W - Why don't you try these tips: 1. Noguchi's idea of having the student make a tag or yes/no question to force them to locate the verb. If it's a run-on or comma splice, this student will have difficulty making the question because there will be 2 (or more) verbs to choose from. 2. Have HER write a definition of a sentence/run-on/comma splice. Starting from students own concept about a grammatical term is more instructive (to both you and them) than giving them a definition that may not make sense to them unless they already understand it. (Clear Only If Known - COIK factor). I'm writing a paper on this approach that is being piloted now. Let me know if you have success with either of these. Nancy Burkhalter [log in to unmask]