Writing Guide Worksheet for 13-Year-Olds — Proper Punctuation & Complete Sentences (English, Writing, Literacy)

Instructions

1. Read the Rules: Carefully review the "Grammar Toolkit" sections before starting the activities.
2. Identify and Fix: Complete the exercises by identifying errors in punctuation and sentence structure.
3. Apply Your Knowledge: Use the provided table to practice transforming fragments into complete, polished sentences.
4. The Professional Challenge: Edit the real-world email draft to ensure it is clear and professional.
5. Self-Check: Use the Answer Key at the end to review your work and understand any mistakes.

The Grammar Toolkit

1. The Complete Sentence A complete sentence must have a subject (who or what), a predicate (the action), and express a complete thought.

• Fragment: Walking to the store. (Missing subject)
• Run-on: I went to the store I bought milk. (Two thoughts mashed together)
• Complete: I walked to the store to buy milk.

2. The Punctuation Power-Ups

• Commas (,): Use to separate items in a list or after introductory phrases.
• Semicolons (;): Use to connect two closely related complete sentences without a conjunction (like and or but).
• Apostrophes ('): Use for contractions (don't) or to show possession (Sam's bike).

Part 1: Sentence Patrol

Identify if the following are Fragments (F), Run-ons (R), or Complete Sentences (C). If it is not complete, rewrite it correctly on the line below.

1. Since we arrived late to the movie. [ ]

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2. The pizza arrived it was still steaming hot. [ ]

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3. Determination is the key to success. [ ]

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4. Jumping over the hurdle and sprinting toward the finish line. [ ]

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Part 2: The Punctuation Repair Shop

Rewrite these sentences adding the necessary commas, semicolons, and apostrophes.

1. Before we leave for the trip we need to pack snacks water and a map.

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2. Its important to feed the dogs because they havent eaten all day.

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3. I love playing basketball my brother prefers soccer.

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Part 3: Mastery Table

Transform the following messy notes into professional, complete sentences using proper punctuation.

Part 4: The Real-World Edit

Scenario: You are emailing your coach because you will miss practice. Fix the errors in the draft below to make it professional.

Draft: hey coach i cant make it to practice tuesday i have a dentist appointment my mom is driving me ill be back on thursday thanks for understanding see you then

Your Revised Version:

Part 5: Creative Writing Challenge

Write a 3-sentence "Mini-Story" about a space explorer. You MUST use one semicolon, one list with commas, and one possessive apostrophe.

Answer Key

Part 1: Sentence Patrol

1. F - Example fix: Since we arrived late to the movie, we missed the trailers.
2. R - Example fix: The pizza arrived; it was still steaming hot.
3. C
4. F - Example fix: He was jumping over the hurdle and sprinting toward the finish line.

Part 2: Punctuation Repair Shop

1. Before we leave for the trip, we need to pack snacks, water, and a map.
2. It's important to feed the dogs because they haven't eaten all day.
3. I love playing basketball; my brother prefers soccer. (Or use a comma and 'but')

Part 3: Mastery Table (Suggested Answers)

• I forgot my homework because the dog ate it, so I need an extension.
• Since it was a rainy day, the game was canceled, and we went to the movies instead.
• Sally's phone screen cracked, so it needs a repair.
• Practice is at 5:00; don't be late and remember to bring your gear.
• The pizza toppings include pepperoni, onions, and olives.

Part 4: Real-World Edit Example: Hello Coach, I can't make it to practice on Tuesday because I have a dentist appointment. My mom is driving me. I'll be back on Thursday. Thanks for understanding; see you then!