Sentence Types and Structures

Questions and Answers

What is the main characteristic of an imperative sentence?

It is always emotionally charged.

It ends with a question mark.

It always has a subject.

It begins with a verb. (correct)

What is the purpose of an exclamatory sentence?

To give a command.

To ask a question.

To make a statement.

To express strong feelings. (correct)

What is a characteristic of a declarative sentence?

It makes a statement and ends with a period. (correct)

It ends with a question mark.

It is always emotionally charged.

It begins with a verb.

What is the term for a sentence that is missing either a subject or predicate?

Incomplete sentence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an interrogative sentence?

To ask a question. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the steps taken to make writing easier?

The writing process. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of transition words in writing?

to connect sentences together and guide the reader Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using specific, precise nouns in narrative writing?

to show the reader what the writer means Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a narrative essay and a creative story?

A narrative essay is a true story, while a creative story is made up Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the writing process?

publishing Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the topic sentence in a paragraph?

to introduce the main idea Signup and view all the answers

What is an opinion in writing?

a personal view or belief Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of an opinion piece?

To express a person's thoughts or views on something Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after coming up with reasons for your opinion?

Argue against yourself to test your reasons Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical structure of an opinion piece?

Introduction, three reasons, and a conclusion Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to provide clear and plausible reasons in an opinion piece?

To make your opinion seem more credible Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of the introduction paragraph in an essay?

To state the thesis of your paper Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of brainstorming in the essay writing process?

To come up with ideas for your essay Signup and view all the answers

How many body paragraphs should an essay typically have?

Three Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the conclusion paragraph in an essay?

To summarize the main points of your essay Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sentence Types

A complete sentence needs to have a subject and predicate.
Incomplete sentences are known as fragments, missing either the subject or predicate.
Declarative sentences make a statement, end in a period, and declare something.
Interrogative sentences ask a question, need to be a complete sentence, and end with a question mark.
Imperative sentences command, demand, advise, direct, suggest, or instruct an audience.
Imperative sentences usually do not appear with a subject, imply "you" as the subject, and begin with a verb.
Exclamatory sentences communicate strong feelings, need to be complete sentences, and end with an exclamation point.

Writing Process

The writing process consists of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
These steps help make writing easier and improve the quality of writing.

Paragraphs and Topic Sentences

A topic sentence gives the reader the general topic and main idea of the paragraph.
Topic sentences are often the first sentence of the paragraph, but can be hidden inside or at the end.
Effective paragraphs start with a topic sentence, have coherence, and use transition words to connect ideas.

Transition Words

Transition words help papers flow smoothly from one idea to the next, improving clarity and understanding.
Transition words can sequence, compare and contrast, and explain or add examples.

Narrative Writing

Narrative writing captures the reader by using specific details that bring the story to life.
Using concrete details that speak to the five senses, including metaphors and similes, creates a vivid narrative.
A narrative essay is a written story about the writer or someone else, often told in chronological order, with a setting, using details, showing emotion, and teaching a lesson.

Word Choice

Choose specific, precise nouns, modifiers, and verbs to show action or a state of being.
Using similes and metaphors can enhance writing and make it more enjoyable.

Creative Stories

Creative stories are imagined and made up by the author.
The writing process, including prewriting, writing, revising, editing, and publishing, helps authors create their best writing.

Opinion Writing

An opinion is what you think about something, and opinions can differ from person to person.
In opinion writing, form your opinion, think of your audience, state your opinion, give three to five reasons, and re-state your opinion.
Creating an organizational structure with an introduction, reasons, and a conclusion makes it easier for the reader to understand and appreciate the opinion.
Use clear, plausible reasons and argue against yourself to test your reasons and make them stronger.

Essay Writing

When writing an essay, follow three steps: choosing a topic, brainstorming, and writing the essay.
Each essay should have five paragraphs: a catchy introduction with a thesis, three body paragraphs with supporting ideas, and a conclusion paragraph that sums up the main idea.