In the space provided, write R-O beside run-on sentences. Write C beside sentences that are punctuated correctly. Some of the run-ons have no punctuation between the two complete thoughts; others have only a comma. Correct each run-on by using (l) a period and capital letter, (2) a comma plus a joining word, or (3) a semicolon. Do not use the same method of correction in each sentence.

Question

_____ 1. The can of mushroom soup must have spoiled, it was bulging at the top.
_____ 2. I respect my parents, I resent their attempts to choose a career for me.
_____ 3. The most popular language in the world is Chinese more than a billion people speak it.
_____ 4. I could tell the room had been dusted, for all the pictures were crooked.
_____ 5. George knew the answer to the last essay exam question he didn’t have enough time
to write his response.
_____ 6. We quickly closed the camper’s windows, but dozens of moths had managed to fly
in anyway.
_____ 7. The candy bar in my glove compartment had melted sticky chocolate sauce coated
my license and registration.
_____ 8. Erin sat on the park bench eating peanuts squirrels kept bouncing up to her for a
handout.
_____ 9. The fumes from the glossy enamel paint were giving Maria a headache she took a
break outside.
_____ 10. I know I won’t win the race tomorrow, I just want to be able to say I finished.

Answer 1

1. spoiled. It Or: spoiled, for it Or: spoiled; it
2. parents. I Or: parents, but I Or: parents; I
3. Chinese. More Or: Chinese; more
4. C
5. question. He Or: question, but he Or: question; he
6. C
7. melted. Sticky Or: melted, and sticky Or: melted; sticky
8. peanuts. Squirrels Or: peanuts; squirrels
9. headache. She Or: headache, so she Or: headache; she
10. tomorrow. I Or: tomorrow, but I Or: tomorrow; I