Combine Power Slides Grade 5 Revision • Day 1 TEKS 5.11C
How to Combine Sentences
The Simple Rules for Success
Learn which word to choose (and, but, or ), when you need a comma, and the #1 trap to cross out every single time!
1 Pick AND, BUT, or OR
2 Check for Comma
3 Slash "Just a Comma"
1 Step 1: When Do We Use AND, BUT, or OR?
Word Meaning
AND
Adds Things Together
Use when two good or similar facts happen together.
"David washed the dog, and he dried him with a towel."
+ Adds more information!
BUT
Roadblock / Surprise
Use when something unexpected or opposite happens.
"David looked for his keys, but he could not find them."
≠ Things clash or surprise!
OR
Pick an Option
Use when you have a choice between two things.
"We can play kickball, or we can ride our bikes."
⇔ You choose only one!
Always ask yourself first: Are the sentences adding together (and), clashing (but), or giving choices (or)?
2 Step 2: Do We Need a Comma?
The Comma Rules
Two Complete Sentences
NEEDS COMMA + WORD
Both sides have their own person or thing doing an action.
"Carlos kicked the ball, and it sailed into the net."
✓ MUST have comma + and / but / or
Complete + Incomplete
JUST THE WORD (NO COMMA!)
The second part does NOT have its own subject (just a second action).
"Carlos kicked the ball and scored a winning goal."
✓ NO COMMA ALLOWED!
NEVER Just a Comma: Two complete sentences can NEVER be joined with just a comma. Ever! If you see just a comma with no connecting word, cross it off!
1 Class Practice: Which Word Fits?
Example 1
Sentence 1: "Leo wanted to eat a sweet strawberry popsicle."
Sentence 2: "The freezer was completely empty."
How do we connect these two sentences?
"Leo wanted to eat a sweet strawberry popsicle, [ ??? ] the freezer was completely empty."
Turn & Talk: Does the freezer being empty add more facts (AND), give a choice (OR), or cause an unexpected roadblock (BUT)?
2 Class Practice: Comma or No Comma?
Example 2
Sentence Pair A
"Ava grabbed her colorful kite."
"Ava grabbed her kite, and she ran across the windy field."
Notice: "she" is a subject → Needs COMMA!
Sentence Pair B
"Ava grabbed her colorful kite."
"Ava grabbed her kite and ran across the windy field."
Notice: No second subject → NO COMMA!
Key Check: Check after the connecting word! Is there a subject? Yes = comma! No = no comma!
3 Class Practice: Combining Question Challenge
Example 3
Sentence 1: "The kids baked warm chocolate chip cookies." "They shared them with their new neighbors." What is the best way to combine sentences 1 and 2?
A The kids baked cookies, they shared them with neighbors.
B The kids baked cookies and shared them with neighbors.
C The kids baked cookies, but shared them with neighbors.
D The kids baked cookies, or shared them with neighbors.
Turn & Talk: 1) Which choice is just a comma? 2) Why is "but" wrong? 3) Does the winning choice have a comma?
While You Work Reference Board
Leave This On Screen!
Slash First!
Two complete sentences with JUST a comma ?
✗ ELIMINATE EVERY TIME!
Two Complete
Both sides have their own subject?
Needs COMMA + and/but/or
Incomplete 2nd Part
Second part does not repeat the subject?
Word ONLY • NO COMMA!
AND = Adds together
|
BUT = Clash or roadblock
|
OR = Choice between options
Combine Power Worksheet Grade 5 Revision • Day 1
Combining Sentences Practice
TEKS 5.11C
Name:
Date:
Class:
The Rules to Follow:
1. Two Complete Sentences: Needs COMMA + and / but / or . (NEVER just a comma!)
2. Complete + Incomplete: Needs JUST the word . (NO comma allowed!)
1 Part 1: Fill in AND, BUT, or OR
Write the connecting word that makes the best sense:
1. Chloe wanted to buy the new comic book, __________ the bookstore was sold out.
2. Ben swept the kitchen floor, __________ he took out the trash.
3. You can have strawberry ice cream, __________ you can choose chocolate pudding.
2 Part 2: Combine the Sentences
Combine each pair into ONE smooth sentence. Write big and clear!
4. Sentences: "Sam built a wooden birdhouse." + "Sam painted it bright yellow."
5. Sentences: "The puppy chased the squirrel." + "He barked at the oak tree."
✗ Absolute Rule: NEVER combine two complete sentences with JUST a comma!
Revision Practice
Multiple Choice Questions
Page 2 of 2
Question 1: Read sentences 1 and 2 from a student draft.
A Maya planted sunflower seeds in her garden, she watered the soil.
B Maya planted sunflower seeds in her garden and watered the soil with the green hose.
C Maya planted sunflower seeds in her garden, but watered the soil with the green hose.
D Maya planted sunflower seeds in her garden, or watered the soil with the green hose.
Question 2: Read sentences 5 and 6 from an essay.
A Noah wanted to build a tall block tower, his playful puppy knocked it over.
B Noah wanted to build a tall block tower, or his playful puppy knocked it over.
C Noah wanted to build a tall block tower, but his playful puppy knocked it over.
D Noah wanted to build a tall block tower and his playful puppy knocked it over.
Question 3: Combine these two sentences into ONE smooth sentence with NO COMMA:
Quick Check: Why can you NEVER combine two complete sentences with just a comma?
Sentence Junction Slides Grade 5 Revision • Day 2 TEKS 5.11C
How to Beat Tricky
Combining Test Questions
Test-makers try to trick you with wrong words and missing commas. Use your 3 rules to slash wrong answers in seconds!
✗ Slash "Just a Comma"
✓ Check Meaning (and/but/or)
★ Verify the Comma Rule
1 Quick Review: The 3 Rules
Day 2 Rules
Rule 1
Never Just a Comma
Two complete sentences can NEVER be joined with just a comma. Ever!
SLASH IT FIRST!
Rule 2
Two Complete Sentences
If both sides have their own subject, you MUST use a comma before and, but, or.
Needs COMMA + word!
Rule 3
Complete + Incomplete
If the second part is just another action, use JUST the word .
NO COMMA!
Keep these 3 rules in mind on every single combining problem!
? Can You Solve It? (No Spoilers!)
Class Practice
Sentence 1: "The students finished their art projects." "They hung the colorful drawings on the classroom wall." What is the best way to combine sentences 1 and 2?
A The students finished their art projects, they hung the drawings on the wall.
B The students finished their art projects and hung the drawings on the wall.
C The students finished their art projects, or hung the drawings on the wall.
D The students finished their art projects, but hung the drawings on the wall.
Turn to your partner: Which choice has just a comma? Does the winning choice need a comma?
Day 2 Combining Reference Board
Leave This On Screen!
1. Check Comma Trap
Two complete sentences joined by only a comma?
✗ SLASH IT IMMEDIATELY!
2. Check the Meaning
Does the connecting word make real sense?
AND (add) • BUT (clash) • OR (pick)
3. Check the Comma
Two complete? Needs comma.
Pick the right formula!
Take your time, read every choice carefully, and eliminate the traps!
Sentence Junction Worksheet Grade 5 Revision • Day 2
Combining Mastery & Practice
TEKS 5.11C
Name:
Date:
Class:
The Combining Rules Quick Guide
✗ Just a Comma: Never join two complete sentences with just a comma!
✓ Two Complete: Needs comma + and / but / or !
★ Incomplete 2nd: Needs word only . NO COMMA!
1 Part 1: Meaning Check (AND, BUT, or OR)
Write the connecting word that makes the best sense:
1. Gabriel searched for his warm winter jacket, __________ he left it on the bus.
2. You can have cheesy nachos for lunch, __________ you can pick a turkey wrap.
3. Mia zipped her blue backpack, __________ she walked to the bus stop.
2 Part 2: Combine on the Lines
Combine into ONE sentence without repeating words. Write big and clear!
4. Sentences: "The mechanic repaired the flat bicycle tire." + "He tested the brakes on the street."
5. Sentences: "The children washed the muddy dog in the tub." + "They dried him with fluffy towels."
Test Reminder: If both halves have subjects → comma + word. If only one subject → NO comma!
Revision Practice
Combining Practice Questions
Page 2 of 2
Question 1: Read sentences 3 and 4 from a student's paragraph.
A Lucas practiced playing kickball at recess, he caught a high fly ball in deep left field.
B Lucas practiced playing kickball at recess and caught a high fly ball in deep left field.
C Lucas practiced playing kickball at recess, but caught a high fly ball in deep left field.
D Lucas practiced playing kickball at recess, or caught a high fly ball in deep left field.
Question 2: Read sentences 7 and 8 from a story.
A The hikers wanted to reach the mountain peak before noon, dark rain clouds rolled in quickly.
B The hikers wanted to reach the mountain peak before noon, or dark rain clouds rolled in quickly.
C The hikers wanted to reach the mountain peak before noon, but dark rain clouds rolled in quickly.
D The hikers wanted to reach the mountain peak before noon and dark rain clouds rolled in quickly.
Question 3: Read sentences 11 and 12 from an essay.
A Grandma stirred chicken noodle soup on the hot stove, she set warm bowls on the table.
B Grandma stirred chicken noodle soup on the hot stove and set warm bowls on the table.
C Grandma stirred chicken noodle soup on the hot stove, but set warm bowls on the table.
D Grandma stirred chicken noodle soup on the hot stove, or set warm bowls on the table.
Master Rule: Which choice above was eliminated immediately because it had JUST a comma?
Rewrite Rules Slides Grade 5 Revision • Day 3 TEKS 5.11C
Revising:
Which Sentence Is Written Correctly?
Today's Objective:
I can identify sentences that are written correctly.
Grade 5 Reading Language Arts • Revision
! The Rule: Look for MORE Than 1 Period!
First Rule
The question asks: "Which sentence is written correctly?"
It Asks for ONE Sentence!
The question asks for ONE sentence .
If an answer choice has more than 1 period , that choice wrote TWO sentences ! That automatically breaks the rule of the question!
It Makes a Broken Fragment!
Putting an extra period chops off a piece:"...school. To help his grandmother."
"To help his grandmother" is not even a real sentence!
RULE: ANY CHOICE WITH MORE THAN 1 PERIOD IS AUTOMATICALLY ELIMINATED!
?
Put the Rule to Work on a Real Question!
Modeled Example
Read sentence 3 from the story:
(3) Tyler packed notebooks, pencils, and markers into his backpack, this helped him get ready for school.
Which sentence is written correctly?
A Tyler packed notebooks, pencils, and markers into his backpack, this helped him get ready for school.
B Tyler packed notebooks, pencils, and markers into his backpack. To help him get ready for school.
C Tyler packed notebooks, pencils, and markers into his backpack to help him get ready for school.
D Tyler packed notebooks, pencils, and markers into his backpack. Helping him get ready for school.
Turn & Talk: Count periods! Which choices have more than 1 period? Slash them immediately!
1
Class Practice #1: Soccer Practice
Try It Together
Read sentence 5 from the story:
(5) Ethan grabbed his cleats, shin guards, and soccer ball, this helped him get ready for practice.
Which sentence is written correctly?
A Ethan grabbed his cleats, shin guards, and soccer ball, this helped him get ready for practice.
B Ethan grabbed his cleats, shin guards, and soccer ball. To help him get ready for practice.
C Ethan grabbed his cleats, shin guards, and soccer ball to help him get ready for practice.
D Ethan grabbed his cleats, shin guards, and soccer ball. Helping him get ready for practice.
Turn & Talk: 1) Which choices have more than 1 period? Slash them! 2) Which choice is still broken? 3) Which choice wins?
2
Class Practice #2: Baking Cookies
Try It Together
Read sentence 8 from the story:
(8) Dad mixed flour, sugar, and cocoa powder into the bowl, this made sweet chocolate cookies.
Which sentence is written correctly?
A Dad mixed flour, sugar, and cocoa powder into the bowl to make sweet chocolate cookies.
B Dad mixed flour, sugar, and cocoa powder into the bowl, this made sweet chocolate cookies.
C Dad mixed flour, sugar, and cocoa powder into the bowl. To make sweet chocolate cookies.
D Dad mixed flour, sugar, and cocoa powder into the bowl. Making sweet chocolate cookies.
Turn & Talk: Which choices have more than 1 period? Slash them! Which choice is left that makes complete sense?
Revising: Which Sentence Is Written Correctly?
Leave This On Screen!
Step 1: More Than 1 Period? → Slash It!
The question asks for ONE sentence .
✗ More than 1 period? AUTOMATICALLY SLASH!
Step 2: Check the Leftovers
• Is the comma error still there? (Slash it!)
• Is it an incomplete fragment? (Slash it!)
• Is it a real complete sentence? (WINNER!)
✓ Select the single complete sentence!
Strategy: 1) Slash choices with more than 1 period → 2) Slash choices still broken → 3) Pick the complete sentence!
Rewrite Rules Worksheet Grade 5 Revision • Day 3
Revising: Which Sentence Is Written Correctly?
TEKS 5.11C • Page 1 of 2
Name:
Date:
Class:
Rule #1: Look for MORE Than 1 Period!
The question asks: "Which sentence is written correctly?" It asks for ONE sentence! If an answer choice has 2 periods , it wrote TWO sentences .
★ ANY ANSWER CHOICE WITH 2 PERIODS IS AUTOMATICALLY ELIMINATED! ★
1 Part 1: Count the Periods & Eliminate Drill
Count the periods in each choice. If it has 2 periods , write SLASH . If it has 1 period , write KEEP & CHECK .
1. Elena chopped apples, bananas, and grapes. This made a fresh fruit salad.
2. Elena chopped apples, bananas, and grapes to make a fresh fruit salad.
3. Coach brought basketballs, whistles, and cones. These supplies helped the team.
4. Coach brought basketballs, whistles, and cones to help the team run drills.
2 Part 2 Quick Check: Explain the Rule in Your Own Words
Why must you eliminate any choice with 2 periods when the question asks "Which sentence is written correctly?"
Revision Practice
Questions & Practice
Page 2 of 2
How to Solve Each Question Below:
1. Slash any choice that has 2 periods!
2. Slash kept comma errors, and pick the real complete sentence!
Question 1: Read sentence 4 from a student's paragraph about a science project.
A The students collected cardboard, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans, these materials helped them build a model rocket.
B The students collected cardboard, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans. To build a model rocket.
C The students collected cardboard, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans to build a model rocket.
D The students collecting cardboard, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans to build a model rocket.
Question 2: Read sentence 8 from a story about a field trip.
A Marcus packed sliced turkey, crisp lettuce, and cheddar cheese to have a healthy lunch for the field trip.
B Marcus packed sliced turkey, crisp lettuce, and cheddar cheese, this gave him a healthy lunch for the field trip.
C Marcus packed sliced turkey, crisp lettuce, and cheddar cheese. To have a healthy lunch for the field trip.
D Marcus packing sliced turkey, crisp lettuce, and cheddar cheese to have a healthy lunch for the field trip.
Question 3: Write sentence 12 correctly as ONE single sentence (Do not use 2 periods!):
Checklist: 1) Slash 2 periods • 2) Slash choices still broken with a comma • 3) Pick the real complete sentence!
