Sentence Repair Lab Slides
Grade 5 Writing Workshop
Sentence Repair Lab
Supercharge Your Sentences
The Editor’s Blueprint
Master the 3 essential editing skills that transform messy drafts into crystal-clear writing.
1
Subject–Verb Match
2
Run-On Rescues
3
Consistent Verb Tense
Mission Briefing
Why Do These 3 Skills Matter?
Editor Radar
Balance
Singular subjects link with singular verbs. Plural subjects link with plural verbs. They must agree!
Skill #1: Agreement
Boundaries
Sentences cannot crash into each other without proper traffic signs and punctuation.
Skill #2: Run-Ons
Time Travel
Keep your reader in one time zone. Don't jump between past and present without a reason!
Skill #3: Verb Tense
Reader’s Rule: When grammar breaks down, readers get confused. When it flows, your ideas shine!
Skill 1 • Foundation
Subject–Verb Agreement: The Golden Rule
Singular vs Plural
1 Person / Thing Singular Subject
In present tense, a singular verb usually ends in -s or -es.
The hawk soars over the meadow.
A scientist studies the volcano.
2+ People / Things Plural Subject
A plural verb does not add an -s.
The hawks soar over the meadow.
Two scientists study the volcano.
The "Opposite S" Rule:
If the noun ends in -s, the verb usually does NOT! If noun has NO -s, the verb gets the -s!
Skill 1 • Watch Out!
Beware of Sneaky Interrupters
Common Trap
Words between the subject and verb try to trick your ear. Ignore the prepositional phrase!
Example 1: Find the true subject
The box [of shiny crayons] is on the desk.
"Crayons" is plural, but the real subject is singular: box is (not crayons are).
Example 2: Try with your partner
The players [on the court] practice / practices free throws.
Fix: The players (plural) practice free throws!
Detective Step: Put your fingers over phrases starting with of, with, in, on, at to find the true subject.
Skill 2 • Sentence Boundaries
Run-On Sentences: What Went Wrong?
Traffic Collision!
A run-on sentence happens when two complete thoughts (independent clauses) are glued together incorrectly.
A
The Fused Sentence
Two sentences smash together with zero punctuation between them.
"The bell rang we ran outside to recess."
No stop sign! Readers run out of breath.
B
The Comma Splice
Two sentences joined with only a comma (a comma is not strong enough!).
"The bell rang, we ran outside to recess."
A comma is just a pause, not a full stop.
Remember: A run-on isn't just a long sentence—it's two complete sentences joined the wrong way!
Skill 2 • The Repair Kit
3 Ways to Rescue a Run-On
Fix It Fast
Strategy 1
Period + Capital
Separate into two clean, independent sentences.
"The bell rang. We ran outside."
Strategy 2
Comma + FANBOYS
Add a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
"The bell rang, and we ran outside."
Strategy 3
The Semicolon
Use a semicolon between two closely related thoughts.
"The bell rang; we ran outside."
FANBOYS Acronym:
For And Nor But Or Yet So
Skill 3 • Timeline Control
Verb Tense: Stay in Your Time Zone
Consistent Tense
Pick a time zone and stay there! Do not shift between past and present without a clear timeline shift.
Accidental Time Travel Inconsistent
"Marcus opened the treasure chest and finds a dusty silver coin."
"Opened" is past tense, but "finds" suddenly leaps into present tense!
Smooth & Consistent Repaired
"Marcus opened the treasure chest and found a dusty silver coin."
Both actions happened in the past: opened and found match perfectly!
Writer’s Habit: Most stories and narratives are written entirely in the past tense!
Skill 3 • Guided Practice
Spot the Time Jumper!
Find & Fix
Sentence 1 Target: Past Tense
"The puppy grabbed his toy bone, ran in circles, and barks happily."
Correction: Change barks to barked.
Sentence 2 Target: Present Tense
"Every morning, Maya eats oatmeal and poured fresh milk."
Correction: Change poured to pours.
Quick Check: Read your paragraph aloud. Does every action feel like it happens at the same time?
Grand Finale Challenge
The Editor's Mystery Case
Can You Spot All 3?
Read closely: This draft has 1 Agreement error, 1 Run-On, and 1 Tense shift!
"The group of students explore the ancient museum wing. Leo discovered a hidden door behind a tapestry, it clicked open softly. Dust swirls through the air as everyone held their breath."
Clue 1: S–V Match
"The group of students..." (group is singular!)
Clue 2: Run-On
Comma splice between "tapestry" and "it clicked".
Clue 3: Tense Shift
"Dust swirls" switches to present while story is past!
Master Fix: "The group ... explores/explored ... tapestry**;** it clicked ... Dust swirled..."
Takeaway Toolkit
The 30-Second Editing Checklist
Ready for Publishing
✓
1. Check Agreement
Did I find the true subject? Do singular subjects have singular verbs (-s)?
✓
2. Stop the Run-Ons
Did I check for comma splices? Use a period, comma + FANBOYS, or semicolon!
✓
3. Lock Your Tense
Am I telling this in the past or present? Check every verb along the timeline!
Your Turn to Edit!
Grab your draft, read it aloud with a pencil, and repair with confidence.
Mission Complete
