Writing Introduction Sentence Structure Paragraph Writing Clauses Independent

Writing Introduction Sentence Structure & Paragraph Writing

Clauses • Independent Clause – Has at least a subject and a verb. – Expresses a complete thought. – Can stand alone as a complete sentence. • Dependent Clause – Has at least a subject and a verb. – Does not express a complete thought. – Needs to be connected to an independent clause.

Is this an independent or a dependent clause? Because it was her birthday.

Is this an independent or a dependent clause? Lisa had a party.

Is this an independent or a dependent clause? Lisa had a party because it was her birthday.

Sentence Fragments A dependent clause that is not connected to an independent clause is called a sentence fragment. This is a common error. Sentence fragment: Because I overslept. Correction: I was late for class because I overslept.

What are three basic types of sentences? • Simple sentences • Compound sentences • Complex sentences

Simple Sentences • The cat ate the goldfish!

Compound Sentences • The oceans are polluted, • • and many sharks are endangered. Most people are scared of sharks, but shark attacks are rare. The surfer saw a shark in the ocean, so he quickly swam toward the beach.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Complex Sentences • When I was a child, I rode my bicycle everywhere. • Now I don’t ride a bicycle because I drive my car everywhere.

The Paragraph • 3 parts of a paragraph –Topic Sentence –Supporting Sentences –Concluding Sentence

Topic Sentence • The topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. • It is a general statement. On Thursday, July 8, 2010, I went to the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site with my CELOP teachers and classmates.

Supporting Sentences • Several sentences that relate to the topic sentence. I had a wonderful time, and I learned a lot. The site was only a fifteen-minute walk from CELOP. While we were walking to the site, I was talking with my classmates in English. I was surprised that J. F. K. ’s birthplace was a small three-story house. A tour guide led us through the house and talked about the Kennedy family…

Concluding Sentence • Restates the topic sentence in different words. The field trip was educational and enjoyable.

The Writing Process • • • Brainstorming Prewriting Outlining Writing your first draft Editing and revising Writing your final revision