Workshop Session 5 Run-ons Key

English for Academic Studies (Workshop) Semester 1, 2009/10

Session 5: Run-ons ©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 desirable prescription. 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 proper conjunction 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

English for Academic Studies (Workshop) Semester 1, 2009/10

Session 5: Run-ons ©PolyU HKCC

conjunction “as” is used for correction.) Combining Sentences
Compound Sentences: A compound sentence structure shows that two thoughts are 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 a dependent 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 it’s raining, we had better stay at home. Clauses in Connected by the sentence

Complex sentences

1 2 (or more)

Complex sentences

2 (or more)

Simple sentences

Importance of thoughts for clauses

N/A N/A Coordinating conjunctions Equally important (for, and, nor but, or, yet, so) Subordinating conjunctions The independent (because, when, after, clause is more before, although) 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.

English for Academic Studies (Workshop) Semester 1, 2009/10

Session 5: Run-ons ©PolyU HKCC

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.