10th Grade Literature Midterm Study Guide

1. Comma Splices/Run-On Sentences

Comma Splice:

  • A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction.

    • Example: I love ice cream, it's my favorite dessert. (Incorrect)

    • Correction: I love ice cream, and it's my favorite dessert. or I love ice cream; it's my favorite dessert.

Run-On Sentence:

  • A run-on occurs when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or a conjunction.

    • Example: She went to the store she forgot her wallet. (Incorrect)

    • Correction: She went to the store, but she forgot her wallet. or She went to the store. She forgot her wallet.

Key Strategies to Fix:

  • Use a period (.) to separate two independent clauses.

  • Use a semicolon (;) to connect related independent clauses.

  • Use a comma with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So).

Common Splice Practice Problems

Comma Splice Examples

  1. Incorrect: She loves reading, she reads every day.
    Correct: She loves reading, and she reads every day.

  2. Incorrect: He was late to class, he missed the quiz.
    Correct: He was late to class because he missed the quiz.

  3. Incorrect: I can’t go to the party, I have too much homework.
    Correct: I can’t go to the party because I have too much homework.

  4. Incorrect: The sun is shining, it's a perfect day for a picnic.
    Correct: The sun is shining; it's a perfect day for a picnic.

  5. Incorrect: We went hiking in the mountains, it was a great experience.
    Correct: We went hiking in the mountains, and it was a great experience.

  1. Incorrect: I love playing soccer I also enjoy watching basketball.
    Correct: I love playing soccer, and I also enjoy watching basketball.

  2. Incorrect: She baked a cake it tasted amazing.
    Correct: She baked a cake, and it tasted amazing.

  3. Incorrect: He studied hard he passed the exam with flying colors.
    Correct: He studied hard, so he passed the exam with flying colors.

  4. Incorrect: I want to visit the museum I don’t have time today.
    Correct: I want to visit the museum, but I don’t have time today.

  5. Incorrect: The dog ran outside it chased the ball down the street.
    Correct: The dog ran outside, and it chased the ball down the street.