25 Questions
What is a complete sentence?
A sentence that communicates a fully formed thought and contains a subject and a verb
What is an independent clause also known as?
A complete sentence
What do dependent clauses begin with?
A subordinate conjunction
What is the function of subordinate conjunctions?
To make a sentence a dependent clause
What is the difference between a complete sentence and a dependent clause?
A complete sentence is an independent thought, while a dependent clause is not
What is an example of a dependent clause?
When I went to the rodeo last weekend
What is the purpose of a complete sentence?
To communicate a fully formed thought
What is a characteristic of a dependent clause?
It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
What is an example of a sentence fragment?
Running to the store.
What is the main reason people overlook a sentence fragment in their writing?
They spot a phrase that looks like a subject or verb but actually isn't.
How do you correct a sentence fragment?
By identifying what is missing and adding that information to the sentence.
What is a run-on sentence?
A sentence with too much information that cannot stand alone.
How do you correct a run-on sentence?
By separating independent clauses into separate sentences or adding a comma and conjunction or semicolon.
What is a comma splice?
A sentence with a comma separating two independent clauses.
What is the opposite of a sentence fragment?
An independent clause.
What is the primary purpose of organizing research into paragraphs?
To group similar information together to determine main ideas
What is the recommended format for a thesis statement?
Lead + transition + focus
What is the purpose of revising an essay?
To make large-scale changes to the essay
What is the benefit of reading the essay out loud to someone else?
To get feedback on confusing parts
What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
To explain the main idea
What is the recommended order for organizing the body paragraphs of an essay?
Topic sentence, cite research, explain research
What is the purpose of color coding research?
To group similar information together
What is the purpose of creating a rough thesis statement?
To guide the rest of the essay
What is the benefit of using notecards to organize research?
It allows for easy grouping of similar information
What is the purpose of citing research in a paragraph?
To support the topic sentence
Study Notes
Informative Essay Overview
- An informative essay is a type of writing that aims to inform the reader about a particular topic.
- It is different from narrative writing, which aims to entertain, and argumentative writing, which aims to convince the reader of a particular point of view.
Informative Essay Structure
- An informative essay typically consists of three main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion.
- The introduction and conclusion are usually one paragraph each, while the body consists of several paragraphs, typically at least three.
- The purpose of the introduction is to hook the reader, provide background information, and present a thesis statement.
- The body paragraphs provide evidence and explanations to support the thesis statement.
- The conclusion summarizes the main points and leaves the reader with a final thought.
Outlining an Informative Essay
- Before writing an informative essay, it is essential to create an outline to organize thoughts and ideas.
- The outline should include the introduction, body, and conclusion, with each section broken down into more detailed subtopics.
- The introduction section should include a hook, background information, and a thesis statement.
- The body section should include topic sentences, research, and explanations for each paragraph.
- The conclusion should include a reframed thesis statement and a final thought.
Writing an Informative Essay
- The first step in writing an informative essay is to choose a topic that can be researched.
- The topic should be of interest to the writer and not aim to persuade the reader.
- The next step is to research the topic, asking questions and gathering information.
- After researching, the writer should organize the information into paragraphs, using a color-coding system or notecards to group similar ideas together.
- The thesis statement should be drafted, guiding the rest of the essay.
- The body paragraphs should include topic sentences, cited research, and explanations.
- The essay should be revised and edited, making large-scale changes and correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Example of an Informative Essay Introduction
- The introduction should include a hook, background information, and a thesis statement.
- The hook should be interesting and draw the reader in, like baiting a fish.
- The background information should provide context for the topic.
- The thesis statement should define the focus of the essay.
Example of an Informative Essay Body Paragraph
- The body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states the main idea.
- The paragraph should include research and explanations to support the topic sentence.
- The research should be cited properly, using a standard format like MLA, APA, or Chicago.
Example of an Informative Essay Conclusion
- The conclusion should summarize the main points and leave the reader with a final thought.
- The conclusion should include a reframed thesis statement and may include a call to action.
- The conclusion should wrap up the essay and bring it to a clean closure.
Test your understanding of complete sentences, also known as independent clauses, with this quiz. Learn to recognize a sentence with a subject and a verb, and how it can stand alone.
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