Every sentence in the speech is correct, and together they sound like a drumbeat. The fix is joining them, and choosing the right word to join them with.
Not started yet.
Students will combine two short, related sentences into a compound sentence, using a comma and and, but or or, and into a complex sentence, using a subordinating conjunction such as because, when, although, until, before or since.
A compound sentence is two complete sentences joined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Both halves are equally important.
A complex sentence joins an independent clause, which could stand alone, to a subordinate clause, which starts with a subordinating conjunction and can't. The less important idea goes in the subordinate clause. When the subordinate clause comes first, a comma follows it.
Joining sentences that don't belong together. A compound sentence claims the two halves are related, so combining two unrelated ideas only makes a longer confusing sentence.
Forgetting the comma in a compound sentence, or leaving a subordinate clause on its own, which turns it straight back into the fragment from the last lesson.
Have the student read the choppy draft aloud and then the revised one. The difference is easier to hear than to see, and hearing it is the reason the lesson exists.
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Before You Start
The words this lesson uses. Tap a card to see what it means, then come back to them whenever a question uses one.
Part One
Questions about the story you just read. Pick your answer straight off, or press Find it in the story if you would rather hunt for the sentence first.
Part Two
The word cards are at the top of this page. Look back at them as often as you need, then answer.