Sentence Structure and Effect in Prose
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Questions and Answers

What rhetorical figure is created when a part stands for the whole in the examples provided?

  • Simile
  • Synecdoche (correct)
  • Metaphor
  • Alliteration
  • The phrase 'a second is a second is a second' suggests that time is subjective.

    False (B)

    What effect is often created by equative clauses that have different nouns as subject and complement?

    Aphoristic effect

    The individual voice is the ______ voice.

    <p>communal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which author wrote the sentence 'The clouds were sitting on the land'?

    <p>William Golding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phrase 'His insides were shaking' refers to a physical ailment.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the examples with their associated concepts:

    <p>Work was his life. = Aphoristic effect I was all humility. = Synecdoche Music was my refuge. = Equative clause The longest is the loveliest. = Adjective as noun</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which author used the phrase 'Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose'?

    <p>Gertrude Stein (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What emotion does John Hurston ached with ambition indicate about the character's feelings?

    <p>Desire to achieve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ______ settled over the kitchen.

    <p>harmony</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Adjectives can serve as nouns in an equative pattern.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of modifiers did the author use in pairs of sentences for a persuasive finale?

    <p>Adjective modifiers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the author with their respective work:

    <p>Bernard Malamud = The Assistant Tennessee Williams = The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone Virginia Woolf = The Common Reader Margaret Atwood = Surfacing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which sentence is a personal pronoun used as a direct object?

    <p>The room alarmed him. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A humidifier is usually associated with cooling the air.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'Time stretched on, indifferently' imply?

    <p>Time is passing without regard or concern.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a short sentence often serve as in a paragraph?

    <p>An introductory sentence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Accomplished writers tend to use only short sentences to maintain interest in their writing.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically stated in the shortest sentence of a paragraph?

    <p>The central idea of the paragraph.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Accomplished writers tend to vary their sentence ________ to enhance their writing.

    <p>lengths</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the authors with their respective works mentioned:

    <p>Ernest Hemingway = The Sun Also Rises Mary Most = Une Creature du Cinema</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of writing is the use of a straightforward and orderly topic sentence most common?

    <p>Expository prose (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The walls, rug, and furnishings described in the example are of various colors.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do 'subordinate ideas' play in paragraph structure?

    <p>They support the topic sentence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of using a short sentence deliberately positioned within longer sentences?

    <p>It creates a distinctive impact and texture. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Exposure to new styles does not change personal taste.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of including a short sentence in a paragraph?

    <p>To bring focus or perspective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A short sentence can bring a sentence or paragraph into gentle _______.

    <p>focus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the author to their work:

    <p>Virginia Postrel = The Substance of Style Ernest Hemingway = Men at War Rebecca West = The Birds Fall Down</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sentence is an example of a short basic sentence used in a longer structure?

    <p>It must be won. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Long sentences are always more effective than short sentences.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a free modifier in relation to short sentences?

    <p>A term or phrase that adds additional information to a sentence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the author express about her cultural expectations?

    <p>She feels they disapprove of her. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The story of The Little Match Girl is portrayed as a cute tale.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    List one of the four components of enduring success identified by the researchers.

    <p>Happiness (feelings of pleasure or contentment about your life)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Success involves more than a heart-pounding race to the ______.

    <p>finish line</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the authors with their main themes:

    <p>Gloria Anzaldua = Cultural expectations and personal identity Nikki Giovanni = Tragic narratives and social indifference Laura Nash = Components of enduring success Unknown Author = Impact of supply and demand</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage by Nikki Giovanni?

    <p>Melancholic and critical (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The phrase 'What's true for graphics is true for aesthetics in general' demonstrates that expanded supply always leads to expanded demand.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one deep regret expressed by the author in regard to pine oils?

    <p>That the scent of pine no longer brings the woods to mind.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What literary device is primarily focused on in the provided content?

    <p>Noun phrases as appositives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Noun phrases appositives are always found at the beginning of a sentence.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a nominative absolute?

    <p>A noun phrase with a partial predicate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    He taught Russian at Waindell College, a somewhat provincial institution characterized by an ______ lake in the middle of a landscaped campus.

    <p>artificial</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the sentence provided, what was mentioned about the dramatic motive for intrigue?

    <p>Love is seen as secondary to other themes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The sentence about the dramatist emphasizes the importance of love above all else.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is characterized by an artificial lake and ivied galleries?

    <p>Waindell College</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Transitive Verbs

    Transitive verbs express actions that directly affect an object. They show the transfer of action from the subject to the object.

    Personal Pronouns as Objects

    Personal pronouns used as direct objects in transitive sentences don't add new information but refer back to a previously mentioned person.

    Emphasis in Transitive Sentences

    In transitive sentences with a personal pronoun object, the emphasis usually falls on the verb, not the pronoun.

    Stress on Multi-syllable Pronouns

    Multi-syllable pronouns as objects can either carry the stress, share it with the verb, or have no stress at all.

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    Stress on Noun Phrases

    Noun phrases as direct objects introduce new information and therefore attract the stress.

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    Versatility of Transitive Verbs

    Transitive verbs can be used to express a wide range of actions, making them versatile and important in language.

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    Short Sentences for Topic Sentences

    Short sentences can be effective at introducing a new topic or paragraph, often serving as the topic sentence.

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    Introductory Sentences

    Short sentences are often used to introduce a new paragraph, concisely stating the main idea.

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    Basic Sentences

    They are typically simple in structure and meaning, highlighting the central idea of the paragraph.

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    Sentence Length Variation

    Experienced writers vary sentence lengths dramatically, creating contrast and emphasis.

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    Shortest Sentence as Topic Sentence

    The shortest sentence in a paragraph is often the most essential, directly stating the main idea.

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    Topic Sentence in Expository Prose

    In expository writing, the topic sentence is often a concise summary of the paragraph's main point, best expressed in a short sentence.

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    Short Sentences as Punctuation

    The use of short sentences, often in sequence, can work as punctuation, marking a shift or break within a paragraph.

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    Sentence Length Variation for Impact

    The practice of varying sentence lengths can greatly enhance the rhythm and impact of a paragraph, making it more engaging and memorable.

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    Prepositional Phrase as Modifier

    In equative clauses, a prepositional phrase can be added before and after the equal sign to emphasize the meaning and create a more complex understanding.

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    Adjective Modifiers in Pairs

    A pair of sentences with adjective modifiers can be used to create a strong and memorable finale by emphasizing the relationship between the two concepts.

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    Repetition of Nouns

    The repetition of a noun can serve as a rhythmic device, highlighting the passage of time or other concepts.

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    Different Nouns as Subject and Complement

    Equative clauses can have different nouns as subject and complement, creating an aphoristic effect, which is a short, pithy statement that expresses a general truth or observation.

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    Repetition and Redefinition of Predicate Noun

    The predicate noun can be repeated and redefined using a conjunction like "yet" to emphasize the contrast between the original statement and its redefinition.

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    Be-Pattern and Synecdoche

    The "be" pattern can be used to create a synecdoche, where a part represents the whole. This often involves using the part to represent a person's character or quality.

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    Adjectives as Nouns

    Adjectives can function as nouns in an equative pattern, creating a concise and poetic expression that emphasizes the comparison between two qualities.

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    Equative Clauses: Be Verb for Equivalence

    Equative clauses are sentences that use the "be" verb to express equivalence or identity between two concepts.

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    Short Sentences for Emotional Impact

    Short sentences can create a dramatic impact, highlighting the author's emotional response to the story.

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    Long Sentences for Complex Ideas

    Long sentences can be used to explain a complex concept or provide a detailed description.

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    Short Sentences for Emphasis

    Short sentences can be used to drive home a key point in an argument or explain a concept simply and directly.

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    Sentence Length and Impact

    The way an author chooses to structure sentences (short or long) can affect the reader's understanding and emotional response to the text.

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    Redefining "Success"

    The author uses personal experiences and specific details to illustrate the concept of enduring success, contrasting it with the traditional understanding of success.

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    Components of Enduring Success

    The author emphasizes the importance of feeling fulfilled, making a positive impact, and leaving a legacy as key components of enduring success.

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    Language and Identity

    The way someone uses language can reveal their cultural background and how they experience the world.

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    Cultural Misalignment

    The author uses the phrase "Habia agarrado malospasos" to express a sense of not fitting in with traditional expectations.

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    Short Sentence Emphasis

    A short sentence, especially when placed within a longer sentence, can create a strong impact and emphasize a specific idea or feeling.

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    Short Sentence Impact

    Short sentences, even when used as part of longer sentences, can create a focused and impactful effect.

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    Sentence Repetition for Emphasis

    Repeating a short sentence within a passage emphasizes the importance of the idea it conveys. It can make the point stand out and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

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    Short Sentence for Contrast

    Using a short sentence after a series of longer sentences can create a sense of contrast and highlight the significance of the shorter sentence. This technique draws attention to the key idea.

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    Short Sentences for Vivid Description

    By strategically placing short sentences within longer sentences, writers can create vivid and compelling descriptions. The short sentences act like exclamation points, highlighting specific details.

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    Short Sentence for Tranquility

    Using a short sentence in isolation can create a feeling of calmness and tranquility, making the reader pause and reflect on the presented idea.

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    Short Sentence as Nucleus

    When a short sentence is placed within a longer sentence, the short sentence can serve as a central idea or a key element that stands out and draws the reader's attention.

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    Rhythm and Variation with Sentence Length

    Writers can use a combination of short and long sentences to create a dynamic and engaging rhythm. The juxtaposition of sentence length adds to the overall impact of the writing.

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    Appositive Noun Phrases

    A noun phrase that acts as an appositive is a group of words that renames or explains another noun or noun phrase. It's set apart by punctuation like a dash or comma.

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    Extended Appositives

    A long noun phrase that acts as an appositive can be separated from its main clause by punctuation marks and can encompass numerous words, often elaborating on a previous noun.

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    Climactic Appositives

    This type of appositive often emphasizes a point by appearing after a buildup of preceding elements, providing a final and significant clarification.

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    Nominative Absolutes

    The nominative absolute is a grammatical construction that has a noun phrase and a partial predicate (a verb or verb phrase). It modifies the main clause of the sentence, though it's not a part of it, and is often separated from the sentence by a comma.

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    Structure of Nominative Absolutes

    A nominative absolute usually has a noun phrase with a partial predicate and modifies the main sentence.

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    Function of Nominative Absolutes

    Nominative absolutes are often used to show a simultaneous action or circumstance related to the main clause.

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    How to Use Nominative Absolutes

    Use nominative absolutes to provide additional context, background details, or information about the setting or action.

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    Why Use Nominative Absolutes

    Nominative absolutes can be a great way to create a more vivid and detailed description in your writing.

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    Study Notes

    Sentence Structure and Effect in Prose

    • Equative Clauses: Authors use equative clauses (e.g., "The reality of art is the reality of imagination") to create a sense of equivalence or to develop a specific point. They can vary in structure, using prepositional phrases, adjectives, or repeated nouns.
    • Rhythm and Repetition: Repeating nouns or using specific syntactic patterns (e.g., "Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose") can create a rhythm and emphasize ideas.
    • Apho-ristic Effect: Equative clauses with different subjects and complements can generate concise, memorable statements (e.g., "Work was his life").
    • Synecdoche (Part for Whole): The "be-pattern" can create synecdoche where a part represents the whole. (e.g., "I was all humility"). Authors use the subject to equate it with a virtue, annoyance, or institution, giving a specific and forceful effect.
    • Noun/Adjective Phrases as Subjects: Adjectives can stand as nouns and can function in a sentence, giving a quality to an object. (e.g., "The longest is the loveliest").
    • Short & Long Sentences: Writers use various sentence lengths to structure paragraphs and emphasize ideas. Short sentences capture a single, main point often used as a topic sentence. Longer sentences add details and develop the ideas. The interplay of sentence types can create emphasis.
    • Transitive Sentences: Transitive sentences (verbs with direct objects) demonstrate action transferred. Short sentences containing personal pronouns can emphasize the verb. Longer sentences with noun phrases as direct objects contain rich information.

    Short Sentences as Topic Sentences and Punctuation

    • Short Sentences in Paragraphs: Short sentences can serve as introductory sentences to give an overview or single idea to a paragraph (e.g., "In the morning it was all over").
    • Topic Sentences: Short sentences in expository prose (explanatory) are especially effective as introductory topic sentences (e.g., "The walls are white").

    Various Sentence Types and Effects

    • Isolated Short Sentences: Short sentences can emphasize ideas, draw focus, and provide a strong rhythm within paragraphs.
    • Short/Long Sentence Combinations: Short sentences connected to longer ones create emphasis, texture, and impact. A short sentence acting as the nucleus can combine with free modifiers (e.g., "One afternoon, in an early summer of this century").
    • Nominative Absolute: A nominative absolute is a noun phrase with a partial predicate (e.g., "his eyes following a pattern of concrete blocks").
    • Appositives: Appositive noun phrases offer details and explanation. They can come at the end of a long sentence, adding impactful information (e.g., "earthquakes").

    Passive Voice and Negatives

    • Passive Voice, Short Sentences: Short passive sentences in argumentative or expository writing can effectively emphasize points.
    • Negative Sentences: Short, negative sentences can reinforce arguments, similar to short positive ones.

    Noun Phrases and Appositives

    • Noun phrases as Appositives: Noun phrases can be highlighted, emphasizing and providing details for the reader (e.g., "a somewhat provincial institution").
    • Nominative Absolutes in Long Sentences: Nominative absolutes provide detail, imagery, and context within longer sentences (e.g., containing detail of a character's actions and thoughts).

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    Description

    Explore the nuances of sentence structure and its impact on prose. This quiz covers equative clauses, rhythm and repetition, and various rhetorical devices such as synecdoche and aphoristic effects. Understand how these elements contribute to the richness of written expression.

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