SHSAT ELA · Revising/Editing
Sentence Structure Practice
Fix fragments, run-ons, and parallel structure. This is one of the skills tested on the SHSAT; the 2026 exam is computer-based with 50 ELA questions in a 90-minute section. Try the samples below, then practice the full topic with instant feedback and explanations.
Free sample questions
Question 1
Read this sentence.
The team captain organized the practice she also brought snacks for everyone.
Which is the best way to revise this sentence?
- AThe team captain organized the practice she, also brought snacks for everyone.
- BThe team captain organized, the practice she also brought snacks for everyone.
- CThe team captain organized the practice, and she also brought snacks for everyone.
- DThe team captain, organized the practice she also brought snacks for everyone.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
A comma followed by the coordinating conjunction 'and' correctly joins two independent clauses. B, C, and D place commas in incorrect positions that do not fix the run-on.
Question 2
How should sentence 7 be revised to correct the run-on sentence?
- ACoral bleaching caused by rising water temperatures has devastated reefs worldwide, these reefs support roughly 25 percent of all marine species.
- BCoral bleaching caused by rising water temperatures has devastated reefs worldwide; these reefs support roughly 25 percent of all marine species.
- CCoral bleaching caused by rising water temperatures has devastated reefs worldwide these reefs they support roughly 25 percent of all marine species.
- DCoral bleaching caused by rising water temperatures, has devastated reefs worldwide these reefs support roughly 25 percent of all marine species.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
Sentence 7 is a run-on (fused sentence) because two independent clauses are joined without punctuation. A semicolon correctly separates two related independent clauses. Option A creates a comma splice. Option C adds an unnecessary pronoun and remains a run-on. Option D places a comma incorrectly after "temperatures."
Question 3
Read this sentence.
The students finished their project they went outside to play.
What is the problem with this sentence, and how should it be fixed?
- AIt has a misplaced modifier; move 'outside.'
- BThere is no error.
- CIt is a run-on; add a period after 'project' and capitalize 'they.'
- DIt is a fragment; remove 'they.'
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
Two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation or conjunction, making this a run-on sentence. Adding a period creates two proper sentences. B would create a different meaning and structure. C misidentifies the error. D is wrong because the run-on exists.
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