STAAR Combine Sentences

What is a compound sentence?

• A compound sentence is a sentence that ends with a question mark.

• A compound sentence is a sentence that consists of two or more independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions or semicolons.

• A compound sentence is a sentence that contains only one independent clause.

• A compound sentence is a sentence that consists of a subject and a predicate.

Name the coordinating conjunctions commonly used to join two independent clauses.

• because

• however

• therefore

• for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

Provide an example of a compound sentence using the coordinating conjunction 'and'.

• The sun is shining, so I'm going for a walk.

• I went to the store, and I bought some groceries.

• She likes ice cream, and he prefers cake.

• I went to the store, but I didn't buy anything.

Explain how to punctuate a compound sentence correctly.

• Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses.

• Use a semicolon before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence.

• Do not use any punctuation in a compound sentence.

• Use a period before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence.

Can a comma be used alone to join two independent clauses? Why or why not?

• Yes, a comma can be used alone to join two independent clauses.

• A comma can be used with a semicolon to join two independent clauses.

• Using a comma alone between independent clauses is a common practice.

• No, a comma cannot be used alone to join two independent clauses.

Rewrite the following sentences into a compound sentence using a coordinating conjunction: 'I like to play soccer. My brother prefers basketball.'

• I like to play soccer, however my brother prefers basketball.

• I like to play soccer, and my brother prefers basketball.

• I like to play soccer, but my brother prefers basketball.

• I like to play soccer, so my brother prefers basketball.

Identify the coordinating conjunction in the sentence: 'She wanted to go to the party, but she had too much homework.'

• so

• but

• or

• and

Combine the following sentences into a compound sentence: 'The sun was shining. The birds were singing.'

• The sun was shining but the birds were singing.

• The sun was shining, the birds were singing.

• The sun was shining so the birds were singing.

• The sun was shining and the birds were singing.

What is the purpose of using coordinating conjunctions in writing?

• To introduce a list of items in a sentence

• To emphasize the main idea of a sentence

• To connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance in a sentence.

• To separate words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence

Explain the difference between a compound sentence and a complex sentence.

• A compound sentence has only one clause, while a complex sentence has multiple clauses.

• A compound sentence has multiple independent clauses, while a complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

• A compound sentence is always shorter than a complex sentence.

• A compound sentence contains only dependent clauses, while a complex sentence contains only independent clauses.