Grammar Detectives Activity
Bureau of Language Investigation
GRAMMAR DETECTIVES DOSSIER
CASE # 304-ELA
Detective Name:
Date:
Badge Number:
Special Mission Briefing
A sneaky grammar bandit scrambled the village archives! Examine the clues below, identify parts of speech, and restore proper punctuation before time runs out.
Clue File 1
Identifying Parts of Speech
Noun • Verb • Adjective • Adverb
Read each crime scene report. Look at the underlined word, then write whether it is a Noun, Verb, Adjective, or Adverb in the badge box.
1. The sly cat slipped through the narrow fence.
Part of Speech:
2. Detective Rivera discovered a muddy boot print near the porch.
Part of Speech:
3. The shadowy suspect ran swiftly down the dark alley.
Part of Speech:
4. A golden compass was left behind on the library table.
Part of Speech:
Clue File 2
Punctuation & Capitalization Rescue
Add missing capitals & punctuation
Rewrite each broken sentence correctly on the evidence lines. Remember capital letters, commas in dialogue/series, and end punctuation (. ? !).
1. Evidence Note A: Error: Missing capitals & question mark
did officer chen find the missing keys at maple park
Corrected sentence:
2. Evidence Note B: Error: Dialogue commas & quotation marks
the chief whispered i know where the villain is hiding
Corrected sentence:
Official Field Training Dossier • Level 3 Agent PAGE 1 OF 2 • CONTINUE TO PAGE 2
SENTENCE RECONSTRUCTION LAB
Case File # 304-ELA • Advanced Field Operations
Agent Name:
Clue File 3
Fragment & Run-On Lab
Determine type and rewrite as a complete sentence
1. "Examined the dusty footprint on the rug."
Identify: Fragment Run-on
Fix it (add a missing subject or predicate to make it a full sentence):
2. "The siren wailed loudly the squad car sped away."
Identify: Fragment Run-on
Fix it (split into two sentences or combine with a comma + conjunction):
Clue File 4
Compound Sentence Link-Up
and • but • so • or
Combine the two simple clues into one compound sentence using a comma and the best conjunction (and, but, so, or).
Clue A: The detective checked the safe lock. Clue B: It was already unlocked.
Combined compound sentence:
Clue A: Heavy rain washed the pavement. Clue B: The tire tracks disappeared.
Combined compound sentence:
Final Detective Challenge: Classified Report
Master Badge Level
Write your own mystery sentence about solving a crime. Your sentence must include all four secret ingredients:
1. Proper Noun (A specific person/place)
2. Vivid Verb (Action in past tense)
3. Sharp Adjective (Describes a clue)
4. Sneaky Adverb (Tells how or when)
Your Mystery Sentence:
Case Evaluation: Rookie Investigator Chief Detective
Reviewer Signature:
