Student homework for Chapter $9$

Fragments, Run$-$ons, Comma Splices Name $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_$

One of the most common complaints of businesspeople regarding the writing of graduates involves three sentence structure errors.

Fragment. A fragment is usually a broken$-$off part of a sentence. Fragments often can be identified by the words that introduce them$$words such as although, as$,$ because, even, except, for example, if$,$ instead of$,$ since, such as$,$ that, which, and when.

Example: Jeremy loaded his r$$sum$$ with keywords and relevant skills. Which is why he couldn$$t understand receiving no responses.

Improved: Jeremy loaded his r$$sum$$ with keywords and relevant skills, which is why he couldn$$t understand receiving no responses.

Run$-$on $($fused$)$ sentence. A sentence with two independent clauses must be joined by a coordinating conjunction $($and$,$ or$,$ nor, but$)$ or by a semicolon. Without a conjunction or a semicolon, a run$-$on sentence results:

Example: Becca considered an internship she also thought about graduate school.

Improved: Becca considered an internship, but she also thought about graduate school.

Improved: Becca considered an internship; she also thought about graduate school.

Comma splice. When a writer joins $($splices together$)$ two independent clauses without using a coordinating conjunction, a comma splice results.

Example: Jeremy disliked networking, however he knew how important it was.

Improved: Jeremy disliked networking; however, he knew how important it was.

Improved: Jeremy disliked networking but he knew how important it was.

Study the following. Identify fragments, run$-$ons, and comma splices. For each item write an improved version. If a sentence is correct, write C$.$

$1.$ Jeremy mailed over a hundred beautifully written r$$sum$$s$.$ Which is why he was depressed when he didn$$t receive quick responses.

$2.$ To come up with a tagline that describes what you do and who you are. Ask yourself questions about what you are really good at$.$

$3.$ Candidates can't anticipate precise questions, however they can expect to be asked about their education, skills, experience, and availability.

$4.$ An elevator speech is a pitch you can deliver in $60$ seconds it tells who you are and what you can offer.

$5.$ Becca hoped to find a job in marketing, however she was willing to consider other offers.

$6.$ If possible, call in advance to inquire about what to wear, also ask how to prepare.

$7.$ Some job candidates go a step further they prepare professional$-$looking business cards with their name and tagline.

$8.$ In today$$s challenging and digital job market, the focus is not so much on what you want but on what the employer needs.

$9.$ Although you may be changing jobs and careers in the future. You still need to train for a specific career area now.

$10.$ Zack saw no value in preparing a r$$sum$$ at this time. Because he was only a sophomore and searching for a job was a distant and distressing task.

$11.$ Employment counselors suggest learning more about careers they recommend taking a summer job, an internship, or a part$-$time position in your field.

$12.$ Having a current r$$sum$$ makes you look well$-$organized and professional. If an unexpected employment opportunity should arise.

$13.$ With over $50,000$ job boards and employment websites deluging the Internet. It$$s hard to know where to start.

$14.$ Early in her academic career, Becca begin monitoring advertisements and websites in her career area, Jeremy preferred to wait.

$15.$ Recruiters seem to favor chronological r$$sum$$s$.$ Which is good because they are easier to write than functional r$$sum$$s$.$