Sentence and Paragraph Organization Flashcards

Which sentence is a run-on and needs correction?

Answer: She finished her homework, she went outside to play.

'She finished her homework, she went outside to play' is a comma splice (a type of run-on): two independent clauses joined only by a comma, without a coordinating conjunction.

Which sentence is a fragment?

Answer: Because the test was cancelled.

'Because the test was cancelled' is a dependent clause — it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it lacks an independent clause to complete the thought.

A student writes: 'Dogs make great pets. They are loyal and friendly. Also dogs are easy to train.' Which revision BEST improves the paragraph's flow?

Answer: Combine the sentences using transitions: 'Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, friendly, and easy to train.'

Combining the three choppy sentences into one using the conjunction 'because' and a list with proper transitions creates smoother, more cohesive writing.

Which transition word BEST shows a contrast between two ideas?

Answer: However

'However' signals a contrast or contradiction between two ideas, helping readers understand that the second idea differs from or limits the first.

A student writes a paragraph with five supporting details but no topic sentence. What revision should the paraprofessional suggest?

Answer: Add a topic sentence at the beginning that states the main idea the details support

A paragraph without a topic sentence lacks a controlling idea. Adding a topic sentence at the beginning tells readers what the paragraph is about and unifies the supporting details.

Which of the following is an example of correct parallel structure?

Answer: She likes swimming, running, and biking.

'Swimming, running, and biking' uses parallel gerund (-ing) forms consistently for all three items in the list — correct parallel structure.