Practice Timed Essays

 FIXING RUN-ONS

Check for run-on sentences:  When you write a timed essay, it is not uncommon to write run-on sentences. These sentences consist of two or more independent clauses that are not joined correctly. That is, they may be missing punctuation or transition words.

There are several ways to correct a run-on sentence.

•       Add punctuation

Run-on: Since there is a fee for each college application only apply to colleges that truly interest you.

Revision: Since there is a fee for each college application, only apply to colleges that truly interest you. 

 

•    Add transition words

Run-on: Most college applications are due in the fall some colleges have open admissions year-round.

Revision: Most college applications are due in the fall. However, some colleges have open admissions year-round.

 Revision: Most college applications are due in the fall, but some colleges have open admissions year-round.

•        Divide the run-on sentence into two or shorter sentences

Run-on: Applying to college requires a great deal of planning and organization because you have to read about and choose colleges, then you have to ask teachers for recommendations and write your essay and get your transcripts sent from your school.

Revision: Applying to college requires a great deal of planning and organization. First, you have to read about and choose colleges. Then you have to ask teachers for recommendations, write your essay and get your transcripts sent from your school.

Practice 14. Read the run-on sentences. Fix them according to the suggestion in parentheses. The first one is done for you.

• Any the time I work on my computer for more than three hours, my eyes get tired, my neck hurts, and my shoulders get tight; Usually, my mother has to remind me to take a break. (Divide into two sentences)

• Since we live in a large apartment building, I know a lot of other kids who are my age, and we can always find something to do. (Add punctuation)

• Sometimes I can’t answer the teacher’s question, although I know the answer. (Add transition).

• Members of varsity sports teams aren’t supposed to hold part-time jobs, but it’s not legal for the school district to forbid them. (Add punctuation).

• It’s not legal for the school district to forbid them to have jobs, so it’s like an unspoken rule (Add transition).

• Most of the crossword puzzles in this book are so long; so, that I can't solve them all at once. Therefore, I have to go back one, two, or even three times, to get all the words. (Add transition and punctuation. Divide into two sentences)