SENTENCE & PARAGRAPH

STRUCTURE
THE CLAUSE
A clause is a group of related words containing a subject that tells what the sentence is a about, and verb that tells readers what
the subject is doing
There are four types of clauses but we will only discuss two namely;

Main clauses (independent clauses)

What is an independent clauses?

It’s a subject followed by one verb phrase (finite verb)
It contains all the information necessary to be a complete though, relaying that something has happened or was said
Every main clauses follows this formula

SUBJECT + VERB = COMPLETE THOUGHT

For example:
a. Lazy students whine
b. Robert doesn’t eat meat
Subordinate clauses (dependent clauses)

A dependent clause cannot be a complete by itself

A subordinate clause will follow this pattern;

CONJUCTION + SUBJECT + VERB = INCOMPLETE THOUGHT

a. Whenever lazy students whine…

b. As cola spilled over the glass and counter onto the counter…
THE SENTENCE
WHAT IS A SENTENCE?

A set words that is complete in itself, expresses an idea

Usually contains a subject, a verb and object
The first word starts with a capital letter and ends with a period(.) a question mark (?) or and exclamation mark (!)
TYPES OF SENTENCE

Declarative sentences
A declarative sentence simply makes a statement or expresses an opinion. In other words, it makes a declaration
This kind od sentence ends with a period.
For example;
a. I want to be a good writer
b. My friends is a really good writer

Imperative sentences
An imperative sentences gives a command or makes a request
It usually ends with a period but can under certain understanding ends with an exclamation point
For example;
a. Please sit down.
b. I need you to sit down now!
Interrogative sentences
An interrogative sentence asks a question
This types of sentences often begins with who, what, where, why, how or do
It ends with a question mark (?)
For example;
a. When are you going to turn in your writing assignment?
b. Do you know what the weather will be tomorrow?

Exclamatory sentences
An exclamatory sentence is a sentence that expresses great emotion such as excitement, surprise, happiness and anger
Ends with an exclamation point(!)
For example;
a. It is too dangerous to climb that mountain!
b. I got an A on my book report!
CLASSES OF SENTENCES

Simple sentences

Simple sentences have a subject and a verb

It expresses a single thought that can stand on its own

For example;
a. The baby cried for food.
b. This new laptop computer has already crashed twice.

Its not necessarily short. It can have a single or double subject or adjective etc, so long as it expresses a complete thought.
Compound sentences

Compound sentences contain two or more independent clauses

Basically it is a sentences that expresses two different kinds of thought
These clauses are joined together using conjunctions and or punctuation

For example;
a. The shop lifter had stolen clothes so he ran once he saw the police arriving

Both sides of the conjunction “so” are both expressing one though
Note that these sentences has TWO subjects and TWO verbs phrases
The short group of words before “so” has the ability to stand on its own and so does that succeeds it. “so” there plays a role of
simply being a connection between these two independent clauses. This is what classifies a sentences as a compound sentence

Complex sentences

A complex sentences has one independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses
The different clauses are joined using conjunctions such as because, whereas, although, before etc
For example
b. I’m happy, even though I don’t make much money.
c. Robert, a friend I've know since high school, doesn’t eat meat
Compound-complex sentences

A compound – complex sentences contains 3 or more clauses; 2 independent clauses and at least one dependent clauses

For example
a. I'm happy, even though I don’t make much money, but my kids are always complaining since we can’t afford to buy
the newest toys

Independent clauses; “I’m happy” and “my kids are always complaining”
Dependent clauses; “even thought I don’t make money” and “since we cant afford to buy the newest toys”
Linking word; “but”
THE PARAGRAPH
WHAT IS A PARAGRAPH?
A paragraph is the foundation for all essay writing
Paragraphs are comprised of four to five sentences, but not random sentences
A paragraph is a group of sentences organized around a central topic
In a paragraph, one is able to evaluate and explain on one point
At times examples are used to express these points
A paragraph does not have to be made up of many sentences, one sentence can make up a paragraph

For example
a. “I like your dress,” said Janet

To write a good paragraph you need to understand the four essential elements of a paragraph =. You have to
understand how each element contributes to the paragraph.
These are;
UNITY
Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic sentence
Each paragraph has a single, controlling idea that is expressed in its topic sentence, which is typically the first sentence
in the paragraph
The paragraph is unified around this main idea, with the supporting sentences providing details

ORDER
Order refers to the way you organize your supporting sentences
A solid paragraph always has a definite organization
Order helps the reader grasp your meaning and avoid confusion

COHERENCE
Coherence is the quality that makes your writing understandable
Sentences within a paragraph need to connect to each other to work together as a whole
One of the best ways to achieve coherency is to use transition words. These words create bridges from one sentences to
the next
You can use transition words that show order (first, second, third) or logic (furthermore, in addition, in fact)
Also, in writing a paragraph, using consistent verb and point of view are important ingredients for coherency
COMPLETION

Completeness means a paragraph is well developed. If all sentences clearly and sufficiently support the main idea then
your paragraph is complete.
If there are not enough sentences or enough information to support your argument or opinion then the paragraph is
incomplete
DO NOT OVER PACK YOUR PARAGRAPH. It must only deal with one, at most two aspects
The concluding sentences or last sentence of the paragraph should summaries your main idea by reinforcing your topic
sentences
WHY DO WE PARAGRAPH?
Paragraphs give structure to a piece of writing
They are a way to organize your thoughts
It may be helpful to think of your paragraphs as signposts, telling whoever reads your works where your ideas going and
when you are moving on to a different point
Since paragraphs are used to explain your argument in stages, it is important that you only express one idea or set of ideas
in each paragraph
If you try to say too much, your reader will be confused and your argument will be clouded

WHEN MUST YOU START A NEW PARAGRAPH?

We start a new paragraph each time we change place, time and action
TYPES OF PARAGRAPHS

DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPHS
This describes people, places, objects, thoughts and feelings
A good writer makes the reader feel, see and hear
Every story should be shown not told
The words chosen in the description appeal to the five senses of touch, smell, sight, sound and touch.
Descriptive paragraphs have to be artistic

NARRATIVE PARAGRAPH
This type of paragraph tells a story
There’s a sequence of action or there’s a clear beginning, middle and end to the paragraph

EXPOSITORY PARAGRAPHS
This means to show and or uncover
This type of paragraph explains something or provides instruction
It could also describe a process and move the reader step by step through a method
These are the “how to…” kind of stories eg. How to bake
ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPHS
Attempt to convince, persuade or express an opinion through reasoning, facts or examples or explanation
This type of paragraph tries to get the reader to accept a particular point of view or understand the writer’s position

For example;
a. Political speeches
b. Book/film reports

EXPLANATORY/FACTUAL PARAGRAPHS
These give information and facts
They inform and explain
HOW EXACTLY IS A PARAGRAPH STRUCTURED
There are three parts of a paragraphs namely;

TOPIC SENTENCES
It conveys the general and main idea of the entire paragraph

For example;
Taking to many university courses at once can have potentially serious consequences

This is a good topic sentence because;

It has a clear topic “taking too many university courses at once” and main idea which is the “potentially serious
consequences”
It gives the reader a idea of what kind of paragraph they are reading, maybe narrative or descriptive based and in this
case it will be telling us the effects of taking too many university courses

Try to figure out which is the strongest topic sentence

a. Four out of five teenagers in Canada have cell phones
b. Driving is stressful
c. How I learned to be more patient
d. In this paragraph, I would like to discuss the impact of food in Italian culture
None are topic sentences because of the following;

a. Its too narrow; it’s a fact, there is no idea to develop, it in itself is a detail not a topic
b. Its too broad; too generalized to be expressed in just one paragraph as its not specific as to when, where, how and for
whom
c. Its an incomplete sentence; it’s a good topic but not a good topic sentence, topic sentences should have a clear subject,
verb and main idea
d. DO NOT ANNOUNCE YOUR, just state your opinion or main idea

Revised and improved sentences;

e. Cell phones should be banned from classrooms for several reasons
this is an opinion

b. Driving on the highway in heavy traffic is stressful for many motorist

more specific

c. Having a child taught me the importance of being patient

has a clear subject, verb and complete thought

d. Food is an essential part of Italian culture

not announcing what will be discussed
SUPPORTING SENTENCES
Develop the idea with examples, detail and explanation

CONCLUDING SENTENCES
Give closure to the paragraph
Touch upon the main idea to give the reader the idea that the topic has been concluded and you are moving on the next idea
A concluding sentence is similar to the topic sentence as its job is to summarise the paragraph but different as it is a bridge,
transitioning from one paragraph to the next
THE END