SECTION 1 Chapter 5 Fragments 83

Sentences

4. When the dentist began drilling. Fragment

Fragments
When the dentist began drilling, I closed my eyes. Sentence
“When the dentist began drilling” is a fragment because we want to
know what happened when the dentist began drilling. The word group
does not follow through a n d ____________________________________
Answers are on page 661.

What Fragments Are

Every sentence must have a subject and a verb and must express a complete
thought. A word group that lacks a subject or a verb and does not express a

Copyright © 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies. Inc. All rights reserved.

complete thought is a fragm ent. Following are the most common types of frag­
Every sentence must have a subject and a verb and must express a com ­
ments that people write:
plete thought. A word group that lacks a subject or a verb and that does
not express a complete thought is a fragment. 1. Dependent-word fragments
Listed below are a number of fragments and sentences. Complete the 2. -ing and to fragments
statement that explains each fragment.
3. Added-detail fragments
1. Children. Fragment
4. Missing-subject fragments
Children cry. Sentence
Once you understand the specific kind or kinds of fragments that you might
“Children” is a fragment because, while it has a subject (Children), it write, you should be able to eliminate them from your writing. The following
pages explain all four types of fragments.
lacks a _________ (cry) and so does not express a complete thought.

2. Dances. Fragment Dependent-Word Fragments

Lola dances. Sentence Some word groups that begin with a dependent word are fragments. Here is a
list of common dependent words:
“Dances” is a fragment because, while it has a verb (Dances), it lacks
a _________ (Lola) and so does not express a complete thought.
Common Dependent W ords
3. Staring through the window. Fragment after if, even if when, whenever
Bigfoot was staring through the window. Sentence although, though in order that where, wherever
as since whether
“Staring through the window” is a fragment because it lacks a
because that, so that which, whichever
_________ (Bigfoot) and also part of the (was) and because before unless while
it does not express a complete thought.
even though until who
how what, whatever whose
Part 2 Sentence Skills Chapter 5 Fragments 85

Whenever you start a sentence with one of these dependent words, you must
be careful that a dependent-word fragment does not result. The word group Brian sat nervously in the dental clinic while waiting to have his wisdom
beginning with the dependent word after in the selection below is a fragment. tooth pulled. (The fragment has been attached to the sentence that comes
before it.)
After I stopped drinking coffee. I began sleeping better at night.
Maria decided to throw away the boxes that had accumulated for years
A dependent statement—one starting with a dependent word like after— cannot in the basement. (The fragment has been attached to the sentence that
stand alone. It depends on another statement to complete the thought. “After I comes before it.)
stopped drinking coffee” is a dependent statement. It leaves us hanging. We Another way of correcting a dependent-word fragment is to eliminate
expect in the same sentence to find out what happened after the writer stopped the dependent word and make a new sentence:
drinking coffee. When a writer does not follow through and complete a thought, I stopped drinking coffee.
a fragment results.
He was waiting to have his wisdom tooth pulled.
To correct the fragment, simply follow through and complete the thought:
They had accumulated for years in the basement.
After I stopped drinking coffee, I began sleeping better at night.
Do not use this second method of correction too frequently, however, for
Remember, then, that dependent statements by themselves are fragments. They it may cut down on interest and variety in your writing style.
must be attached to a statement that makes sense standing alone.*

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Here are two other examples of dependent-word fragments.
Brian sat nervously in the dental clinic. While waiting to have his wisdom
tooth pulled. TIPS
Maria decided to throw away the boxes. That had accumulated for years in 1. Use a comma if a dependent-word group comes at the beginning of a
the basement. sentence (see also page 358):

“While waiting to have his wisdom tooth pulled” is a fragment; it does not make After I stopped drinking coffee, I began sleeping better at night.
sense standing by itself. We want to know in the same statement what Brian did However, do not generally use a comma if the dependent-word group
while waiting to have his tooth pulled. The writer must complete the thought. comes at the end of a sentence:
Likewise, “That had accumulated for years in the basement” is not in itself a com­ Brian sat nervously in the dental clinic while waiting to have his
plete thought. We want to know in the same statement what that refers to. wisdom tooth pulled.
Maria decided to throw away the boxes that had accumulated for
years in the basement.
How to Correct Dependent-Word Fragments
2. Sometimes the dependent words who, that, which, or where appear
In most cases, you can correct a dependent-word fragment by attaching it not at the very start but near the start of a word group. A fragment
to the sentence that comes after it or to the sentence that comes before it: often results.
After I stopped drinking coffee, I began sleeping better at night. (The fragment Today I visited Faye Cooper. A friend who is in the hospital.
has been attached to the sentence that comes after it.) “A friend who is in the hospital” is not in itself a complete thought.
We want to know in the same statement who the friend is. The fragment
can be corrected by attaching it to the sentence that comes before it:
Today I visited Faye Cooper, a friend who is in the hospital.
*Some instructors refer to a dependent-word fragment as a dependent clause. A clause is simply a group of (Here a comma is used to set off “a friend who is in the hospital,”
words having a subject and a verb. A clause may be independent (expressing a complete thought and able to which is extra material placed at the end of the sentence.)
stand alone) or dependent (not expressing a complete thought and not able to stand alone). A dependent clause
by itself is a fragment. It can be corrected simply by adding an independent clause.
86 Part 2 Sentence Skills Chapter 5 Fragments 87

Turn each of the dependent-word groups into a sentence by adding a complete Underline the dependent-word fragment (or fragments) in each item. Then correct
Practice thought. Put a comma after the dependent-word group if a dependent word starts each fragment by attaching it to the sentence that comes before or the sentence
Practice
the sentence. that comes after— whichever sounds more natural. Put a comma after the dependent-
1 word group if it starts the sentence.
2
EXAMPLES
Before I begin college 1. Since she was afraid of muggers. Barbara carried a small can of pepper spray
Before I begin college, I wa n t to brus h up on m y m a th and English on her key ring. A hat pin was hidden under her coat lapel.

skills.

The horoscope forecast that I read

The horoscope forecast th a t I read predicted new love, b u t I am happily
married. 2. When I began watching the TV mystery movie. I remembered that I had
seen it before. I already knew who had murdered the millionaire.
1. Before I log off from the computer

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2. Even though I cheated 3. Tulips had only begun to bloom. When a freakish spring snowstorm blanketed
the garden. The flowers perished in the unseasonable cold.

3. Although my parents never went to college

4. Whenever I’m in the basement and the phone rings. I don’t run up to answer
it. If the message is important. The person will call back.
4. The pills that the doctor prescribed

5. If I remember correctly
5. Since she is a new student. Carla feels shy and insecure. She thinks she is
the only person. Who doesn’t know anyone else.
Part 2 Sentence Skills Chapter 5 Fragments 89

-in g and t o Fragments How to Correct to Fragments

When a word ending in -ing or the word to appears at or near the start of a word
group, a fragment may result. Such fragments often lack a subject and part of As noted earlier, when to appears at or near the start of a word group, a
the verb. fragment sometimes results.
Underline the word groups in the examples below that contain -ing words. To remind people of their selfishness. Otis leaves handwritten notes on
Each is an -ing fragment. cars that take up two parking spaces.
EXAMPLE 1 The first word group in the example above is a to fragment. It can be
corrected by adding it to the sentence that comes after it.
I spent all day in the employment office. Trying to find a job that suited me.
The prospects looked bleak. To remind people of their selfishness, Otis leaves handwritten notes on
cars that take up two parking spaces.
EXAMPLE 2
(Note that here a comma is used to set off “To remind people of their
Lola surprised Tony on the nature hike. Picking blobs of resin off pine trees. selfishness,” which is introductory material in the sentence.)
Then she chewed them like bubble gum.
EXAMPLE 3

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Mel took an aisle seat on the bus. His reason being that he had more legroom. Underline the -ing fragment in each of the following selections. Then make the
fragment a sentence by rewriting it, using the method described in parentheses.
Practice
People sometimes write -ing fragments because they think the subject in one
sentence will work for the next word group as well. In the first example above, EXAMPLE 3
they might think the subject 1 in the opening sentence will also serve as the The dog eyed me with suspicion. Not knowing whether its master was at
subject for “Trying to find a job that suited me.” But the subject must actually home. I hesitated to open the gate.
be in the sentence.
(Add the fragment to the sentence that comes after it.)
Not knowing whether its master was at home, I hesitated to open
How to Correct -ing Fragments the gate.
1. Attach the fragment to the sentence that comes before it or the 1. Julie spent an hour at her desk. Staring at a blank piece of paper. She didn’t
sentence that comes after it, whichever makes sense. Example 1 know how to start her report.
above could read, “I spent all day in the employment office, trying to
(Add the fragment to the preceding sentence.)
find a job that suited me.” (Note that here a comma is used to set off
“trying to find a job that suited me,” which is extra material placed at
the end of the sentence.)
2. Add a subject and change the -ing verb part to the correct form of 2. Rummaging around in the kitchen drawer. Tyrone found the key he had
the verb. Example 2 could read, “She picked blobs of resin off pine misplaced a year ago.
trees.”
(Add the fragment to the sentence that comes after it.)
3. Change being to the correct form of the verb be (am, are, is, was,
were). Example 3 could read, “His reason was that he had more
legroom.”
90 Part 2 Sentence Skills Chapter 5 Fragments

3. I went back to get a carton of Tropicana. As a result, losing my place in the Added-Detail Fragments
checkout line.
Added-detail fragments lack a subject and a verb. They often begin with one of
(Add the subject I and change losing to the correct form of the verb, lost.) the following words or phrases.

also except including

especially for example such as

Underline the -ing or to fragment in each item. Then rewrite the item correctly,
Practice using one of the methods of correction described on pages 88-89.
Underline the one added-detail fragment in each of these examples:
EXAMPLE 1
4 1. Last night, my bedroom was so hot I couldn’t sleep. Tossing and turning for
hours. I felt like a blanket being tumbled dry. Tony has trouble accepting criticism. Except from Lola. She has a knack
for tact.
EXAMPLE 2
My apartment has its drawbacks. For example, no hot water in the morning.
EXAMPLE 3
2. A sparrow landed on the icy windowsill. Fluffing its feathers to keep itself warm. I had many jobs while in school. Among them, busboy, painter, and security
guard.
People often write added-detail fragments for much the same reason they write
-ing fragments. They think the subject and verb in one sentence will serve for the
next word group as well. But the subject and verb must be in each word group.
3. Alma left the party early. The reason being that she had to work the next day.

Correct Added-Detail Fragments

1. Attach the fragment to the complete thought that precedes it.
Example 1 could read, “Tony has trouble accepting criticism, except
4. Grasping the balance beam with her powdered hands. The gymnast executed from Lola.” (Note that here a comma is used to set off “except from
a handstand. Then she dismounted. Lola,” which is extra material placed at the end of the sentence.)
2. Add a subject and a verb to the fragment to make it a complete
sentence. Example 2 could read, “My apartment has its drawbacks.
For example, there is no hot water in the morning.”
3. Change words as necessary to make the fragment part of the preceding
5. To cover his bald spot. Walt combed long strands of hair over the top of his sentence. Example 3 could read, “Among the many jobs I had while
head. Unfortunately, no one was fooled by this technique. in school were busboy, painter, and security guard.”
J
92 Part 2 Sentence Skills Chapter 5 Fragments 93

Underline the fragment in each selection below. Then make it a sentence by 2. My sister has some very bad habits. For example, borrowing my sweaters.
Practice rewriting it, using the method described in parentheses. She also returns them without washing them.
5 EXAM PLE
My husband and I share the household chores. Including meals. I do the
cooking, and he does the eating.
3. To improve her singing, Amber practiced some odd exercises. Such as
(Add the fragment to the preceding sentence.)
flapping her tongue and fluttering her lips.
M y husband and I share the household chores, including meals.

1. My father has some nervous habits. For instance, folding a strip of paper
into the shape of an accordion.
4. When she spotted her ex-husband, Leona left the party. She did not want
(Correct the fragment by adding the subject he and changing folding to the him to see how much she had changed. For example, put on forty pounds.
proper form of the verb, folds.)

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5. Stanley wanted a big birthday cake. With candles spelling out STAN. He
2. Marco stuffed the large green peppers. With hamburger meat, cooked rice, wanted to see his name in lights.
and chopped parsley. Next, using toothpicks, he reattached the stemmed
pepper tops.
(Add the fragment to the preceding sentence.)

Missing-Subject Fragments
In each example below, underline the word group in which the subject is missing.
3. My little brother is addicted to junk foods. For example, Bugles and Doritos.
If something is good for him, he won’t eat it. EXAM PLE 1

(Correct the fragment by adding the subject and verb he craves.) One example of my father’s generosity is that he visits sick friends in the
hospital. And takes along get-well cards with a few dollars folded in them.
EXAM PLE 2
The weight lifter grunted as he heaved the barbell into the air. Then, with
a loud groan, dropped it.
People write missing-subject fragments because they think the subject in one
sentence will apply to the next word group as well. But the subject, as well as
Underline the added-detail fragment in each selection. Then rewrite that part of
Practice the selection needed to correct the fragment. Use one of the three methods of
the verb, must be in each word group to make it a sentence.
correction described on page 91.
6
1. My husband keeps all his old clothes. For instance, his faded sweatshirt from
high school. He says it’s the most comfortable thing he owns.
Part 2 Sentence Skills Chapter 5 Fragments

A R E V IEW
How to Correct Missing-Subject Fragments
1. Attach the fragment to the preceding sentence. Example l could read, How to Check for Fragments
“One illustration of my father’s generosity is that he visits sick 1 . Read your paper aloud from the last sentence to the first. You will be
friends in the hospital and takes along get-well cards with a few better able to see and hear whether each word group you read is a
dollars folded in them.” complete thought.
2. Add a subject (which can often be a pronoun standing for the subject 2 . If you think any word group is a fragment, ask yourself, Does this
in the preceding sentence). Example 2 could read, “Then, with a loud contain a subject and a verb and express a complete thought?
groan, he dropped it.”
____________________________________ 3. More specifically, be on the lookout for the most common fragments.
• Dependent-word fragments (starting with words like after, because,
since, when, and before)
Underline the missing-subject fragment in each selection. Then rewrite that part
of the selection to correct the fragment. Use one of the two methods of correc­ • -ing and to fragments (-ing or to at or near the start of a word
tion described above. group)
• Added-detail fragments (starting with words like fo r example, such

Copyright © 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

1. Embarrassed, Sandra looked around the laundromat. Then quickly folded her
as, also, and especially)
raggedy towels and faded sheets.
• Missing-subject fragments (a verb is present but not the subject)

2. Wally took his wool sweaters out of storage. And found them full of moth holes.
Collaborative Activity

E d itin g and R e w ritin g

3. My sister is taking a word-processing course. Also, is learning two computer Working with a partner, read the short paragraph below and underline the five
languages. Machines don’t frighten her. fragments. Then correct the fragments. Feel free to discuss the rewrite quietly
with your partner and refer back to the chapter when necessary.

D id you ever wonder how trainers get porpoises to do all those

4. When someone comes to the door, my dog races upstairs. Then hides under tricks, like leaping over a high bar or jumping through a hoop? 2W ild
the bed. Strangers really terrify him.5
porpoises are first taught to eat fish from their trainers hand. 8The trainer

blows a whistle. 4w h en the animal accepts a fish. 5The porpoise associ­

ates the whistle with “correct” behavior. 6Once the porpoise touches a
5. A tiny bug crawled across my paper. And sat down in the middle of a human hand to get a fish, it will touch other things. 7Like a red target
sentence. There was suddenly one comma too many.
ball. 8For example, the trainer will hold the ball high above the water

while leaning over a kind o f pulpit. 9Seeing the ball. 10The porpoise leaps

out o f the water. 11Because it knows it will be rewarded with a fish.

continued
 Part 2 Sentence Skills Chapter 5 Fragments 97

12A hoop can then be substituted for a ball, and the porpoises behavior
Reflective Activity
can be “shaped” so it will jump through the hoop. 13If the porpoise misses

the hoop by jumping too low. 14The fish reward is withheld. 15The intelli­ 1. Look at the paragraph about porpoises that you revised. How has
removing fragments affected the reading of the paragraph? Explain.
gent mammal will associate “no fish” with “wrong” behavior. 16Very quickly,
2. Explain what it is about fragments that you find most difficult to
the porpoise will be leaping gracefully through the center o f the hoop. remember and apply. Use an example to make your point clear. Feel
free to refer to anything in this chapter.

Collaborative Activity
Review Test
C re a tin g S e n te n ce s
Turn each of the following word groups into a complete sentence. Use the space
Working with a partner, make up
provided.
your own short fragments test as
directed. Write one or more of your EXAM PLES

Copyright © 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

sentences about the photo to the Feeling very confident
right. Feeling very confident, I began, my speech.
1. Write a dependent-word Until the rain started
fragment in the space below. We played softball until the rain, started.
Then correct the fragment by
making it into a complete 1. Before you leave work today
sentence. You may want to
begin your fragment with the word before, after, when, because, or i f
2. When the game show came on
F ragm ent__________________________________________________________
Sentence__________________________________________________________
3. Since I have to gain some weight
2. Write an -ing fragment in the space below. Then correct the fragment
by making it into a complete sentence. You may want to begin your
fragment with the word laughing, walking, shopping, or talking.
4. While I was looking in the store window
F ragm ent_________________________________________________________
Sentence__________________________________________________________
5. Will be in town next week
3. Write an added-detail fragment in the space below. Then correct the
fragment by making it into a complete sentence. You may want to begin
your fragment with the word also, especially, except, or including. 6. Stanley, who has a terrible temper
F ragm ent_________________________________________________________
S en ten ce__________________________________________________________ 7. Down in the basement
______________________________________ J
Part 2 Sentence Skills Chapter 5 Fragments 99

8. Flopping down on the couch 5. Dave insisted on wearing a silly hat. That his girlfriend hated. It had two
horns like a Viking helmet.

9. Who fixed my car

6. A box of frozen vegetables slipped out of M ark’s grocery bag. And split
10. To wake up early
open on the sidewalk. Little green peas rolled in every direction, while
hard white onions bounced down the street.

Review Test
Underline the fragment in each selection. Then correct the fragment in the space 7. Even though Laurie isn’t disabled. She used to park in “handicapped only”
provided. parking spaces. After receiving several tickets, however, she gave up this
selfish habit.
EXAM PLE

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Sam received all kinds of junk mail. Then complained to the post office.
Eventually, some of the mail stopped coming.
Then, he complained to the post office.
8. Thinking that the Halloween get-together was a costume party. Vince came
dressed as a boxer. Unfortunately, the other guests were dressed normally.
1. Since she was afraid of mussing her hair. Terry refused to go swimming.

9. My doctor is using disposable equipment. Such as paper examining gowns

2. The first time I took a college course, I was afraid to say anything in class.
and plastic thermometers. He says these are more hygienic.
I didn’t open my mouth. Not even to yawn.

10. Stanley painted his house lemon-yellow. With orange shutters and a lime-
3. Looking like a large dish of vanilla fudge ice cream. Our brown-and-white
green roof. People say his house looks like a fruit salad.
cat went to sleep on the table.

4. Fran read that a sure sign of age is forgetting things. She wanted to show
the article to her doctor. But couldn’t remember where it was. Review Test
In the space provided, write C in front of the five word groups that are complete
sentences; write fra g in front of the five fragments. The first two items are done
for you.
1. As I was driving my car to work last Monday morning.
C 2. I saw an animal die.
 score
Number Correct
100 Part 2 Sentence Skills
nam e : / 20

date: _%
3. It was a beautiful, breezy fall day.
4. With colorful leaves swirling across the road.
5. Suddenly, a squirrel darted out from the bushes. Fragments MASTERY TEST 1

6. And began zigzagging in the path of approaching cars. Each word group in the student paragraph below is numbered. In the space
provided, write C if a word group is a complete sentence; write frag if it is a
7. Soundlessly, the car in front of me hit the animal. fragment. You will fin d ten fragm ents in the paragraph.
8. Sending its tiny gray-brown body flying off the road in a flurry of leaves.
1. One of my favorite dishes to cook and eat is chili. 2The hotter the better.
9. After the incident, I thought about how fragile life is. 3First, I chop onion, garlic, and sweet red and green peppers into small cubes.
2.
10. And how easily and quickly it can be taken away. 4W hile I fry the vegetables in one pan. 5I brown some lean ground beef in
3. another pan. 6Then combine the two mixtures. And add a can of shiny red
Now correct the fragments you have found. Attach each fragment to the sentence kidney beans. 8Next, I decide what kind of seasonings to use. 9In addition to
that comes before or after it, or make whatever other change is needed to turn 4.
chili powder, hot pepper flakes, and Tabasco sauce. 10I sometimes add unusual
the fragment into a sentence. Use the space provided. The first one is corrected 5. ingredients. 11Like molasses, cinnamon, chocolate, beer, red wine, or raisins.
for you. 12Stirring the bubbling pot and inhaling the spicy aromas. I occasionally taste
6.

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1. As I was driving my car to work Last Monday morning, I saw an the mixture to make sure it’s good. 14 I cook the chili over a flame for as long
7. as possible. l5To give the flavors time to mellow and blend together. 16Also,
animal die. longer cooking time produces spicier chili. 17My chili has been known to burn
8.
people’s tongues and cause beads of perspiration to form on their brows. 18And
2 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. has made friends reach desperately for a glass of water. 19However, no one has
10. ever complained. 20Or forgotten to ask for a second helping.
3. 11.
12.
4. 13.
14.
5. 15.

16.
17.
Review Test 18.

Write quickly for five minutes about the high school you attended. D on’t worry 19.
about spelling, punctuation, finding exact words, or organizing your thoughts. 20 .
Just focus on writing as many words as you can without stopping.
After you have finished, go back and make whatever changes are needed to
correct any fragments in your writing.

101
 SCORE SCORE
Number Correct Number Correct

/ 10 nam e : nam e : ___________ /10

% date: date: ____________ %

V_______ J

MASTERY TEST 2 Fragments Fragments MASTERY TEST 3

Underline the fragm ent in each item. Then make whatever changes are needed Underline the fragm ent in each item. Then make whatever changes are needed
to turn the fragm ent into a sentence. to turn the fragm ent into a sentence.

EX A M P LE
a 1. As Robert twisted the front doorknob. It came off in his hand. He
In grade school, I didn’t want to wear glasses. And avoided having to get
regretted the day he had bought the house as a “do-it-yourself special.”
them by memorizing the Snellen eye chart.
2. Large, spiky plants called Spanish spears bordered the path. The leaves
1. N ita’s sons kept opening and closing the refrigerator door. To see just
brushed against my legs. And left little slash marks on my ankles.
when the little light inside went out.
3. Tim stockpiles canned and dried foods in his basement. In case of
2. Even though there are a million pigeons in the city. You never see a baby
emergency. Some of his Campbell’s soup is eight years old.
pigeon. It makes you wonder where they are hiding out.
4. At the amusement park, we piled into a boat shaped like a hollowed-out
3. Frank likes to get to work early. And spread papers all over his desk. Then
log. Then, gripping the boat’s sides and screaming in fear. We plunged
he looks too busy to be given any more work.
through clouds of spray down a water-filled chute.
4. Brenda’s doctor warned her to cut out sweets. Especially ice cream and
5. At the lumberyard, Clarence loaded his compact car. With ten-foot planks
candy.
of raw pine. The car’s open hatchback bounced and vibrated as he drove
5. Dragging her feet in the paper slippers. The patient shuffled along the
away.
corridor. She hugged the wall closely as nurses and visitors bustled past
6. Before the newly painted parking stripes had dried. Cars had begun
her.
driving over them. As a result, the lot was crisscrossed with pale white
6. The children ignored the sign. That the lifeguard had posted. They raced
lines.
around on the slick cement bordering the pool.
7. My father used to take me to ball games. He would always bring along a
7. Pete flunked out of college. After only two semesters. The only thing he
newspaper. To read between innings.
could pass was a football.
8. When Lucas goes on vacation, he fills the bathtub with an inch of water.
8. My neighbors’ dog likes to borrow things. Today, I saw him trotting away
Then puts his houseplants in the tub. This way, they don’t die of thirst.
from my back steps. Carrying one of my gardening shoes in his mouth.
9. Terry carries her iPod everywhere she goes. For example, to the bookstore.
9. Since cooking with a small toaster oven saves energy. I bought one to use
She can’t survive for ten minutes without her favorite songs.
for small meals and snacks.
10. The perfect shell glittered on the ocean bottom. The diver lifted it off the
10. My cousin sends me funny cards. Such as one with a picture of a lion
sand. And placed it in the bag hanging from his shoulder.
hanging on to a parachute. It says, “Just thought I’d drop you a lion.”
 SCORE
Number Correct

/5 nam e : nam e :

date: date:

MASTERY TEST 4 Fragments Fragments

Underline and then correct the five fragm ents in the follow ing passage. Underline and then correct the ten fragm ents in the follow ing passage.

Did you know that one in every five children is overweight? If you think This summer, I discovered that nature offers some surprises to people. Who
that these kids will simply outgrow their “baby fat.” You’re wrong. The number of take the time to look and listen. After I began an exercise program of walking
overweight children in this country has doubled in the past twenty years. Creating quickly a half hour a day. I soon slowed down because the world around me was
a health epidemic. Too many children spend hours watching television. And playing so interesting. For one thing, becoming aware of the richness of the bird and
video games when they should be outside playing. They consume sugary, high- animal life around me. I saw a robin with strands of newspaper in his mouth. And
calorie snacks. When they should be eating fresh fruits and low-fat yogurt. These realized it was building a nest in a nearby tree. A family of quail exploded
children are at a higher risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and from hiding as I skirted a brushy field. I began to connect the birdsongs I heard

Copyright © 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

type 2 diabetes. They are also more likely to miss school, endure teasing from with individual birds. For instance, I now know the lonely call of a mourning
their peers, and develop low self-esteem. These problems often follow them dove. And the happy buzz of a chickadee. After it rained. I discovered that crea­
through adolescence and into adulthood. Sadly, overweight kids have a 70 percent tures I have never seen before live in my neighborhood. In the mud beside my
greater chance of becoming overweight adults. Everyone, however, can make a walking paths were various tracks. Among them, paws, hooves, and scaly feet. I
difference. By being a positive role model. So live a healthy life. Turn off your also found that little dramas were taking place all the time. And that there are
television and take twenty-minute walk. some grim moments in nature. I saw a swarm of maggots covering a dead mouse.
I also came upon a fat snake spread across the path. I prodded it with a stick. To
see if it would move. It shocked me by coughing up an entire frog. My walks
have taught me there is a great deal to discover. When I open my eyes
and ears.