information to the following sentence fragment to make it a complete sentence that shares a complete thought. While we were at the park 2. Using one of the methods above this box, fix the following run-on sentence. The boys wanted to play football they went to the park. Paragraph Writing: What is a paragraph? A paragraph is a group of sentences that describe the same idea or topic. A paragraph can be any length and written on any topic as long as all of the sentences are organized around a single idea. How a paragraph is organized: The content of a paragraph is organized in a particular way so that the reader can understand what you are trying to say. Here is how a paragraph is to be organized: 1. The first sentence is usually your topic sentence. It tells the reader the main idea of the paragraph. 2. The following sentences are detail or supporting sentences. They tell the reader more about the main idea you stated in your topic sentence. Your ideas should also follow a logical order. 3. The last sentence in a paragraph is a closing sentence and it restates the main idea of your paragraph. Considering Purpose and Audience when writing: Most writers will write for a specific purpose and audience. The purpose of your writing helps the reader to understand why the piece was written. Is it to 3 of 9

4 entertain your reader with a funny story? Maybe it will be to inform or teach, or possibly to persuade your audience to believe something. Whatever the purpose, it is also important to identify the audience. The audience is the person or persons who will be reading your writing. A good writer will write about things that are interesting to his or her audience How to Write a Paragraph that Informs or Teaches, Step-by-Step: Before you start writing, remember to determine your paragraph s purpose and audience. After you determine these two things, you are ready to start writing your paragraph. The example below will give you step-by-step instructions on how to write a paragraph that teaches your audience about a castle. Start by following these steps: 1. Write the name of the castle and where it is located. 2. List at least eight interesting details about your castle. 3. Add a descriptive adjective or adjective clause for each of these eight details. Now, write your paragraph: 4. Write a topic sentence that shares the name of your castle and where it is located. Example: (Name of castle) is a (adjective) castle located in (where it is located). 5. Write a sentence for each one of these details and put it in your paragraph. Make sure your information follows a logical order. Start each sentence in a different way. 6. Your closing sentence will share a personal statement about what you thought about this castle. Example: I really enjoyed learning about (name of castle) and I would like to visit it someday. 4 of 9

5 Example: Don t forget MLA format! [Header] Student 1 Ima Student Ms. Brianna Elementary 2 Writing 1 August 2008 Gillette Castle Gillette Castle is a prominent castle in East Haddam, Connecticut. Built in 1919, the Gillette Castle features stunning stonework. The exterior has two main towers, and the entire structure is built with beautiful local stones. A back patio with its own garden overlooks the surrounding woods. Each face of the giant building has a large balcony coming from the upper stories. The interior of the house is done entirely in beautiful rosy wood. Large windows let in natural light. Made with green and brown fabrics, checkerboard panels decorate the lower sitting room. A winding staircase takes visitors up to the second floor. I really enjoyed looking at Gillette Castle and I would like to see it in person someday. Part 2: Punctuation Sentence End Punctuation All sentences end with some form of punctuation. The type of punctuation you use tells the reader if the sentence states a fact [declarative], makes a request or gives a command [imperative], asks a question [interrogative], or expresses feeling [exclamatory]. Period (.): A period is used at the end of a sentence that states a fact [declarative], or makes a request or gives a command [imperative]. Example 1: The girl loves to play with her doll. Example 2: Clean up your room. 5 of 9

6 Question mark (?): A question mark is used at the end of a sentence that asks a question [interrogative]. Example: Would anyone like to share these cookies with me? Exclamation point (!): An exclamation point is used at the end of a sentence that expresses a strong feeling or surprise [exclamatory]. Example: I am extremely angry with you! Now you try it: 1. Decide which sentence end punctuation each of these sentences needs. a. What kind of eggs do you want b. I think I ll have hard boiled eggs c. Take out the trash after you have finished with your studies d. I can t stand taking out the trash Part 3: Grammar - Parts of Speech In this lesson, you will review adjectives and learn how to identify and use an adjectives clause in a sentence. Review: Adjectives An adjective describes a noun or pronoun. Adjectives tell us more about the noun which gives the reader a better picture. Let s look at the following two sentences. Example 1 does not use any adjectives and Example 2 does. Which sentence gives you a better picture? Example 1: The child gazed out the window while driving to her home. Example 2: The confused child gazed out the fogged window while driving to her new foster home. Adjective Clause: Instead of using a single adjective, a writer may choose to use a group of words to give a more detailed description of a noun or pronoun. This group of words, which contains a subject and a predicate, is called an adjective clause. Identifying Adjective Clauses: An adjective clause is a dependent clause; it depends on the rest of the sentence for it to make sense. Adjective clauses always follow the noun or pronoun they 6 of 9

7 describe, and they are usually introduced by the relative pronouns who, whom, whose, that, and which, and sometimes by the adverbs when and where. This makes the adjective clause easy to spot in a sentence. Example: I lost the ring that my mother bought me. Can you identify the adjective clause in this sentence? It begins with the relative pronoun that, and it works in the sentence as an adjective by telling us which ring was lost. The adjective clause is: that my mother bought me. Now you try using adjective clauses: 1. Add an adjective clause to each of the following sentences to further describe the underlined noun. Make sure your adjective clause has a subject and a predicate. a. The building had 13 flights of stairs. b. The man helped our family move. c. Are these the children? Fundamentals of Writing 2 - Lesson 2 Assignments: When typing your assignments in Word, please make sure to use the MLA format. When you me your assignments, please make sure that the Subject line on your includes the class name (Fundamentals2), your name and the assignment number or numbers. Example: Subject: Fundamentals2- George-2A Or (if sending more than one): Subject: Fundamentals2-George-2B and 2C (and so on...) 2A. Here are your vocabulary words to learn this week: isolate, gallant, sullen, and enchanted. Please follow the steps that you learned in Lesson 1 (Part 1- Vocabulary) to complete this week s vocabulary assignment. Name your assignment the same as your subject line shown above. For example: Fundamentals2-George-2A.doc. this assignment to me as an attachment. Don t forget MLA format! 2B. This assignment will require that you review what you learned in this lesson on parts of speech, punctuation, purpose and audience, and paragraph writing. Please follow the directions below to complete this assignment. The purpose of this paragraph is to describe, and your audience will be your peers. Please type your work in a Word document and name it the same as your subject line shown above. For example: Fundamentals2-George-2B.doc. this assignment to me as an attachment. Don t forget MLA format! 7 of 9

8 Assignment Directions: You will be writing a paragraph that describes a castle to your audience. Start by following these steps: Step 1: Go to the class Lessons site and click on Go to Castle Resources. Select a castle from the list provided. Note the information provided, and view all of the photographs. Write down details about how the castle looks visually. Please note: I do not want a report. The only source for this assignment should be the website listed here (no other books or websites). Step 2: Write a topic sentence that shares the name of your castle and where it is located. Example: (Name of castle) is a (adjective) castle located in (where it is located). Topic Sentence: Step 3: Write your supporting sentences. Start by making a list of 8 details about your castle. You will then write a sentence for each detail making sure to use descriptive adjectives or adjective clauses (create great images!). Your sentences need to follow a logical order. Step 4: Write a closing sentence that shares a personal statement about what you thought about this castle. Closing Sentence: Step 5: Now you are ready to put all of your sentences into paragraph form. Make sure your sentences are in logical order. Step 6: Think of a creative title for your paragraph, and if you want, you can add a picture to your assignment. 8 of 9

9 2C. Please try out another one of the typing programs linked below. For your assignment, please send me an letting me know how you practiced your typing this week. The subject line will read as explained above. Example: Fundamentals2-George-2C. - Computer Circus offers typing and other computer related instruction. You do not have to have a login or password. - On the opening page, you will choose your level (easy, medium, or hard), and then on the next screen you can choose other preferences, such as difficulty level and number of letters. When I went to this website I noticed that kid ads pop-up occasionally, just skip past them if they do. - This has twelve stages of typing games through which you can progress as you gain skills in typing 9 of 9