workshop session 5 run-ons key

8/14/2019 Workshop Session 5 Run-Ons Key

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English for Academic Studies (Workshop) Session 5: Run-ons

Semester 1, 2009/10 PolyU HKCC

Session 5: Run-ons

Part A: Diagnostic Test

Identify and underline the run-on sentences in the following passage. Then,

correct the sentence errors in the space between the lines.

Time is fair to everyone. No matter whether you are rich or poor, old or young, you

can only have 24 hours a day, the same for everyone in the world. When/ Even if you

need more time to do your work, you cannot just go to a store and purchase time like

any consumable goods. Once your days or opportunities have gone, you will never be

able to use money to buy them back. You may regret wasting your days during youth or

missing some valuable opportunities in the past; however, there is no way for you to

travel back to the past or go to the future to change your fate even if you are a billionaire.

There is nothing you can do about it. In addition, we will all die one day. It is a natural

course that everyone has to go through. Again, no tycoons can use money to buy more

time for their lives; no individuals can do anything either. In the ancient time of China,

many emperors tried very hard to find a way to prolong their lives. They sent soldiers to

go everywhere to search for such a medicine or ordered doctors to produce a desirableprescription. They would not give up any hope of finding a solution of this. However, no

matter how hard they tried, all their efforts proved to be futile.

Part B: Grammatical Sentences Review

Run-on Sentences

Fused sentences: Two sentences joined together as one without a properconjunction or punctuation.

Example: Girls like playing dolls boys like playing toy cars.

Correction: Girls like playing dolls; boys like playing to cars. (A period . can also

be used here for correction.)

Comma-splice:Two sentences joined together as one with only a comma.Example: It will rain soon, we better bring an umbrella.

Correction: It will rain soon, so we better bring an umbrella. (A coordinating

conjunction so is used for correction.)

Correction: As it will rain soon, we better bring an umbrella. (A subordinating


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conjunction as is used for correction.)

Combining Sentences

Compound Sentences:A compound sentence structure shows that two thoughtsare of equal importance and connected by linking words (coordinating conjunctions)

like for, and, nor, or, but, yet, so.

Example:He likes to eat, but he never gains weight.

Complex Sentences:A complex sentence has an independent clause and adependent clause joined by a subordinating conjunction like because, if, when, before,

after, although.

Example: When she finished her homework, she turned on the TV.

Example: As its raining, we had better stay at home.

Clauses in

the sentence

Connected by Importance of

thoughts for

clauses

Simple sentences 1 N/A N/A

Complex sentences 2 (or more) Coordinating conjunctions

(for, and, nor but, or, yet,

so)

Equally important

Complex sentences 2 (or more) Subordinating conjunctions

(because, when, after,

before, although)

The independent

clause is more

important

Part C: Concept Boosting Exercises

Exercise C1:Identify and underline the run-on sentences in the following passage.

Then, correct the sentence errors in the space between the lines.

Environmental issues began to make headlines in the last decade as people have

become aware of the negative effects caused by technological advancements. Although

most people are no longer ignorant of the need to protect the environment, only a few are

actually prepared to do something about it. The current plight of our earth is an

accumulation of negligence by our past generations. We now all have the responsibility to

protect the planet. For example, we can hold exhibitions to alert the public of the

seriousness of the environmental problems. Also, we should take actions by ourselves.


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In Hong Kong, many people like to use air conditioners in summer. This can

certainly bring us coolness and comfort in hot summer days. However,

non-discriminatory use of air conditioners is part of the causes for global warming. We

should be more responsible and use air conditioners only when necessary. Also, we can

bring our own plastic bags when shopping. Since plastic is a not a biodegradable material,

we should reduce its use as much as possible.

Exercise C2: Identify and underline the sentence fragments and run-ons in the

following passage. Then, correct the sentence errors in the space between the lines.

Some people say legalizing soccer betting can lead to many social problems. What

do you think? (Run-on) Although we may easily find such reports in newspapers, it does

not give us a full picture of the whole issue. I think legalizing gambling not only benefits

the society (Run-on), but it is also good for us (Missing-subject fragment). To begin with,

the tax revenue generated from legal soccer betting can bring more funds for social

organisations. Also, due to increased income from this new source, Hong Kong Jockey

Club can donate more money to enhance the development of our community. More

money will be available for developing social welfare, medical care, education and other

social services (Run-on).For example, we can use the donation to build more schools and

develop new medical technology (Added-detail fragment).

Besides enhancing the social welfare (ing fragment), legalizing gambling can help

reduce crime rate. Since soccer betting is so popular now, people will just turn to illegal

gambling if Hong Kong Jockey Club does not accept their betting (Run-on). Illegal

gambling will lead to many criminal activities such as money laundry and loan sharks

(Added-detail fragment). It will also provide a significant source of income to triad

societies for them to expand. Therefore, we should legalize soccer betting to eliminate all

such illegal activities and help protect our citizens (Run-on).

Exercise C3: Reflect on your own English writing experience. Did you often write

sentence fragments and run-ons in the past? What were the most common types of

fragments you wrote before, phrases or dependable clauses? What were the most

common types of run-on sentences you wrote before, fused sentences or comma

splices? Give examples of TWO fragments and TWO run-on sentences and correct

the mistakes.

Answers may vary.

workshop session 5 run-ons key

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