Many standardized assessments ask students for the correct way to "combine" two short sentences into one correct compound or complex sentence.

Furthermore, students in grades 7 and up are expected to know how to use semicolons as one method to do this. However, many teachers have a hard time finding easy-to-understand instructions to show their students how to do this.

This packet does exactly that. It concentrates on compound sentences -- how to combine two short, choppy sentences into one smoothly flowing compound sentence without ending up with a "run-on" sentence. It contains clear explanations, numerous examples, and practice exercises. Special focus is put on the use of semicolons as a way to vary a student's writing.