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State University of New York

Exercise 12: Run-On Sentences

In the spaces provided, repair the following run-on sentences in two ways, first with a comma and a linking word, and then with a semi-colon. (The text of each sentence has been provided for you in each box; you just need to insert appropriate punctuation and words as directed.)
Example:

Runes are both an alphabetical system and a tool for self-help, runes also link to the astrological elements of earth, air, fire, and water.
Revision With a Comma and Linking Word:

Runes are both an alphabetical system and a tool for self-help, and they also link to the astrological elements of earth, air, fire, and water.
Revision With a Semi-Colon:

Runes are both an alphabetical system and a tool for self-help; they also link to the astrological elements of earth, air, fire, and water.
Your Turn:

  1. Whenever you're thinking of approaching the media yourself, you need to understand what the media seeks you should be able to provide news, information, or entertainment.
    Revise With a Comma and Linking Word:

    Revise With a Semi-Colon:

  2. Literary and "little" magazines contain fiction, poetry, book reviews, essays, and literary criticism many are published by colleges and universities and have a regional or scholarly focus.
    Revise With a Comma and Linking Word:

    Revise With a Semi-Colon:

  3. In our survey we contacted 317 editors about their policies editors from 243 magazines responded.
    Revise With a Comma and Linking Word:

    Revise With a Semi-Colon:

  4. For many creative people the words "publicity" and "self-promotion" strike a sour note for the wise writer these are words that speak to today's realities.
    Revise With a Comma and Linking Word:

    Revise With a Semi-Colon:

  5. The creative process is just one side of a writer's life getting published requires more than just good technique, the savvy writer keeps up with the business side of the craft.
    Revise With a Comma and Linking Word:

    Revise With a Semi-Colon: