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Introduction to Writing Basics

English

Different Styles of Sentences

1.3

TASK OVERVIEW

Just as auto mechanics keep their cars running smoothly, Language

Mechanics must keep their sentences running smoothly!

INSTRUCTIONS

What are the different styles of sentences?

In order for your writing to be interesting, you will need to vary the styles of sentences that you use. If your writing only contains

simple sentences, your writing will be very choppy:

I like Mrs. Bergey. She is my teacher. She teaches writing. POSITIVELY BORING!!! I know you can do better than that!

Simple sentences . . .

contain only one independent clause. Example:

Mrs. Bergey enjoys teaching writing.

What are Compound Sentences?

They join two or more independent clauses (simple sentences). Compound sentences join ideas of equal importance.

Mrs. Bergey enjoys teaching writing. Mrs. Bergey wants her students to succeed.

becomes:

Mrs. Bergey enjoys teaching writing, and she wants her students to succeed.

A compound sentence contains two sentences joined by and, or, or but. These words are called conjunctions. Compound sentences

express more than one complete thought.

What are Complex Sentences?

Complex sentences join one or more dependent clauses to the independent clause. Complex sentences are useful when your writing

includes some ideas that are more important than others.

Mrs. Bergey, a teacher at Twentynine Palms Elementary School, enjoys teaching writing.

A complex sentence contains a clause (a statement) that is not a complete sentence. This is in addition to the complete sentence. "a

teacher at Twenty-nine Palms Elementary School" is not a complete sentence and would not stand on its own. (That is why it is

sometimes called a "dependent" clause. It depends on the rest of the sentence.) HINT for succesful writers: Use a variety of sentences

styles in your writing!

Assignment:

Select an article, and copy down the first ten sentences in the chart. You can also do this assignment with any other grade level

reading selection. Decide whether or not the sentences are simple, compound, or complex. Be prepared to justify your answers when

you share with the class.

Write one sentence from the article on each line.

Is it simple, compound, or complex?

First Term Language Program