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Sentence Fragments

Sentence Fragments

Make sure you read all possible answers before you make a selection. In addition, make sure you study the feedback you get based on your answer. You will be told much more than simply whether you were right or wrong. Even if you get the answer right, be sure to read carefully the feedback you are given.

This activity contains 10 questions.

	Can you recognize which group of words is a fragment?   Although he sent in an application, he was not considered for the job. Regardless of her qualifications, which were extensive. He left. Find another position for which you are qualified.

	One of the following groups of words can be recognized as a fragment because it can’t be turned into a yes-or-no question. Which one is a fragment?   She will study Russian if she can get a loan to pay for her education. Never attempting to travel to exotic locations. Although she was exhausted, she completed her take-home test on time. The wind blew so hard that the tops of the stables were blown 10 miles from the storm.

	Which of the following is NOT required to make a group of words a complete sentence?   A subject A verb A subordinating word All of the above are required to make a complete sentence.

	Which is a recommended strategy for recognizing sentence fragments?   Look for the subject and a verb. Make the group of words a yes-or-no question. Look for subordinating words. All of these are recommended strategies.

	Which statement best explains why the strategy of “dropping a subordinating word” can solve some sentence fragments?   Because subordinating words are always verbs. Because subordination should be avoided in academic writing. Because, without the subordinating word, the remaining clause can function as a complete sentence. All of these are correct.

	Which best explains why the following group of words is a fragment? “Exhausted by the details of the extensive project.”   There is no verb present in this group of words. The word group is overly long. This word group is a verbal phrase, not a sentence. None of these offers a correct explanation.

	Which word group is an example of a “split predicate”?   Although the product seemed functional. It failed to work correctly. He was an absolutely beginner. However much he thought he understood the complex nature of love. She enjoyed listening to classical music. But soon tired of violin solos. None of these are split predicates.

	Which statement is true of “intentional fragments”?   You will frequently read them in magazines, reports, and advertising. Sometimes they are used in essays. They may lead the academic or professional reader to question your credibility. All of these are true.

	Two or more of the items below are recommended guidelines for the acceptable use of a “partial sentence.” Which one is not a recommended guideline?   Have a clear purpose in mind for using the partial sentence. Make sure readers will recognize your purpose and not see the partial sentence as a sloppy mistake. Avoid making it too obvious to readers what words are missing from the partial sentence. All of these are legitimate guidelines for the use of a partial sentence.

	What word can be taken out of “although he was convinced of his intense abilities” to make it a complete sentence?   “Although” “Intense” “Abilities” This group of words is already a complete sentence.

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