16 Questions
What is the main benefit of using good sentence structure in an essay?
To make the essay easier to read and understand
What is the primary cause of sentence structure problems?
Having sentence fragments, run-on sentences, or misplaced modifiers
What is the purpose of the six steps to improve sentence structure?
To ensure clarity and follow grammar rules
What is the main issue with mixed structure sentences?
They jumble together different sentence construction types
How do you fix a mixed structure sentence?
By identifying and separating the different sentence structures
What is the result of using sentence fragments, run-on sentences, or misplaced modifiers?
Sentence structure that suffers
Why is it important to use active verbs in sentence structure?
To improve sentence clarity
What is the main challenge in fixing mixed structure sentences?
Knowing how to fix the error
What is the main reason for using the passive voice in writing?
When the doer of the action is unknown
What is the benefit of writing in active voice?
It makes the writing clearer and easier to read
What happens when you read your essay backward, one sentence at a time?
You are more likely to spot mixed sentence structure errors
What is the result of using mixed sentence structure?
You are more likely to lose points on your essay scores
What is the difference between the subject in active voice and passive voice?
The subject in active voice is the doer of the action, while the subject in passive voice is the receiver of the action
What is the benefit of reading your essay aloud to yourself?
You are more likely to spot mixed sentence structure errors
What is the verb in passive voice composed of?
The proper form of the verb + the past participle of the verb
What is the benefit of writing in first-person active voice?
It prevents vagueness in writings because the reader knows the writer is the doer of the action
Study Notes
Importance of Sentence Structure
- Good sentence structure makes essays easier to read and understand.
- Common sentence structure problems include sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and misplaced modifiers.
Improving Sentence Structure
- Ensure clear information within the sentence.
- Use transitional words.
- Use care with subordinate clauses.
- Use active voice.
- Use active verbs.
- Follow grammar rules.
Mixed Structure Sentences
- Mixed structure sentences occur when writers combine different sentence constructions.
- To fix mixed structure sentences, identify the faulty sentence and restructure it.
- Examples: "Because the Electoral College offers a way to honor the importance of individual state populations, so it should be preserved" should be rewritten as "Because the Electoral College offers a way to honor the importance of individual state populations, it should be preserved".
Avoiding Mixed Structure Sentences
- Read your finished essay aloud to yourself to catch errors.
- Read your essay backward, one sentence at a time, to catch errors.
Active and Passive Voice
- In active voice, the subject is the doer of the action.
- In passive voice, the subject is the receiver of the action.
- Active voice is clearer, less wordy, and easier to read and understand.
- Passive voice is suitable when the receiver of the action is more important or when the doer is unknown.
- Writing in first-person active voice prevents vagueness in writings.
Learn about the four types of sentences and how to improve your essay's readability with good sentence structure. Identify common mistakes like sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and misplaced modifiers.
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