Sentence Fluency The fifth element of the 6

Sentence Fluency The fifth element of the 6 + 1 Writing Traits

What is sentence fluency? We all know what a sentence is. Right? n Fluency is when something moves with smoothness and ease. n Sentence+Fluency= n Sentences that flow smoothly together. n

Variety is good! Variety – different kinds and numbers of things. n Variety in sentence fluency is a number of different lengths, beginnings, and kinds of sentences. n Give an example of something with a lot of variety.

Lengths n Use different sentence lengths. n long and stretchy sentences n A long time ago, at Christmas time, every year my whole family would go all the way down to Colorado to go to aunt Angie’s house. n short and snappy sentences n Every Christmas we had a great time.

Sentence Beginnings n Start sentences with a variety of beginnings n n I am really happy to be your teacher. I hope we have fun this year. I will teach you many new things. I am happy you are in my class. How would you change this paragraph? n I am thrilled to be your teacher. This year will be full of fun and learning. It is exciting to have you in my class.

Kinds of Sentences n There are different kinds of sentences. n simple – one independent thought n n compound – two or more simple sentences n n Do cows live in the city? exclamatory - exclamation n n Cows and dogs don’t get along. interrogatives – question n n The cow eats grass and moos at the dog. declarative – statement n n A cow eats grass. I am so excited about seeing a cow! imperative – command n Don’t feed the cows in this pasture.

Sentence Fluency Read your writing aloud and listen to it’s rhythm. n n Do you use a variety of sentence lengths? Do you use different sentence beginnings? Are there different kinds of sentences in your writing? As you flow down the river of your writing, is it choppy and rough or does it flow in a natural rhythm?

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