I.
Sentence Variety
When you write, you usually aren’t thinking about whether or
I.
Sentence Variety
When you write, you usually aren’t thinking about whether or
not your sentence is simple, compound, or complex. However,
not your sentence is simple, compound, or complex. However,
when you revise your work, an essay full of one kind of sentence
when you revise your work, an essay full of one kind of sentence
comes off as stagnant and weak. Incorporating a variety of sentence
comes off as stagnant and weak. Incorporating a variety of sentence
types is one way to improve the depth of your expression. This tool,
types is one way to improve the depth of your expression. This tool,
the Sentence Variety Square, breaks down the types of sentences
the Sentence Variety Square, breaks down the types of sentences
you’re expected to use.
you’re expected to use.
1. Create the square by folding and tearing off the excess strip.
2. Fold the corners into the center.
3. Write the labels, then fill the interior with the appropriate
definition and example.
4. Leave the center square for independent reading examples and
seek out at least 2 sentences for each sentence type in either
The House on Mango Street or All Quiet on the Western Front.
(You may borrow my books from my shelf).
1. Create the square by folding and tearing off the excess strip.
2. Fold the corners into the center.
3. Write the labels, then fill the interior with the appropriate
definition and example.
4. Leave the center square for independent reading examples and
seek out at least 2 sentences for each sentence type in either
The House on Mango Street or All Quiet on the Western Front.
(You may borrow my books from my shelf).
Nielson ©2016
Nielson ©2016
II.
Grammar Rule #4
II.
Write the following in your notebook under “Grammar: #4”:
Do not separate two simple sentences only with a comma; this is a
run-on (or comma splice)!
Write the following in your notebook under “Grammar: #4”:
Do not separate two simple sentences only with a comma; this is a
run-on (or comma splice)!
Example: Zaroff enjoys his hunting game, he has a talent for tracking
prey.
Grammar Rule #4
Example: Zaroff enjoys his hunting game, he has a talent for tracking
prey.
(THIS IS WRONG! Use a semi-colon or period instead of a comma.)
(THIS IS WRONG! Use a semi-colon or period instead of a comma.)
Right Example: Zaroff enjoys his hunting game; he has a talent for
tracking prey.
Right Example: Zaroff enjoys his hunting game; he has a talent for
tracking prey.
OR
Zaroff enjoys his hunting game. He has a talent for
tracking prey.
Ex. I like pizza; however, I also enjoy shrimp.
OR
Zaroff enjoys his hunting game. He has a talent for
tracking prey.
Ex. I like pizza; however, I also enjoy shrimp.
Ex. Ash and Pikachu are the best characters in the world of anime;
their bond of friendship
exceeds all others.
Ex. Ash and Pikachu are the best characters in the world of anime;
their bond of friendship
exceeds all others.
*When you are
finished writing this
information down, examine
your essay for cases of comma
splices, then correct them.
Please write down specific
questions about this concept
for tomorrow. By having few
or no questions indicates you
have a solid understanding of
this concept. Therefore, if I
find this concept violated in
your writing, you will be
marked down severely.
*When you are
finished writing this
information down, examine
your essay for cases of comma
splices, then correct them.
Please write down specific
questions about this concept
for tomorrow. By having few
or no questions indicates you
have a solid understanding of
this concept. Therefore, if I
find this concept violated in
your writing, you will be
marked down severely.
Pika-pika! ^_^
Pika-pika! ^_^
Nielson ©2016
Nielson ©2016
III.
Grammar Rule #5: Verb Tense
Write the following in your notebook under “Grammar: #5”:
III.
Grammar Rule #5: Verb Tense
Write the following in your notebook under “Grammar: #5”:
Verb tense must remain consistent throughout an essay unless you
are changing tense with purpose, such as a flashback.
Example: Tommy walks into the kitchen and sits down at the table. He
sees the sunlight shining through the window. The dog trots up to him
and barks for a treat.
Example: Tommy walks into the kitchen and sits down at the table. He
sees the sunlight shining through the window and remembers fondly
the very first pet he ever had.
It was raining hard that day. The soggy box on the corner whined
and yelped. Tommy’s fingers had barely opened it when a very wet
puppy leapt out to lick his hand.
*When you are finished
writing this information
down, examine your
essay for cases of verb
tense, then correct
them. Please write down
specific questions about
this concept for
tomorrow. By having
few or no questions
indicates you have a
solid understanding of
this concept. Therefore,
if I find this concept
violated in your writing,
you will be marked
down severely.
*When you are finished writing this information down, examine your essay
for cases of verb tense, then correct them. Please write down specific
questions about this concept for tomorrow. By having few or no questions
indicates you have a solid understanding of this concept. Therefore, if I find
this concept violated in your writing, you will be marked down severely.
Nielson ©2016
Nielson ©2016
IV. Active Language
IV. Active Language
In your best writing, you illustrate dynamic ideas and beautiful
phrases. One way to achieve this is to alter weak verbs like to be, to have,
and to do into strong verbs. Underline each verb in a color of your choice.
Ask yourself, “Is this a weak verb?” Change your writing to make it jump of
the page and you will certainly create an impression your reader won’t
forget.
In your best writing, you illustrate dynamic ideas and beautiful
phrases. One way to achieve this is to alter weak verbs like to be, to have,
and to do into strong verbs. Underline each verb in a color of your choice.
Ask yourself, “Is this a weak verb?” Change your writing to make it jump of
the page and you will certainly create an impression your reader won’t
forget.
*Keep in mind that sometimes a weak verb may be appropriate to use. You
are the author of this great work; every stylistic choice is yours to make. This
strategy may spice up your sentences considerably. Give it a try!
*Keep in mind that sometimes a weak verb may be appropriate to use. You
are the author of this great work; every stylistic choice is yours to make. This
strategy may spice up your sentences considerably. Give it a try!
1. Select a color marker/pencil.
1. Select a color marker/pencil.
2. Underline every verb you use in your essay.
2. Underline every verb you use in your essay.
3. Visit one verb at a time and ask yourself, “Is this a weak verb?”
3. Visit one verb at a time and ask yourself, “Is this a weak verb?”
4. Change the weak or bland verb to something stronger. You may need to
tweak your sentence a bit.
4. Change the weak or bland verb to something stronger. You may need to
tweak your sentence a bit.
5. Continue until you’ve considered every verb and its effectiveness in your
piece.
5. Continue until you’ve considered every verb and its effectiveness in your
piece.
Nielson ©2016
Nielson ©2016