Use phrases and clauses to say it better

Grade 9 Reading Worksheet

Circle the best answer.

1. 1.

   [1] The tide was rising. [2] The pilots eased the barge into the channel. Bo combines two sentences with an absolute phrase built on “the tide.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?

   • The tide was rising, the pilots eased the barge into the channel.
   • The tide rising. The pilots eased the barge into the channel.
   • Rising with the tide, the pilots eased the barge into the channel.
   • The tide rising, the pilots eased the barge into the channel.
2. 2.

   [1] The town survived the flood. [2] The flood destroyed forty homes and the library. Esme combines two sentences. The writer wants readers to remember the damage. Which sentence puts that idea in the main clause?

   • Surviving the flood, forty homes and the library were destroyed.
   • The town survived, the flood destroyed forty homes and the library.
   • Although the flood destroyed forty homes and the library, the town survived.
   • Although the town survived, the flood destroyed forty homes and the library.
3. 3.

   [1] A storm stranded the delegation in Lisbon. [2] The delegation booked seats on a train to Madrid. Jun combines two sentences with a participial phrase that begins “Stranded.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?

   • Stranded in Lisbon by a storm, the delegation booked seats on a train to Madrid.
   • A storm stranded the delegation in Lisbon, the delegation booked seats on a train to Madrid.
   • Stranded in Madrid by a storm, the delegation booked seats on a train to Lisbon.
   • Stranded in Lisbon by a storm, seats on a train to Madrid were booked.
4. 4.

   [1] Mr. Osei stood at the podium. [2] His notes were spread before him. Kira combines two sentences with an absolute phrase built on “his notes.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?

   • Mr. Osei stood at the podium, his notes spread before him.
   • Mr. Osei stood at the podium, his notes were spread before him.
   • Spread before him, Mr. Osei stood at the podium.
   • Mr. Osei stood at the podium. His notes spread before him.
5. 5.

   [1] The new schedule adds a period of tutoring. [2] The schedule shortens lunch by ten minutes. Luz combines two sentences. The writer wants readers to remember the cost. Which sentence puts that idea in the main clause?

   • The new schedule adds a period of tutoring, it shortens lunch by ten minutes.
   • Although the new schedule adds a period of tutoring. It shortens lunch by ten minutes.
   • Although the new schedule shortens lunch by ten minutes, it adds a period of tutoring.
   • Although the new schedule adds a period of tutoring, it shortens lunch by ten minutes.
6. 6.

   [1] Dr. Chen examined the sample under a microscope. [2] She noticed an unusual crystal pattern. Milo combines two sentences with a participial phrase that begins “Examining.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?

   • Dr. Chen examined the sample under a microscope, she noticed an unusual crystal pattern.
   • Examining the sample under a microscope, Dr. Chen noticed an unusual crystal pattern.
   • Examining the sample under a telescope, Dr. Chen noticed an unusual crystal pattern.
   • Examining the sample under a microscope, an unusual crystal pattern was noticed.
7. 7.

   [1] The museum's budget was cut by a third. [2] The museum opened a new wing. Pia combines two sentences. The writer wants readers to remember the new wing. Which sentence puts that idea in the main clause?

   • Although its budget was cut by a third, the museum opened a new wing.
   • Although the museum opened a new wing, its budget was cut by a third.
   • Cut by a third, a new wing was opened by the museum.
   • Although its budget was cut by a third. The museum opened a new wing.

8. Read this first

   Sentences

   [1] Reporters pressed the senator for an answer. [2] The senator refused to name a date and left the hearing room.

9. 8.

   Ren combines two sentences with a participial phrase that begins “Pressed.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?

   • Pressed by reporters for an answer, no date was named as the senator left the hearing room.
   • Pressed by reporters for an answer, the senator refused to name a date and left the building.
   • Reporters pressed the senator for an answer, the senator refused to name a date and left the hearing room.
   • Pressed by reporters for an answer, the senator refused to name a date and left the hearing room.
10. 9.

    [1] The final bell rang. [2] The students rushed for the exits. Tala combines two sentences with an absolute phrase built on “the final bell.” Which sentence is correct and keeps every detail?

    • The final bell having rung, the students rushed for the exits.
    • Ringing at last, the students rushed for the exits.
    • The final bell rang, the students rushed for the exits.
    • The final bell having rung. The students rushed for the exits.
11. 10.

    [1] Ms. Garza coaches the robotics team. [2] Ms. Garza won the state teaching award. Zee combines two sentences with a relative clause. The writer wants readers to remember the award. Which sentence puts that idea in the main clause?

    • Ms. Garza, who won the state teaching award, coaches the robotics team.
    • Coaching the robotics team, the state teaching award was won by Ms. Garza.
    • Ms. Garza, who coaches the robotics team, won the state teaching award.
    • Ms. Garza coaches the robotics team, she won the state teaching award.