Writing Effective Sentences

Objective To help you write clear and effective sentences. Volunteer! Please read page 48 of your textbook!

Writing Strong Sentences (Chapter 4 Page 49) Combine Sentences Putting information from one sentence into another can make it more powerful. Use Compound Elements You can form compound subjects, verbs, or objects to help the flow. Form Compound Sentences You can combine two sentences into a compound sentence Make sure the meaning can be clearly understood Combine two related sentences by rewriting the less important on as a subordinate clause

Remember To Use the Appropriate Conjunctions Conjunctions help you write clear sentences by connecting words or groups of words in a sentence Coordinating conjunctions: And, but, or… Subordinating conjunctions: As, because, if, since, until, while… Conjunctive adverbs: Accordingly, however, instead…

Examples Mary traveled to Florida, but she could not visit Disney World. Mary traveled to Florida because she had an important business meeting. Mary traveled to Florida to meet some business people; however, she had to return to Puerto Rico before the meeting.

Writing Strong Sentences More tips! Write a clear subject and a clear predicate Place modifiers close to what is being modified Use appropriate punctuation Make sure the meaning can be clearly understood

Things to Avoid

Wordiness The lack of responsibility of John made him fail the class. VS John failed the class because of his irresponsibility. Or John’s lack of responsibility made him fail the class.

Unnecessary Phrases Students in the present time have to work to pay for college. VS Today, students have to work to pay for college.

Eliminate Unnecessary Words and Phrases The movie was kind of disturbing. VS The movie was disturbing.

Avoid Saying the Same Thing Twice (Redundancy) The computer is a new innovation. VS The computer is an innovation.

Week 5: Due Monday Feb 20th: pp Week 5: Due Monday Feb 20th: pp. 127-160 This week’s writing skill: Write strong and effective sentences! Write 150 words Remember to make references to the book! Questions: (Q1) Why do you think that Antoine’s pulled the ball away? Was he right to do this? (Q2) Describe the differences between Lake Windsor Downs Middle School and Tangerine Middle School. Where would you prefer to go? (Q3) Why do you think Paul is so successful at Tangerine Middle School while Joey can't handle the new atmosphere? (Q4) Which character would make a good friend in the book and why?