1. Copyright © 2014 by Write Score LLC Grade 8

2.  Subject Starters  Descriptive Starters  Transition Words and Phrases  Interrogative Sentences  Simple Sentences  Compound Sentences

3. A sentence may begin with a subject. This includes who or what you’re writing about. Example: Lebron James has shocked many fans and critics by returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

4. A sentence may begin by describing what you’re writing about. You may also incorporate descriptive sentences within your writing. Example: Soaking wet and shivering from the cold, Jessica was happy to be inside of the warm house.

5. Transition words and phrases hold ideas together when writing. They can be used between sentences and between paragraphs. Example: As a result, I think that texting while driving should be banned in all states.

6. Sentences that ask questions are interrogative sentences. Example: Which NFL team do you think has a chance at winning the Super Bowl this season?

7. A simple sentence has a subject, a verb, and a completed thought. Example: Kimora and Alexis went to the movies to see Spiderman.

8. A compound sentence refers to a sentence made up of two independent clauses (or complete sentences) connected to one another with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Example: There is a football game tomorrow, but I don’t think I’ll be able to go.

9. A complex sentence is made from an independent clause and a dependent clause joined together. Example: After I came home, I made a snack.

10. Read each of the sentences below and determine which of the sentence structures that you’ve learned today it belongs with:

11. 1.Dalton was nervous about his soccer game, but he appeared calm. 2.In the meantime, I plan to work harder at improving my grades. 3.Most of the boys decided to eat pizza for lunch. 4.Numb of all feeling, empty as a shell, still he clung to life, and the hours droned by. 5.Usain Bolt is considered the fastest person in the world. 6.Why would she think skipping class was a good idea?

12. 1.Dalton was nervous about his soccer game, but he appeared calm. 2.In the meantime, I plan to work harder at improving my grades. 3.Most of the boys decided to eat pizza for lunch. 4.Numb of all feeling, empty as a shell, still he clung to life, and the hours droned by. 5.Usain Bolt is considered the fastest person in the world. 6.Why would she think skipping class was a good idea?