1. Sentence Fragments: Can you spot them? IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF WORDS WITH AN “S” FOR EACH SENTENCE OR AN “F” FOR EACH FRAGMENT.

2. #1 The otters oily fur, which forms a waterproof coat.

3. #1 = F (fragment) The otters oily fur, which forms a waterproof coat. This fragment contains a subject, but it lacks a predicate (verb).

4. #2 River otters, once common in North America, are rarely seen.

5. #2 = S (sentence) River otters, once common in North America, are rarely seen. This sentence contains a subject and a complete predicate (verb).

6. #3 Are afraid of humans.

7. #3 = F (fragment) Are afraid of humans. This fragment contains a predicate (verb) but lacks a subject.

8. #4 Chattering noisily, they take turns sliding down snowy or muddy banks and belly flopping into the water.

9. #4 = S (sentence) Chattering noisily, they take turns sliding down snowy or muddy banks and belly flopping into the water. Chattering noisily, they take turns sliding down snowy or muddy banks and belly flopping into the water. This sentence contains a subject and a predicate (verb).

10. #5 Webbed toes and strong tails make otters excellent swimmers.

11. #5 = S (sentence) Webbed toes and strong tails make otters excellent swimmers. This sentence contains a subject and a predicate.

12. #6 Paddling with their feet and using their strong tails to steer.

13. #6 = F (fragment) Paddling with their feet and using their strong tails to steer. This fragment is just part of a complete predicate (verb). It does not contain a subject.

14. #7 Prized for their rich fur like their relative the mink.

15. #7 = F (fragment) Prized for their rich fur like their relative the mink. This fragment contains a predicate (verb) but no subject.

16. #8 In the 1880’s otters were trapped heavily and began disappearing.

17. #8 = S (sentence) In the 1880’s otters were trapped heavily and began disappearing. This sentence contains a subject and a predicate (verb).

18. #9 Are now a protected species with many programs to help them.

19. #9 = F (fragment) Are now a protected species with many programs to help them. This fragment contains a predicate (verb) but no subject.