Instructions: Identify fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices in the following sentences; if there is no error, choose the "no error" option. After you identify the error, fix it by writing a complete sentence (in the case of fragments) or a sentence that is joined correctly (in the cases of run-ons and comma splices). There is more than one way to fix most sentences.

Question 1:

Carpal tunnel syndrome has many causes, the most common cause is repetitive wrist movements.
a) no error
b) run-on
c) comma splice
d) fragment

Question 2:

In more traditional cultures, the elderly are often highly regarded. While in American culture, young people tend to consider the elderly conservative and closed off from society.
a) fragment
b) run-on
c) comma splice
d) no error

Question 3:

The tobacco in cigarettes is not the only problem, they contain many dangerous chemicals as well.
a) no error
b) run-on
c) fragment
d) comma splice

Question 4:

Poor diet and obesity are becoming prevalent in society, therefore, people are beginning to accept them and may not even see them as the major problems they are.
a) comma splice
b) run-on
c) no error
d) fragment

Question 5:

One of the most tragic events of the twentieth century. The detonation of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima.
a) comma splice
b) fragment
c) run-on
d) no error

Question 6:

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are the last frontier in escape gaming they take you into another world.
a) no error
b) comma splice
c) fragment
d) run-on

Question 7:

Podcasts are current and appear automatically, thus they can be enjoyed anywhere at any time.
a) comma splice
b) no error
c) fragment
d) run-on

Question 8:

Many factors contribute to poverty. Including geographic factors, disease, and lack of education or health care. As well as lack of employment due to problems such as substance abuse or depression.
a) comma splice
b) no error
c) run-on
d) fragment

Question 9:

The correlation between crop output and bee pollination is thought to be a close one, consequently, colony collapse disorder is more prominent than it used to be.
a) run-on
b) fragment
c) comma splice
d) no error

Question 10:

A consequence of famine is that every 3.6 seconds a person dies from starvation, usually it is a child who is less than five years old.
a) no error
b) run-on
c) comma splice
d) fragment

Question 11:

Children under eight years old cannot usually comprehend that commercials are selling a product. Whereas, those under six may not even be able to distinguish a commercial from a TV program.
a) run-on
b) no error
c) fragment
d) comma splice

Question 12:

The amount of air pollution has drastically increased since the Industrial Revolution, as a result, the death rate from heart attacks and the number of asthma sufferers have also escalated.
a) comma splice
b) no error
c) fragment
d) run-on

Question 13:

Improvements in technology have enhanced the redirection of water flow, allowing for the reinforcement of river banks.
a) comma splice
b) fragment
c) run-on
d) no error

Question 14:

The relationship between adolescent boys and girls affects nearly everything in their lives. From clothing choices to the perception of their own intelligence.
a) no error
b) fragment
c) comma splice
d) run-on

Question 15:

In the final book of the series, Harry visits his parents' grave and sees two inscriptions on their graves both inscriptions refer to passages from the Bible.
a) run-on
b) comma splice
c) no error
d) fragment

Higher Education

Identifying Sentence Errors