BACKGROUND

What is a sentence? To address that question, you need to know how a sentence works.

That is, you must understand what constitutes a complete thought.

The following sentences are not complete; consequently, they are not "really" sentences.

They are incomplete thoughts: fragments. Hence, a fragment of a thought!

l. Because the fish are running

2. Although Fred was prepared

3. Since the birds flew away

4. While you were sleeping

5. After the rainbow dissolved

6. Until the monkeys return to their cages

7. If Uncle Ted lost all his money at Resorts

8. Whereas Aunt Sally controls the estate

9. As long as John does his share of the work

l0. Unless Joe leads the way
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The underlined words are subordinating conjunctions, words that introduce subordinate

(dependent) clauses. Obviously, a subordinate clause can’t stand on its own, for the ten

"items" above sound very incomplete. Always sound out a thought. You have to hear

something. But the more apparent clue that makes the ten "thoughts" above incomplete

is that they are introduced by the already referred to subordinate conjunctions. Other

subordinate conjunctions are as, as if, as though, before, even if, even though, so that,

that, though, when, whenever, where, wherever, and whether.

Learn—memorize—all of the subordinating conjunctions, and you will be "ahead of

the game." What do you have to lose?
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Exercise one. Underline the subordinate conjunctions in the following sentences.

l. Although its initial purpose was to serve Congress, the Library of Congress is now

open to all Americans.

2. In fact, trapping, hunting and other wolf-control measures remained in effect in

Minnesota through the l960s until the wolf was put on the endangered list.

3. Even though it is a symbol of wilderness, most wolves in Minnesota are not

living in pristine wilderness.

4. If the Democrats are elected, Senator Lieberman said he would follow Gore’s

decisions.

5. After he ran away from home at eleven, W.C. Fields worked as a juggler in

vaudeville.

6. Eleanor Roosevelt withdrew her membership from the Daughters of the

American Revolution (DAR) because she objected to the DAR’s discriminatory

practices.

7. Since the mayor went on vacation, township business has come to a standstill.

8. John Winder declined to execute these sentences until they had been approved

at Richmond.

9. At nine o’clock in the morning, when he would ordinarily have been holding roll

call, Wirz called the detachment sergeants to his headquarters.

l0. Even if Jill brings the money for the food, I won’t accept it from her because of

her hostile attitude.

NOW SOUND OUT THE SUBORDINATE CLAUSES! LISTEN TO THEM.
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Conjunctive adverbs are frequently confused with subordinating conjunctions.

The function, however, of a conjunctive adverb is different than the function of a

subordinate conjunction. The latter connects a dependent clause to an independent

clause. On the other hand, the conjunctive adverb connects ideas in independent clauses

or sentences. Consequently, the conjunctive adverb can be "moved around" in a

sentence, whereas the subordinate conjunction is restricted to certain spots in the

sentence. Examine one of the commonly used conjunctive adverbs—however.

a-The football game, however, will not start on time.

b-The football game will not start on time, however.

c-However, the football game will not start on time.

Common conjunctive adverbs are listed below:

accordingly, also, besides, consequently, finally, further, furthermore, hence, however,

incidentally, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next,

nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, still, then, therefore, and thus. Familiarize yourself with

them.
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Exercise two. Underline the conjunctive adverbs in the following sentences.

l. Finally, the company responded to the many complaints about the safety of its

product.

2. Still, "Who else is he going to fight to make money?" Holyfield asked.

3. Sally, moreover, will be the power forward on the team because of her superior

strength.

We have now developed an acquaintance with the conjunctive adverb. The five

sentences below demonstrate the incorrect use of the conjunctive adverb.

l. Sally is a starting forward on the Central Regional High School basketball team,

however, she is not a good offensive rebounder.

2. Corporate mergers are often like marriages, however, some unfriendly ones are

more like abductions.

3. The New York Yankees raid players from weaker teams, thus, they damage

competition in the American League.

4. John bought hot dogs and rat poison at the Grand Union Route 37, also he bought

mustard and onions for the hot dogs.

5. The remote fishing lodge has no heat or electricity, nevertheless, it is a popular

vacation spot.
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The five sentences are nasty comma splices. That is, two independent clauses have

been joined incorrectly with a comma. It might appear as if the conjunctive adverb

serves as the link between the two independent clauses. WRONG! WRONG!

WRONG! As already noted, the conjunctive adverb is not a conjunction. By learning

the difference between a conjunctive adverb and a subordinating conjunction, one can

stay ahead of the "game": the "game" of writing correct sentences.

Comma splices can be corrected in three different ways:

(l) employ a semicolon;

(2) subordinate one clause;

(3) deploy a coordinating conjunction.

Hence, the sentence—"The remote fishing lodge has no heat or electricity,

nevertheless, it is a popular vacation spot"—can be corrected in three different ways. (A

fourth option, dividing the thought into two separate sentences, is not appealing because

the language demands that related thoughts be brought together into longer sentences.

SHORT SENTENCES SHOULD BE USED AS TRANSITION DEVICES OR FOR

EMPHASIS.)

a-The remote fishing lodge has no heat or electricity; nevertheless, it is a popular

vacation spot. (A semicolon has connected the two independent clauses.)

b-Even though the fishing lodge has no heat or electricity, it is a popular vacation spot.

A subordinating conjunction connects the two clauses. But the use of a subordinating

conjunction means that one clause has become a dependent one.)

c-The fishing lodge has no heat or electricity but it is a popular vacation spot. (A

coordinating conjunction links the two independent clauses.)

One must point out again that connecting the two clauses with a mere comma is

incorrect.
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Exercise three. Correct the five numbered sentences on above, and do it by

employing all three of the corrections used with the "fishing lodge" sentence. Even

though that sentence has been corrected above, write out the three corrections, "Just for

the fun of it." One way to learn this "stuff" is by rote.
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The seven coordinating conjunctions are and, but, yet, for, so, or, and nor.

Their functions are as follows:

and ------------------Additional information

but, yet ----------------Contrasts or opposites

for, so ------------------Causes or effects

or, nor -----------------Choices or options

Seven sample sentences that use coordinating conjunctions—

l. The three wild dogs were caught, and their owners were required to pay fines.

2. Fares on major airlines are increasing, yet discount airlines are struggling to

survive.

3. They were not very good letters but they were on exclusive hotel stationery.

Incidentally, one can start a sentence with but. Observe this sentence from Ernest

Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises. "But he had that look of eager, deserving

expectation."

4. "Richard thinks he has emerged from a barbecue at the far end of the dead-end

street, for barbecue aroma secretes the neighborhood on this bright Sunday afternoon."

(From William R. Kanouse’s published short story, "When the Mouse Fell off the

Roof.")

5. "Of course I want to impress the opossum, so I blow smoke toward the tree."

(From William R. Kanouse’s published short story, "Popcorn Fever.")

6. The Canadian Maritime Provinces may go their separate ways, or they may

become part of the United States.

7. "There was no word from Robert Cohn nor from Brett and Mike." (From

Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises.)

NOTE! NOTE! NOTE! Coordinating conjunctions are also used to join nouns and

clauses. For instance, "Tom and Jerry are fun characters." The coordinating conjunction

and joins the two proper nouns, Tom and Jerry.
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Exercise four. Correct the ten sentences below by employing a coordinating

conjunction in each sentence. The sentences are all those nasty comma splices. Before

you start, define in a complete sentence the nature of a comma splice.

l. Monkeys are found in zoos, rats are found in sewers.

2. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is not being brought into question, it has

racially demeaning dialect.

3. Canada is a huge country rich in natural resources, its economy, however, is

inferior to that of the United States.

4. Caesar was winning battles, Rome itself was the scene of disorder and violence.

5. Americans, as a whole, have little knowledge of Canadian history, nevertheless,

most Canadians are fascinated by the American saga.

6. "I had ceased to be a writer of tolerably poor tales and essays, had become a

tolerably good Surveyor of the Customs." (From Nathaniel Hawthorne’s l850

American classic, The Scarlet Letter. A conjunction has been deliberately left out

of the sentence.)

7. Over the next four decades, American cars got progressively bigger, European cars

remained comparatively small.

8. Eventually Canada will splinter into a number of independent entities,

the Maritime Provinces, then, will petition to become part of the United States.

9. Tractor-trailers represent a danger on the highway, sparrows do not.

l0. America has one official language (English), Canada has two (English and French).

How many of the above sentences can be corrected with the semicolon?
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CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS

Correlative Conjunctions work in pairs and help establish emphasis. Words, phrases, or

clauses connected by correlative conjunctions must be written in parallel (balanced) form.

The following are the correlative conjunctions:

both ... and

either ... or

neither ... nor

not only ... but also
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Examples:

Both Mobil and Exxon subsidize programs for the Public Broadcasting Service.

Many programs are seen not only on PBS but also on the BBC, England’s public

television network.

The concept of PARALLELISM mandates that ideas of equal importance be expressed

in similar ways or that words or phrases used together in similar ways appear in identical

grammatical forms: nouns with other nouns, verbs with other verbs of the same tense,

and so on.

Either the jury will reach a verdict tonight, or they will recess until Monday morning.

Neither the teachers nor the school board was satisfied with the settlement.

Note: Neither ... nor takes a singular verb. Frequently, the preposition to is employed

to form a parallel construction.

To have ideals is important, but to live them is even more important.
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FIVE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE

ON THE SENTENCE SENSE TEST

l. Identify the problem in the sentence before proceeding to correct it. If you can’t

identify a problem, then perhaps the sentence is correct as written. A trick question!

2. Isolate the subject of the sentence. Keep in mind that the subject is the anchor of the

sentence. After identifying the subject, connect it to its verb. If the subject/verb

nexus seems hazy, then perhaps the "problem" within the sentence is in that area.

3. Silently and slowly articulate the sentence to yourself. One needs to hear the

sentence.

4. What are the little words doing in the sentence? If they appear to be entangled, then

the "problem" with the sentence might be in that area.

5. Call home for help!
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DIRECTIONS: In the following questions, you are going to be asked to rewrite sentences in your mind. You will be told exactly how to begin your new sentence. Keep in mind that your new sentence should be well written and should be well written and should have the same meaning.

EXAMPLE

Being a female jockey, she was often interviewed.

Rewrite, beginning with

She was often interviewed...

The next words will be

a. on account of she was

b. by her being

c. because she was (correct)

d. being as she was
 
 

l. The advice of parents, no matter how wise, is too often ignored by adolescents seeking the acceptance and the approval of their peers.

Rewrite beginning with

Ignoring the wise advice of parents...

The next words will be

a. because adolescents seek

b. adolescents seeking

c. is seeking

d. adolescents seek

2. Because of Susan’s repeated refusals to turn in assigned work, the instructor was obligated to fail her.

Rewrite beginning with

Susan’s repeated refusals to turn in assigned work...

a. obligated the instructor

b. the instructor was obligated

c. obligating the instructor

d. caused the instructor the obligation

3. Acknowledging the cheers of the crowd, the matador removed his hat and bowed slowly with all the grace and poise of a ballet dancer.

Rewrite beginning with

The removal of his hat and the slow bow...

a. acknowledged the matador

b. as acknowledging by the matador

c. were an acknowledgement by the matador

d. were acknowledging the matador

4. Engineers often tackle complex problems which require a very sophisticated understanding of mathematics and physics.

Rewrite beginning with

A sophisticated understanding of mathematics and physics...

a. requires engineers

b. engineers are required

c. requiring engineers

d. is required by engineers

5. Experiencing the joys and sorrows of parenthood provides a husband and wife with a deeper understanding of marriage.

Rewrite beginning with

Husbands and wives who experience the joys and sorrows of parenthood...

a. are provided a deeper

b. provides a deeper

c. provides them a deeper

d. providing them a deeper

6. A job applicant can enhance his or her chances for success by dressing appropriately for each interview

Rewrite beginning with

To enhance the chances for success...

a. by dressing appropriately a job applicant

b. a job applicant’s appropriate dress

c. a job applicant should dress

d. dressing appropriately

7. Because of Maria’s adamant demand that he never again darken her door with his odious presence, Marvin was forced, at last, to admit that the romance was over.

Rewrite beginning with

Adamantly demanding that his odious presence never again darken her door...

a. Maria forced Marvin

b. forced Marvin

c. forcing Marvin

d. Marvin was forced

8. The mild weather of the first week allowed the voyage to progress smoothly, but both the captain and crew were well aware of the dangers of complacency on that broad and restless ocean.

Rewrite beginning with

Although the voyage had been smooth and the weather mild on that broad and restless ocean...

a. which both the captain and the crew were well aware of

b. being well aware of the dangers, the captain

c. but the captain and crew knew

d. the captain and crew were well aware

9. Unless we do something to reverse the state’s decision, construction will soon begin on the controversial new expressway.

Rewrite beginning with

Only by reversing the state’s decision...

a. we can prevent

b. can we prevent

c. it can prevent

d. can prevent

l0. To compete in a marathon requires months of rigorous training and physical conditioning which few of us are willing to endure.

Rewrite beginning with

Few of us are willing...

a. to compete in a marathon

b. to require and to endure months

c. the rigorous training

d. to endure the rigorous training

ll. A number of significant issues must be resolved before a new contract can be ratified.

Ratification of a new contract...

a. can only occur

b. can be resolved

c. it will occur once

d. will help to resolve

l2. Quebec, one of the oldest cities in the New World, was also the first permanent settlement in Canada.

Rewrite beginning with

Not only is Quebec one of the oldest cities in the New World...

a. that is because it was

b. and it was

c. but also it was

d. so it was

l3. Because Jim had seriously miscalculated the amount of money he owed to the IRS, he was forced to declare bankruptcy and liquidate his assets.

Rewrite beginning with

Jim would not have declared bankruptcy nor liquidated his assets...

a. for he

b. since he

c. because he

d. if he

l4. Last year, Mr. Brown asked, "Where does your mother live?"

Rewrite beginning with

Last year, Mr. Brown asked me...

a. where does your mother live

b. where does my mother live

c. where my mother lived

d. where did my mother live
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SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS

PART #2 SENTENCE STRUCTURE

This test measures your knowledge of sentence structure—of the ways parts of a sentence are put together and of what makes a sentence complete and clear.

Directions: Select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. If you think the original sentence is best, choose (A).

EXAMPLE

Ms. Rose planning to teach a course in biology

next summer.

a. correct

b. are planning

c. with a plan

d. plans (Answer "d" is correct)

l. Most chefs will tell you that the keys to a fine meal are fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and it should be presented dramatically.

a. correct

b. and presenting it dramatically

c. and a dramatic presentation

d. and a presentation which is dramatic

2. Despite the fact that my mother and her beloved sister both loved to shop in the city, she seldom was willing to undertake the hour journey there.

a. correct

b. she was seldom willing or undertaking

c. seldom was she willing to undertake

d. seldom was mother willing to undertake

3. The Empire State Building, a towering edifice to man’s ability to change the world, which seemed at that moment to reach almost to heaven itself.

a. correct

b. world, seemed

c. world, was seeming

d. world, and seeming

4. The prerequisites for a military commander are clear-headedness under fire, equal measures of bravery and caution, and he should be deeply concerned for his soldiers’ welfare.

a. correct

b. if he is deeply concerned for his soldiers’ welfare

c. and a deep concern for his soldiers’ welfare

d. and so he is deeply concerned for their soldiers’ welfare

5. Playing the scales for a minimum of an hour each day, a habit practiced by every great pianist and which is essential to a mastery of technique.

a. correct

b. pianist, it is

c. pianist, being that it is

d. pianist, is

6. The explorer traveled extensively on the Arabian peninsula and even more so in East Africa, which he still considers to be the most intriguing region of the world.

a. correct

b. and he still considers it to be

c. which he still considers it to be

d. that he still considers to be

7. Ignoring the boos of the crowd, the match was won by the angry Swede.

a. correct

b. the angry Swede won the match

c. nevertheless the match was won by the angry Swede

d. then the angry Swede won the match

8. In order to understand their causes, hurricanes have been carefully studied by scientists.

a. correct

b. the study of hurricanes has been careful by scientists

c. hurricanes are being carefully studied by scientists

d. scientists have carefully studied hurricanes

9. He knew that the land investment offered more risk than if he bought blue chip stocks.

a. correct

b. blue chip stocks

c. buying blue chip stocks

d. had he bought blue chip stocks

l0. There are many excellent junior college in this state, one of them is located in a nearby city.

a. correct

b. state, and none of them

c. state, one of which

d. state, one of them it

ll. Because of all of the hate mail the politician had received, he decided to cancel his scheduled speech.

a. correct

b. received, this caused him to cancel

c. received, it caused him to cancel

d. so he decided

l2. Whatever goal a person has in this life, it requires hard work and dedication in order to achieve it.

a. correct

b. life, requires hard work

c. life, and it requires hard work

d. life being it requires hard work

l3. The stern teacher insisted that every student is seated when the bell rang.

a. correct

b. every student was seated

c. every student is sitting

d. every be seated

l4. If it weren’t raining, we could go to the beach.

a. correct

b. it wasn’t raining

c. it hasn’t been raining

d. it rains

l5. Even though he managed to find his way to safety, still he knew he should never have tried to explore the jungle alone.

a. correct

b. safety, but he knew

c. safety, he knew

d. safety, knowing still
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END OF SENTENCE SENSE REVIEW

ANSWERS FOR THE TWO SAMPLE TESTS

Sample Test Part #l
 

l. (d)		6. (c)		ll. (a)
2. (a)		7. (a)		l2. (c)
3. (c)		8. (d)		l3. (d)
4. (d)		9. (b)		l4. (c)
5. (a)		l0. (d)

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Sample Test Part #2
 

l. (c)		6. (a)		ll. (a)
2. (d)		7. (b)		l2. (b)
3. (b)		8. (d)		l3. (d)
4. (c)		9. (b)		l4. (a)
5. (d)		10. (c)		15. (c)

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The Essay Section of the NJBST requires you to write a structured essay on an assigned topic. You will be given 20 minutes to complete the assignment. Let's begin by looking at the structural skeleton of an essay. This will help you understand what makes an effective essay and how it is evaluated.

There are three main structural elements within an essay.

1. INTRODUCTIONS
2. BODY (Supporting Paragraphs)
3. CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION

In the introductory paragraph, a writer clearly states what the major idea of the entire essay is. This idea is called the THESIS and is expressed in the THESIS SENTENCE. Good writers will often introduce this idea gradually by first drawing the reader's attention to the general topic and then progressing to the specific thesis. Look at the example below an notice the introductory sentences which lead to the underlined thesis sentence.

After the War of 1812, America experienced a new sense of itself. It was an era of promise, enthusiasm and unlimited opportunity for those willing to accept and able to overcome the challenges and hardships of the frontier. No one better exemplifies the indomitable spirit and character of that time than Andrew Jackson.
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WHAT MAKES A GOOD THESIS SENTENCE

Remember! The three main purposes of writing are to inform, to persuade and to entertain. If you develop a strong thesis sentence, it will be much easier to accomplish one or all of the purposes just mentioned. A weak thesis will make your job even harder.

Think before you write! Read carefully the discussion and the topic you are assigned. Since your thesis sentence will control all of your discussion, clearly determine in your own mind what it is you want to say. Remember the purposes.
 

INFORM	Express a new idea or opinion. Provide factual information and explanations which help the reader to better understand a subject or complex issue
PERSUADE	Take a strong stance on a controversial issue. Be prepared to support your argument with convincing logic and reasoning.
ENTERTAIN	Be creative. Approach the subject from a unique viewpoint. Be prepared to employ descriptive details taken from sensory data.

Whatever purpose is chosen, make sure that the thesis sentence is clear, focused and specific.
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BODY PARAGRAPHS/SUPPORTING YOUR THESIS (MAJOR IDEA)

The thesis of an essay must be strongly supported. We do this by developing supporting paragraphs which form what is called the body of the essay. Each supporting paragraph is carefully organized around one main idea. That idea is expressed in the topic sentence. This topic or main idea is supported by organized explanations, examples and details.

ORGANIZING YOUR MAIN IDEA IS ESSENTIAL!

You have to make certain decisions. Decide what the two or three main ideas are which strongly support your thesis. Each idea can be the focus of a paragraph. Organize these main ideas by deciding which idea should be discussed first, which second and which third.

How are main ideas organized --- LOGICALLY

There is no single correct way to organize information. The method used depends upon the material and ideas being organized. At this point in organizing your ideas, use your common sense in deciding the most appropriate order for discussing the main ideas.

ORGANIZING IDEAS WITHIN EACH PARAGRAPH IS ESSENTIAL!

Begin each supporting paragraph with a topic sentence which clearly expresses what the main idea of that paragraph is. Once the topic is stated, it must be supported with explanations, examples, and details. Again, this information must be logically organized. Let's look at some common methods of organization.

Chronological order: Ideas are organized by time. What happened first, second, and third?

Process: Ideas are expressed in a step by step approach. What has to be done first, next and last? The writer must decide which steps to include and which to exclude by deciding what the audience knows and does not know. Extra attention is paid to those steps within the process which require extra care.

Order of Importance: This method can be employed in two distinct ways. We can begin by discussing what is most important and progress to what is least important. Or we can reverse the process and begin with the least important and progress to the most important.

Compare and Contrast: This approach requires examining two separate subjects. Begin by looking carefully at the similarities which they share, and then discuss the ways in which they differ. Your discussion should then focus on the most important differences. Discuss the significance of those differences and how they relate to your thesis.

Classification: When discussing a large number of items, it can be helpful to divide them into groups or classes. The items within each group or class must share common traits or characteristics.

Cause and Effect: A problem is examined by first looking at certain key causes and then viewing the effects which they produce. Be careful of the difference between necessary and sufficient conditions when discussing causes. "Bob flew to Paris for a vacation." A necessary condition is having the money to buy the ticket. The sufficient conditions are having the money, having the time and having the desire to go there.

Argumentation: One side of an argument or controversy is supported. The viewpoint is clearly expressed and the reasons support it are carefully explained. The main ideas which support the opposing view are attacked. Cold clear logic and reasoning are essential. Avoid fallacies and sloppy thinking.

These are simply a few of the many ways that ideas can be organized. The one you choose depends upon the ideas you with to express. Be logical.
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UNITY AND COHERENCE

Good writing is unified and coherent. An essay has unity when all of the ideas within it are focused towards the thesis sentence and help to support it. Ideas which are essential to the support of the thesis sentence must be included. Ideas which do not support the thesis should be omitted.

Coherence allows the reader to understand each idea and its relationship to other ideas; it allows the reader to move easily from one thought to the next without confusion or uncertainty. Use transitional words and phrases to link ideas within and between sentences.

VARIETY

A key element in good writing is the ability to employ a variety of sentence structures and types. This can be done by varying the length and the complexity of sentences. A coherent and lively blend of simple, compound, and complex sentences can enhance the reader's interest and develop effective pacing. Most importantly, it will indicate to those who evaluate your essay that you possess a feeling for language and that you can effectively control and manipulate it.

WORD CHOICE

Choose your words carefully. Avoid needless repetition, slang and cliched expressions.
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CONCLUSION

In the concluding paragraph we draw our ideas together into a synthesis or summary. We do this by calling attention again to our main ideas and showing how they provide evidence and support for the thesis sentence. The thesis sentence is restate directly, in paraphrase or with slightly different wording. Several sentences usually follow the restatement of the thesis and bring the discussion to a close.
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PROOFREADING

It is essential to save a few minutes towards the end of the examination for proofreading.

CHECK: SPELLING, CAPITALIZATION AND PUNCTUATION

AVOID OR CORRECT THESE COMMON GRAMMAR ERRORS:

1. SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT: The subject of a sentence is either singular or plural. The main verb must agree with the subject. Notice the examples:

 
"The mountains in Montana are ruggedly majestic."

"The price of crude oil on world markets has decreased."

2. FRAGMENTS: A fragment is an incomplete sentence. It lacks either a subject or a main verb, or it fails to express a complete idea. Notice the fragments below and how they are easily corrected.

Fragment: "Whenever she has the time and energy to help the poor."

Complete idea: "Whenever she has the time and energy to help the poor, she does."

Fragment: "Because of his low grade on the final."

Complete idea: "Because of his low grade on the final, he failed."

3. COMMA SPLICES: We must be careful when we join structural elements inside a sentence. There are specific rules governing how specific elements can be joined. The most common error in joining elements is called a "comma splice." Let's begin by looking at two simple sentences.

"Bob has a great passion for tennis."

"He can be found at the courts every evening."

Each of these simple sentences has a subject and verb and expresses a complete idea. If we were to join them together to form one sentence, they would each be called an "independent clause" within the new sentence. A clause is a group of words inside a sentence which contains a subject and a verb. An independent clause expresses a complete idea and can be written as a simple sentence.

DON'T JOIN INDEPENDENT CLAUSES WITH A COMMA!

THAT IS CALLED A COMMA SPLICE!

Incorrect: "Bob has a great passion for tennis, he can be found at the courts every evening."

Correct options:

Comma plus conjunction - "Bob has a great passion for tennis, so he can be found at the courts every evening."

Semicolon plus conjunctive adverb - "Bob has a passion for tennis; consequently, he can be found at the courts every evening."

Semicolon - (the semicolon can be used alone, but only when the relationship between the two ideas is quite clear.)

"Bob has a great passion for tennis; he can be found at the courts every evening."

4. RUN-ON SENTENCES: This mistake occurs when a sentence contains two or more independent clauses (complete ideas) and the writer fails to separate these clauses in an appropriate way. One idea runs into the next. Notice the example below.

There are several easy solutions. The two clauses can become separate sentences by placing a period between them and capitalizing the first letter of each. Or we can employ on of the methods described for remedying "comma splices." Remember, we can't join independent clauses with just a comma.
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2. Read carefully the assigned topic and discussion. Be sure that you clearly understand what it is that you are being asked to write about. Decide what you want to say before you start to write.

3. Develop a clear and specific thesis sentence which directly focuses upon the assigned topic.

4. Decide which main ideas will strongly support your thesis. Logically organize these ideas in the sequence they will be discussed. Support these ideas with explanations, examples and details.

5. Use transitional words and phrases to link ideas, sentences and paragraphs.

6. Use a variety of sentence types and sentence structures within your writing. This will enhance the reader's interest and demonstrate your control over language.

7. Choose your words carefully. Avoid the use of slang and cliches.

8. In you concluding paragraph draw your main ideas together into a synthesis or summary which shows how they directly support your thesis. Restate or paraphrase your thesis sentence for emphasis.

9. Save some time at the end of the examination to proofread your essay. Be especially careful to avoid or correct the common errors discussed in this handout.

10. If you sincerely wish to improve your writing, practice the steps outlined above by writing practice essays. Reproduce the test conditions by allowing yourself only 20 minutes to complete the essay.