Semester after semester when I see my students’ (particularly sophomores’) writing for the first time, I usually would rather be forced to walk barefooted over burning coals. I am sure that such torture would be less painful than having to endure reading less-than-spectacular run-on–filled dribble.
There are many ways to improve students' writing in regards to sentence structure sentence structure. Before a student can understand how to effectively manipulate sentence structure to improve their writing, they must realize how to separate sentences correctly.
Before introducing the ways to punctuate and combine sentences correctly, teachers may wish to introduce comma-splices and run-on sentences.
After introducing comma splices and run-ons to students, instruct them how to rectify these common writing errors.
There are four ways to separate sentences correctly:
1. Use a comma followed by one of the “FANBOYS.” The acronym “FANBOYS” stands for the commonly used coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Example: The boy fell down, and he scratched his knee.
2. Use a semicolon to separate two complete sentences that are related in some way.
Example: The boy fell down; he scratched his knee.
3. Use a semicolon, followed by a conjunctive adverb and a comma.
Commonly used conjunctive adverbs include nevertheless, instead, meanwhile, therefore, still also, as a result
Examples: I thought that I wanted to go to the mall; instead, I decided to go the movies with my friends.
4. Make two sentences or combine both sentences into one correctly written sentence.
Examples: I made a sandwich because I was hungry.
Feeling hungry, I made a sandwich.
I was feeling rather hungry this afternoon. I decided to make a sandwich.
NOTE: As language affcionados recognize, what we are actually discussing are independent clauses. I used the term sentences interchangeably to make the language more accessible to students.
I usually make students write ten sentences for each of the ways listed above. I also emphasize the point that I will not tolerate run-on sentences in their writing. I make
it very clear that three or more run-on sentences will result in the lowest passing grade—a score of 65. If you grant students leniency, they will take advantage of that point and meet minimal expectations. However, if you hold students to high expectations, they will rise up and meet the challenge.