Let's go through each question one by one and determine whether the sentence is a
fragment, a
run-on, or a
complete sentence. We'll explain each answer.
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1. Pam and her dog, Spike.
- This is just a noun phrase — it has a subject ("Pam and her dog, Spike") but
no verb (predicate).
- It does
not express a complete thought.
✔ Answer: C – fragment (missing a predicate)
---
2. We had to run inside the shelter when it started to rain.
- Subject: "We"
- Predicate: "had to run inside the shelter when it started to rain"
- The sentence has a clear subject and predicate, and expresses a complete thought.
✔ Answer: C – complete sentence
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3. Ben was hungry he decided to eat an apple.
- Two independent clauses:
- "Ben was hungry"
- "he decided to eat an apple"
- These are joined
without proper punctuation or conjunction → this is a
run-on sentence.
✔ Answer: C – run-on
>
✔ Fix: "Ben was hungry, so he decided to eat an apple."
---
4. Jennifer brought cupcakes to school for her birthday.
- Subject: "Jennifer"
- Predicate: "brought cupcakes to school for her birthday"
- Complete thought, subject + verb, properly structured.
✔ Answer: A – complete sentence
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5. Went to the mall to get a new pair of soccer cleats.
- No subject present — who went?
- Verb: "went" (past tense of "go")
- But no
subject → missing the person doing the action.
✔ Answer: C – fragment (missing a subject)
>
✔ Fix: "I went to the mall to get a new pair of soccer cleats."
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6. Thanksgiving Break is in 12 school days I can't wait!
- Two independent clauses:
- "Thanksgiving Break is in 12 school days"
- "I can't wait!"
- They are
joined without proper punctuation or conjunction →
run-on sentence.
✔ Answer: D – run-on
>
✔ Fix: "Thanksgiving Break is in 12 school days. I can't wait!"
> or: "Thanksgiving Break is in 12 school days, and I can't wait!"
---
7. Three fish and a turtle.
- Noun phrase only — no verb.
- No action or complete thought expressed.
✔ Answer: C – fragment (missing a predicate)
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✔ Final Answers:
| Question | Answer | Explanation |
|--------|--------|-----------|
| 1 | C | Fragment (missing predicate) — no verb |
| 2 | C | Complete sentence — subject + predicate |
| 3 | C | Run-on — two independent clauses joined incorrectly |
| 4 | A | Complete sentence — subject + predicate |
| 5 | C | Fragment (missing subject) — no one performing the action |
| 6 | D | Run-on — two complete thoughts joined without punctuation/conjunction |
| 7 | C | Fragment (missing predicate) — no verb |
Let me know if you'd like help with the rest of the quiz!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of sentence vs fragment worksheet.
