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THE LANGUAGE ARTS MAGAZINE
Name: ___________________________________________________ Date: ______________
THE LAZY EDITOR: “Could You Be A Hero?” • SKILL: Sentence Variation
When every sentence in a paragraph is the same length, the reader gets bored. When every sentence in a
paragraph starts with the same words, the reader gets bored. When every sentence in a paragraph has the
same rhythm, the reader gets bored. When every sentence . . . well, you get the point. To add some pizzazz
to your writing, vary your sentence structure!
Here are four ways to add variety to your sentences:
1. Add an adverb to the beginning of a sentence:
Jason chewed on his pencil.
Thoughtfully, Jason chewed on his pencil.
2. Move a prepositional phrase to the beginning of a sentence:
Lara usually eats an apple in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, Lara usually eats an apple.
3. Link two sentences to form a compound sentence:
Our dog Roger used to chew on the table legs. He grew out of that habit.
Our dog Roger used to chew on the table legs, but he grew out of that habit.
4. Combine two sentences by placing a clause in the middle of one of the sentences:
This T-shirt is falling apart. I’ve worn it only a few times.
This T-shirt, which I’ve worn only a few times, is falling apart.
Directions: Rewrite the paragraph below so that the sentences vary in length, opening words, and rhythm.
Use the tips in the box above to help you.
The Snyder family got a dog on Saturday. They got her from a shelter. They all love her. They can’t
agree on what to name her. Mrs. Snyder wants to name her Clover. Mr. Snyder wants to name her Rocket.
Brandon Snyder wants to name the dog Blaze. Brandon is 12. Sofia Snyder wants to name the dog Star. Sofia
is 7. The dog sits and listens to the Snyders argue. She is ready to answer to whatever they decide to call her.
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SCHOLASTIC SCOPE ACTIVITY • DECEMBER 2013
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Vary Your Sentences