1. Close Reading & Reading Closely
Syntax

2. Definition of Syntax
the way in which linguistic elements (as words) are put together to form constituents (as phrases or clauses) from Merriam Webster
The arrangement of words, sentences, phrases and parts of language to form meaning. The understanding of syntax is part of the study of linguistics.
Considered standard syntax: She gave the dog a bone.
Considered non-standard syntax: A bone she gave the dog.
From Latin: Syntaxis: to arrange

3. Basic Sentence Types
Simple: one main clause, consisting of a subject and verb
Compound: two or more main clauses joined together by a conjunction [f.a.n.b.o.y.s.]
Complex: one main clause with one or more dependent or subordinate clauses.
The following day we visited some castles.
We skirted the walls, but the main gate was locked and the custodian would not let us in.
After passing through the length of its buried catacomb-passages, we climbed the winding stairs of a tower and stood on the battlements, looking down over the al-Garb.
From Oxford IB Skills and Practice: English A: Literature

4. Practice Sentence Writing
Simple
Compound
Complex

5. Practice Sentence Writing
Simple
Compound
Complex

6. Practice Sentence Writing
Simple
Compound
Complex

7. Noticing punctuation, form and structure
"The why and wherefore of the scorpion--how it had got on board and came to select his room rather than the pantry (which was a dark place and more what a scorpion would be partial to), and how on earth it managed to drown itself in the inkwell of his writing desk--had exercised him infinitely.“ (Joseph Conrad, The Secret Sharer)
Stanzas
Formatting
Lines, ends of lines, grouping of lines,