Grade: Grade 5 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Clauses and Punctuation Lesson: 5 of 6 SAT: StandardEnglishConventions ACT: English

Guided Practice: Clauses and Punctuation

Apply your knowledge of clauses and punctuation rules!

Quick Review

Clause Types

Independent Clause: Can stand alone as a sentence (has subject + verb + complete thought)

Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone; starts with words like because, when, if, although, since

Comma Rule: When a dependent clause comes FIRST, use a comma. When it comes SECOND, usually no comma needed.

Practice Questions

Question 1

Because it was raining we stayed inside.

What punctuation is needed?

Show Answer

Add comma after "raining"

Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (Dependent clause first needs comma)

Question 2

The dog barked loudly.

Is this an independent or dependent clause?

Show Answer

Independent Clause

It has a subject (dog), verb (barked), and expresses a complete thought.

Question 3

When the bell rings

Is this an independent or dependent clause?

Show Answer

Dependent Clause

It starts with "when" and doesn't express a complete thought. What happens when the bell rings?

Question 4

I will go to the store if I have time.

Does this sentence need a comma? Why or why not?

Show Answer

No comma needed

The dependent clause "if I have time" comes AFTER the independent clause, so no comma is typically needed.

Question 5

Although she was tired she finished her homework.

Add the correct punctuation.

Show Answer

Although she was tired, she finished her homework.

Comma after "tired" because the dependent clause comes first.

Question 6

Since you asked nicely

Is this a complete sentence? Why or why not?

Show Answer

Not a complete sentence

This is a dependent clause (starts with "since"). It needs an independent clause to complete the thought.

Question 7

The students cheered, and the teacher smiled.

Why is the comma used here?

Show Answer

Comma before "and" joins two independent clauses

Both parts could stand alone as sentences. When joining with "and," use a comma.

Question 8

Before the game started the players warmed up.

Where should the comma go?

Show Answer

Before the game started, the players warmed up.

Comma after "started" because the dependent clause comes first.

Question 9

I like pizza, and tacos.

Is this comma used correctly?

Show Answer

No - remove the comma

"Tacos" is not an independent clause. When "and" joins two simple items, no comma is needed: "I like pizza and tacos."

Question 10

While I was sleeping my cat knocked over a vase.

Add correct punctuation and identify the dependent clause.

Show Answer

While I was sleeping, my cat knocked over a vase.

Dependent clause: "While I was sleeping" (starts with "while," incomplete thought)

Key Takeaways

Dependent First

Use comma after dependent clause

Dependent Second

Usually no comma needed

Signal Words

because, when, if, although, since, while

Two Independent

Use comma before and/but/or