Sentence Glue Slides 8th Grade ELA • Grammar Review
Editorial Desk Series
Sentence Glue
Workshop
Mastering compound sentences: choosing the right conjunctions, nailing comma boundaries, and turning choppy drafts into sharp writing.
1. Conjunctions
Show relationships
2. Punctuation
Clean boundaries
3. Combining
Connect ideas
4. Editing
Spot & write
What Is a Compound Sentence?
Core Formula
A compound sentence joins two complete thoughts (independent clauses) of equal importance.
Independent Clause 1
Subject + Verb (Complete)
, + FANBOYS
Comma + Conjunction
Independent Clause 2
Subject + Verb (Complete)
Example
The power went out during the storm, so we finished our project by flashlight.
Both halves could stand alone as their own sentences—the glue shows how they relate.
FANBOYS: Choose the Right Glue
Conjunctions
F
For — cause / reason (like "because")
She brought an umbrella, for the sky looked dark.
A
And — adds a related idea
The bell rang, and students packed their bags.
N
Nor — adds a second negative
He didn't call, nor did he send a text.
B
But — shows contrast
I studied all week, but the quiz surprised me.
O
Or — presents a choice
We can leave now, or we can wait for the bus.
Y
Yet — unexpected contrast
The trail was steep, yet the view made it worth it.
S
So — shows result / effect
The gym floor was wet, so practice moved outside.
Punctuation & Sentence Boundaries
Watch the Traps
Trap 1: Comma Splice / Run-On
A comma alone is not strong enough to glue two independent clauses. Missing punctuation creates a run-on.
✗ Splice: The lights flickered, the movie kept playing.
✓ Fixed: The lights flickered**, yet** the movie kept playing.
Tip: You can also use a semicolon (;) or a period (.).
Trap 2: Compound Predicate
If the second part has no new subject , it is NOT a compound sentence. Do not use a comma!
✗ Extra Comma: Maya grabbed her keys, and ran to the bus.
✓ Correct: Maya grabbed her keys and ran to the bus.
Test: Can the part after the conjunction stand alone?
Guided Practice: Pick the Glue
Conjunctions
Which FANBOYS conjunction best shows the logical relationship in each sentence?
1. The team practiced every morning, they still felt nervous before finals.
(but / so / or)
2. Leo forgot to charge his laptop, he had to borrow a charger from the library.
(yet / so / nor)
3. You can revise your introduction tonight, you can conference with me tomorrow.
(for / and / or)
Turn and explain why your choice fits the relationship between the two clauses.
Guided Practice: Spot & Fix
Punctuation
Is each sentence punctuated correctly? If not, diagnose the error and fix it.
A. Our class voted on the mural design, we picked the ocean theme.
B. Jordan sketched the outline, and painted the background blue.
C. The paint dried quickly, so we added a second coat before lunch.
Check 1: Are there two complete subjects + verbs? Check 2: Is there both a comma AND a FANBOYS?
Guided Practice: Sentence Combining
Combining
Pair 1
Simple 1: The robotics club needed more funding.Simple 2: They organized a weekend car wash.
How should we combine these to show cause and effect ?
Pair 2
Simple 1: The forecast promised sunny skies.Simple 2: Dark clouds rolled in before noon.
How should we combine these to show unexpected contrast ?
Independent Workshop
Your Turn at the
Editorial Desk
Complete all four sections of the Sentence Glue Worksheet to prove you can choose, punctuate, combine, and edit compound sentences.
01 Choose conjunctions that match meaning
02 Fix comma splices & check boundaries
03 Combine choppy sentences smoothly
04 Edit a draft & write original sentences
Remember: Subject + Verb, + FANBOYS + Subject + Verb.
Sentence Glue Worksheet 8th Grade ELA • Compound Sentences Review
Sentence Glue Worksheet
Name: _______________________________
Date: ________________ Period: _______
FANBOYS Quick Reference Formula: Independent Clause , + FANBOYS + Independent Clause
For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So
PART 1
Conjunctions & Logical Relationships
A. Fill in each blank with the coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so ) that best shows the relationship between the two clauses. Use each conjunction only once.
The science lab ran out of safety goggles, we postponed the experiment until Friday.
Marcus wanted to join the debate team, practices conflicted with his cello lessons.
You can submit your podcast script as a PDF, you can share a link to your document.
The hikers did not pack extra water, did they check the trail map before leaving.
The middle school band rehearsed for months, their winter concert sold out the auditorium.
B. Read the two versions below. Explain how changing the conjunction changes the meaning of the sentence.
Version 1: Elena finished her essay early, so she had time to proofread every paragraph.
Version 2: Elena finished her essay early, yet she forgot to check her spelling.
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PART 2
Punctuation & Sentence Boundaries
Circle the label that describes each sentence: C (Correct), CS (Comma Splice), RO (Run-On), or CP (Compound Predicate with extra comma). If it is incorrect, rewrite it correctly on the line below.
1. The library closes at five, we should finish our research before then.
C | CS | RO | CP
**2.**Devon locked his bike to the rack, and hurried inside for homeroom.
C | CS | RO | CP
3. The storm knocked out the Wi-Fi, so our class switched to paper notebooks.
C | CS | RO | CP
4. I set two alarms for the field trip I still almost overslept.
C | CS | RO | CP
5. Coaches posted the tryout results, yet several players had already left.
C | CS | RO | CP
PART 3
Sentence Combining
Combine each pair of simple sentences into one smooth compound sentence using a comma and an appropriate FANBOYS conjunction.
1. The cafeteria added a taco bar. Lines have been twice as long this week.
2. Nadia practiced her speech ten times. Her hands still shook at the podium.
3. We can walk to the community center after school. We can take the late bus at four.
4. The museum exhibit was interactive. Visitors could test real coding puzzles.
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PART 4
Editing & Original Writing
A. Copy-Editor's Desk: The student draft below has 4 compound-sentence errors (a comma splice, a run-on, a misplaced comma in a compound predicate, and an illogical conjunction). Find all 4 faulty sentences and rewrite each one correctly on the lines below.
(1) Our eighth-grade journalism club launched a school newsletter this fall, and students immediately started pitching story ideas. (2) We wanted to cover the homecoming game, we also planned an interview with the new principal. (3) Jordan edited the sports column, and uploaded photos to the layout. (4) The printer jammed ten minutes before homeroom so we stayed calm and fixed the paper tray. (5) We handed out three hundred copies by lunch, for nobody wanted to read them. (6) Next month's issue will be even better!
B. Original Compound Sentences: Write three original compound sentences using the prompts below. Use a different FANBOYS conjunction in each sentence and punctuate each one correctly.
1. Write a compound sentence showing contrast about a hobby, sport, or class:
2. Write a compound sentence showing cause and effect about weekend plans:
3. Write a compound sentence presenting a choice about technology or school:
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Sentence Glue Teacher Guide 8th Grade ELA • Teacher Resource
Sentence Glue Teacher Guide
45-Min Review Lesson
Lesson Pacing & Flow
1. Mini-Review (10m)
Slides 1–4: Review compound formula, FANBOYS relationships, and the two boundary traps.
2. Guided Practice (12m)
Slides 5–7: Think-pair-share on conjunction choice, boundary diagnosis, and combining.
3. Independent (18m)
Slide 8 + Worksheet Parts 1–4: Circulate to check comma placement and subject-verb pairs.
4. Debrief (5m)
Have 2–3 students share original sentences from Part 4B and name the relationship.
Common 8th-Grade Misconceptions
Compound Predicates: Students often add a comma before every and/but . Remind them to cover the conjunction and test if the second half has its own subject.Comma Splices: Students treat commas like periods. Emphasize that a comma needs a FANBOYS partner to hold two full clauses."However" Trap: Remind students that words like however or therefore are not FANBOYS and require a semicolon or period.
Differentiation Strategies
Support: Have students highlight the subject and verb on both sides of the conjunction before deciding whether a comma belongs.Extension: Challenge early finishers to rewrite two sentences in Part 3 using a semicolon (;) or a semicolon + conjunctive adverb (e.g., ; however, ).ELL Tip: Pair the FANBOYS table with relationship icons/arrows (cause → effect, contrast ↔).
Slides Guided Practice Key
Slide 5 (Pick the Glue):
1. but (contrast) | 2. so (result/effect) | 3. or (choice)
Slide 6 (Spot & Fix):
A. Comma splice → ...mural design, and we picked... (or use a semicolon/period).B. Extra comma in compound predicate → Remove the comma: Jordan sketched the outline and painted the background blue. C. Correct as written (two independent clauses joined by , so ).
Slide 7 (Sentence Combining — sample responses):
Pair 1: The robotics club needed more funding, so they organized a weekend car wash. Pair 2: The forecast promised sunny skies, yet (or but ) dark clouds rolled in before noon.
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Worksheet Answer Key
Sentence Glue Worksheet
PART 1: Conjunctions & Logical Relationships
A. 1. so | 2. but (or yet ) | 3. or | 4. nor | 5. and
B. Sample Response: In Version 1, so shows cause and effect—finishing early gave her time to proofread. In Version 2, yet shows unexpected contrast—even though she finished early, she still forgot to check her spelling.
PART 2: Punctuation & Sentence Boundaries
1. CS (Comma Splice): The library closes at five, so we should finish our research before then. (Also accept ; or period.)2. CP (Compound Predicate): Devon locked his bike to the rack and hurried inside for homeroom. (Remove the comma.)3. C (Correct): No change needed.4. RO (Run-On): I set two alarms for the field trip, yet (or but ) I still almost overslept. 5. C (Correct): No change needed.
PART 3: Sentence Combining (Sample Responses)
1. The cafeteria added a taco bar, so lines have been twice as long this week. (or , and )2. Nadia practiced her speech ten times, yet (or but ) her hands still shook at the podium. 3. We can walk to the community center after school, or we can take the late bus at four. 4. The museum exhibit was interactive, and visitors could test real coding puzzles. (or , for if explaining why)
PART 4: Editing & Original Writing
A. Copy-Editor's Desk (Faulty sentences: 2, 3, 4, 5):
Sentence 2 (Comma Splice): We wanted to cover the homecoming game, and we also planned an interview with the new principal. Sentence 3 (Compound Predicate): Jordan edited the sports column and uploaded photos to the layout. (Remove comma.)Sentence 4 (Missing Comma): The printer jammed ten minutes before homeroom**,** so we stayed calm and fixed the paper tray. Sentence 5 (Illogical Conjunction): We handed out three hundred copies by lunch, yet (or but ) nobody wanted to read them. (Or: ...by lunch, and everyone wanted to read them. )
B. Original Compound Sentences (Grading Checklist): Each sentence must (1) contain two complete independent clauses, (2) use a comma before a different FANBOYS conjunction, and (3) match the requested relationship (1: contrast but/yet ; 2: cause/effect so/for ; 3: choice or ).
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Foundations Glue Slides 8th Grade ELA • Scaffolded Review
Foundations Edition
Sentence Glue
Foundations
Learn how to join two complete thoughts using a comma and a glue word (FANBOYS) .
1. Glue Words
Pick the meaning
2. Commas
2-Step Check
3. Combine
Join 2 sentences
4. Fix & Write
Use sentence frames
What Is a Compound Sentence?
Visual Formula
A compound sentence joins 2 complete sentences together. Each part has a Who/What (subject) and an Action (verb).
Sentence 1
Who/What + Action
, + Glue Word
Comma + FANBOYS
Sentence 2
Who/What + Action
Model Example
The rain stopped, so we went outside.
Who/What: The rain | Action: stopped • Who/What: we | Action: went
Glue Words Show Meaning
FANBOYS
AND (adds an idea)
I packed my bag**, and** I walked to school.
↔
BUT / YET (opposite / surprise)
I was tired**, but** I finished my homework.
→
SO (shows a result)
The bus was late**, so** we waited inside.
?
OR (gives a choice)
We can read now**, or** we can draw first.
All 7 FANBOYS: F or (reason) • A nd (add) • N or (not either) • B ut (opposite) • O r (choice) • Y et (surprise) • S o (result)
The 2-Step Comma Check
Avoid Mistakes
1. Never Use Just a Comma!
A comma alone is too weak to glue two sentences.
✗ The bell rang, we walked out.
✓ The bell rang**, and** we walked out.
2. Check for Two Subjects!
No new Who/What after the glue word? No comma!
✗ Maya opened her book, and read.
✓ Maya opened her book and read.
2-Step Test: (1) Are there 2 Who+Action parts? (2) Is there a comma + glue word?
Let's Practice: Pick the Glue Word
Together
Choose the best glue word from the 2 choices.
1. It started to rain, we opened our umbrellas.
so / but
2. The game was hard, our team did not give up.
or / but
3. You can write with a pen, you can type on a laptop.
or / so
Hint: → so = result | ↔ but = opposite | ? or = choice
Let's Practice: Check the Comma
2-Step Test
Is the sentence Correct or does it Need a Fix ?
A. Sam finished his lunch, he threw away his tray.
Hint: There is a comma, but where is the glue word?
B. Sam finished his lunch, and walked to class.
Hint: Is there a new Who/What after "and"?
C. Sam finished his lunch, and his friend met him outside.
Hint: Two Who+Action parts + comma + glue word.
Let's Practice: Combine Sentences
Build It
Try Together #1 (Use: , so)
The library was quiet. + We could focus on our reading.
Frame: The library was quiet**, so** ____________________________.
Try Together #2 (Use: , but)
The test looked long. + The questions were fair.
Frame: The test looked long**, but** ____________________________.
Your Turn
Time for Your
Foundations Worksheet
Use the Visual Formula and 2-Step Check on your paper as you work through all 4 parts.
Who/What + Action , + Glue Word Who/What + Action
Raise your hand if you want to check a sentence together!
Foundations Glue Worksheet 8th Grade ELA • Scaffolded Review
Foundations Glue Worksheet
Name: _______________________________
Date: ________________ Period: _______
Formula: Sentence 1 (Who + Action) + , + Glue Word + Sentence 2 (Who + Action)
+ AND
↔ BUT / YET
? OR
→ SO
PART 1
Choose the Right Glue Word
Directions: Look at the two choices in parentheses. Write the glue word that best matches the meaning of the sentence.
Model Example:
The bus was late, so we waited inside the lobby. (so / or) — so shows the result.
1. It started to rain, we opened our umbrellas.
(so / but)
2. Marcus wanted to play soccer, his ankle was sore.
(and / but)
3. You can read at your desk, you can sit on the rug.
(or / so)
4. The band practiced every day, their concert sounded great.
(and / or)
5. The math quiz was short, two problems were tricky.
(yet / so)
Quick Check: Circle the glue word that shows an opposite idea:
and but so or
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PART 2
Check the Comma & Boundary
2-Step Test: (1) Are there 2 Who + Action parts? (2) Is there a comma + glue word between them?
Circle Correct or Needs Fix . If it needs a fix, rewrite it correctly on the line.
Model: The bell rang, we walked out. → Needs Fix: The bell rang, and we walked out.
1. The library closes at five, we should leave soon.
Correct | Needs Fix
2. Devon locked his bike, and walked inside. (Hint: Check for 2 subjects!)
Correct | Needs Fix
3. The storm knocked out the Wi-Fi, so we used paper notebooks.
Correct | Needs Fix
4. I set two alarms I still almost overslept.
Correct | Needs Fix
PART 3
Combine Two Short Sentences
Join the two sentences using a comma and the glue word in parentheses.
1. The cafeteria added a taco bar. Lines are longer this week. (Use: , so )
2. Nadia practiced her speech. Her hands still shook. (Use: , but )
3. We can walk to the park. We can ride the bus. (Use: , or )
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PART 4
Edit & Write Your Own
A. Fix the 3 Underlined Sentences: Read the short story. Each underlined sentence has a mistake. Rewrite each one correctly on the matching line below.
Our class planned a field day for Friday, and everyone was excited. [1] We wanted relay races, we also wanted a tug-of-war game. [2] Coach Diaz set up the cones, and blew the whistle. [3] The sun felt hot so we drank lots of water. Everyone had a great time!
[1] (Hint: Add a glue word like and after the comma)
[2] (Hint: Only 1 subject — remove the extra comma!)
[3] (Hint: Add a comma before so )
B. Write Your Own Compound Sentences: Finish each sentence frame with a complete thought (Who/What + Action).
1. I like ____________________________, and
2. Homework can be hard**, but**
3. On the weekend, I can ______________________, or
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Foundations Glue Teacher Guide 8th Grade ELA • ExEd & ELL Teacher Resource
Foundations Glue Teacher Guide
45-Min Scaffolded Lesson
Scaffolded Pacing & Flow
1. Visual Model (10m)
Slides 1–4: Color-code Who/What + Action aloud. Gesture icons (+, ↔, →, ?) for FANBOYS.
2. Guided Oral (12m)
Slides 5–7: Choral reading + partner talk using the 2-Step Test before writing.
3. Chunked Work (18m)
Slide 8 + Worksheet: Check Part 1 after 5 min before students move to Parts 2–4.
4. Share Out (5m)
Volunteers read one completed frame from Part 4B aloud to build oral fluency.
ELL Supports
Oral Rehearsal: Have students say the full combined sentence aloud with a partner before writing it down.Cognates & Icons: Pair but/yet with a hand-flip gesture (↔) and so with a forward arrow (→) to anchor meaning visually.Reduced Distractors: All Part 1 items offer 2 high-contrast choices instead of 7 open blanks.
Exceptional Education Supports
Color-Coding: Give students two highlighters (blue = Who/What, green = Action) to verify both halves of a sentence.Chunking: Cover Parts 2–4 with a blank sheet so students focus on one section at a time.Scribe / Dictation Option: Allow speech-to-text or oral dictation for Part 4B sentence frames as needed.
Foundations Slides Answer Key
Slide 5 (Pick the Glue Word):
1. so (result) | 2. but (opposite) | 3. or (choice)
Slide 6 (Check the Comma):
A. Needs Fix: Missing glue word → Sam finished his lunch, and he threw away his tray. B. Needs Fix: No new Who/What after and → Remove comma: Sam finished his lunch and walked to class. C. Correct: Two Who+Action parts joined by , and .
Slide 7 (Combine Sentences):
#1: The library was quiet, so we could focus on our reading. #2: The test looked long, but the questions were fair.
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Foundations Worksheet Answer Key
Foundations Glue Worksheet
PART 1: Choose the Right Glue Word
1. so | 2. but | 3. or | 4. and | 5. yet
Quick Check: Students should circle but .
PART 2: Check the Comma & Boundary
1. Needs Fix: The library closes at five, so we should leave soon. (Also accept and .)2. Needs Fix: Devon locked his bike and walked inside. (Remove the comma — only 1 subject.)3. Correct: No fix needed.4. Needs Fix: I set two alarms**, but** (or , yet ) I still almost overslept.
PART 3: Combine Two Short Sentences
1. The cafeteria added a taco bar, so lines are longer this week. 2. Nadia practiced her speech, but her hands still shook. 3. We can walk to the park, or we can ride the bus.
PART 4: Edit & Write Your Own
A. Fix the 3 Underlined Sentences:
[1] We wanted relay races, and we also wanted a tug-of-war game. [2] Coach Diaz set up the cones and blew the whistle. (Comma removed.)[3] The sun felt hot**,** so we drank lots of water. (Comma added before so .)
B. Sample Completed Frames: I like playing basketball, and my brother prefers soccer. Homework can be hard, but I feel proud when I finish it. On the weekend, I can sleep in late, or I can go to the mall with friends. Check that every student response includes a complete Who/What + Action after the conjunction.
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