Mastering Sentence Structure: Learning Path

Mastering Sentence Structure: Learning Path

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PRE TEST

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01

Phase 1: Clause Structures

Learning Path Overview

02

Phase 2: Run-ons & Comma Splices

03

04

Phase 4: Practice & Mastery

05

DOL Assessment & Review

Phase 1: Understanding Basic Clauses

Independent Clauses

An independent clause has a subject and a verb, expressing a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. Example: 'The dog barked loudly.'

Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause also contains a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone. It starts with words like 'because' or 'although'. Example: 'Because it rained.'

Sentence Fragments

Fragments are incomplete sentences. A dependent clause without an independent clause is a fragment. Recognizing them is key to correcting writing.

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Phase 1: Practice Questions (Clauses)

Question 1

Which of the following is an independent clause? A) After the storm passed B) Because he was late C) She finished her homework D) Whenever we go

Phase 1 – Question 2 (Easy)

Question 2

Which of the following is a sentence fragment? A) The kids are outside. B) Playing in the yard. C) They laughed and ran. D) She jumped over the fence.

Phase 1 – Question 3 (Easy)

Question 3

Self Check

Answer

Check your score so far! Aim for 3/3 before moving on.

Which word often begins a dependent clause? A) However B) Because C) And D) Quickly

B) Because — it is a subordinating conjunction that starts a dependent clause.

Phase 1 – Question 4 (Medium)

Question 4

Self Check

Answer

Which sentence contains a dependent clause? A) The baby cried loudly. B) She likes pizza. C) Because he missed the bus, he was late. D) I enjoy sunny days.

C) Because he missed the bus, he was late — the first part is a dependent clause joined with an independent clause.

Mark your answer and update your score. Great job thinking critically!

Phase 1 – Question 5 (Medium)

Question 5

Self Check

Answer

Which of the following uses a subordinating conjunction? A) I ran fast, and I won. B) He likes tacos but not burritos. C) Although it was raining, we played soccer. D) She dances and sings well.

Did you select the right conjunction? Add your result to your tracker.

C) Although it was raining, we played soccer — 'Although' is a subordinating conjunction introducing a dependent clause.

Phase 1 – Question 6 (Medium)

Question 6

Self Check

Answer

Keep tracking! You’re more than halfway through this phase.

Which sentence contains a sentence fragment? A) He went to the store and bought snacks. B) Running through the field. C) I love weekends. D) The sun set behind the hills.

B) Running through the field — it's missing a subject and doesn’t express a full thought.

Phase 1 – Question 8 (Hard)

Question 8

Self Check

Answer

Write your answer and tally your score. Almost there!

Which revision correctly fixes the fragment: 'After he finished his homework.'? A) After he finished his homework. He went outside. B) He went outside. After he finished his homework. C) He went outside after he finished his homework. D) Finished his homework, he went outside.

C) He went outside after he finished his homework — this joins the dependent clause with an independent clause, fixing the fragment.

Phase 1 – Question 9 (Hard)

Question 9

Self Check

Answer

Think about structure! Record your answer and keep going.

Which sentence contains two independent clauses? A) Because I was tired, I took a nap. B) I took a nap and drank water. C) I was tired, I took a nap. D) While I was tired, I kept working.

C) I was tired, I took a nap — this has two independent clauses incorrectly joined with a comma (comma splice).

Phase 1 – Question 10 (Hard)

Question 10

Self Check

Answer

Final question! Add your total correct. If 8 or more, move to next phase. If not, complete extra practice.

Which revision corrects the sentence: 'He forgot his keys, he couldn’t get in.'? A) He forgot his keys and couldn’t get in. B) He forgot his keys; he couldn’t get in. C) Because he forgot his keys. He couldn’t get in. D) He forgot his keys. Because he couldn’t get in.

B) He forgot his keys; he couldn’t get in — this correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses.

Next

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TEST RESULT

TEST RESULT

Instructions

TEST RESULT

79%

80%

80%

OR MORE

LESS

OR MORE

Extra Practice – Question 1

Question 1

Which of the following is a complete sentence? A) Before the concert started. B) She practices piano daily. C) Running through the hallway. D) Because he stayed late.

Extra Practice – Question 2

Question 2

Self Check

Answer

Track progress in the extra practice set. Get all 5 correct to move on.

Which sentence correctly connects a dependent and independent clause? A) If I finish early. I’ll call you. B) I’ll call you. If I finish early. C) If I finish early, I’ll call you. D) I’ll call you, I finish early.

C) If I finish early, I’ll call you — this is correctly punctuated and combines both clauses properly.

Extra Practice – Question 3

Question 3

Self Check

Answer

You’re doing great! Keep tracking your correct answers.

Which revision corrects this sentence fragment: 'Because she was late.'? A) Because she was late. The meeting started. B) The meeting started. Because she was late. C) The meeting started because she was late. D) The meeting. Because she was late.

C) The meeting started because she was late — the dependent clause is joined correctly with an independent clause.

Extra Practice – Question 4

Question 4

Self Check

Answer

Almost done! One more question to complete the extra set.

Which of these is NOT a subordinating conjunction? A) Although B) Because C) And D) Unless

C) And — this is a coordinating conjunction, not subordinating.

Extra Practice Question 5

Question 5

Self Check

Answer

Choose the sentence that is NOT a fragment: A) After the bell rang. B) Walking through the hallway. C) They ran to class. D) While waiting for the bus.

Great job finishing extra practice! If still below 80%, go see Mr. Munoz.

C) They ran to class — it is a complete sentence with subject, verb, and complete thought.

Still scoring below 80% after extra questions?

MEET WITH MR. MUNOZ

It’s time to schedule a one-on-one review. Bring your quiz and practice answers so we can figure out where to improve together.

FINAL TEST

❗ Final Step if Not Passed

01

Phase 1: Clause Structures

Learning Path Overview

02

Phase 2: Run-ons and Comma Splices

03

04

Phase 4: Practice & Mastery

05

DOL Assessment & Review

Phase 2: Run-ons and Comma Splices

Run-on Sentences

These occur when two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation. Example: 'She loves ice cream he prefers cake.'

Comma Splices

Happens when two independent clauses are joined by a comma alone. Example: 'It’s cold, wear a jacket.' This creates an error.

Fixing the Errors

Use coordinating conjunctions, semicolons, or make two sentences. Each method corrects run-ons or comma splices properly.

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Phase 2: Run-ons and Comma Splices

What is a Run-on?

A run-on sentence joins two or more independent clauses without correct punctuation. Example: 'I love books I read every night.'

What is a Comma Splice?

A comma splice incorrectly joins two independent clauses with only a comma. Example: 'She sings well, she plays guitar too.'

How to Fix Them

Use a period, semicolon, coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS), or restructure with subordinating conjunctions to correct run-ons and comma splices.