Discovering sentence styles & structures for successful writing what is a sentence? simple sentences compound sentences complex sentences Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes For essays and assignments For business

A sentence is a complete thought. home page A sentence is… Click here! A sentence is a complete thought. A sentence is one ‘unit’ of thought that should be complete in sense and structure. A sentence should be written with the correct punctuation marks and word order. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes One sentence is one thought or idea.

A sentence should start with a capital letter… Tony loves Lucy! I am very busy at work. He is hoping to go travelling. Where are we going? Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes Click here home page

…and end with: a full stop . a question mark ? an exclamation mark ! Different types of sentence: a statement is a sentence that ends in a full stop an exclamation is a sentence that ends with an exclamation mark (to show feeling) a question is a sentence that begins with a questioning word and ends in a question mark. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page Click here

Complete the sentence. Type the correct end of sentence punctuation into the box (. ! ?) to make the following sentences make sense. Are you coming shopping Where is James going Let’s get food – I’m starving Sarah has gone to the bank Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page Click here to look at questions

Writing questions Type the best questioning word into the box to complete these questions if why when where who how is are are we going to meet tonight? much will it cost? else is coming to the park? you glad you came to college today? old are you? Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes Click here to learn about the subject and verb home page

For a sentence to be complete it should have a subject and a verb. Hazel loves to eat pizza. Park Lane college is ace! I enjoy learning. My car is very old. The subject is who or what the sentence is about, for example: Tom loves to eat pasta. Tom is the subject. Activity: type the subject of each sentence into each box and then get your work checked by your tutor. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page Click here to learn about the subject and verb

For a sentence to be complete it should have a subject and a verb. A verb is a ‘doing’ or ‘being’ word, for example: Tom is happy. Tom rides his bicycle. I am happy. is, rides and am are the verbs. Activity: type the verb from each sentence into each box and then ask your tutor to check your work. Sheila cooks tea. Jamil likes beer. Angela loves Roy. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page Revision on complete sentences - checklist

Does my sentence start with a capital letter? Does my sentence end with a full stop, exclamation mark or a question mark? Does my sentence include a main subject (the person or thing being written about) Does my sentence have a verb (a doing word e.g. cook, eat, write, study, speak, go, run,) or a ‘being’ word e.g. am, is, was, are) To check if you have written a complete sentence ask yourself the following questions: Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page

Simple sentences Here are some examples of simple sentences: My name is Anna. I am nineteen years old. I come from Ghana. I like to dance. Write a simple sentence to answer each question: What is your favourite hobby (what do you do for fun?) Who is your favourite film actor / actress? Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page

Conjunctions for writing compound sentences Activity on compound sentences home page Conjunctions for writing compound sentences A compound sentence is made up of two simple sentences joined together. They are joined using the co-ordinate conjunctions: and, but, so, for, nor, yet, so Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes Example: Michael likes his work. (simple sentence) Michael works hard. (simple sentence) Michael likes his job and works hard. (compound sentence)

Make the following into compound sentences using either and, for, nor, but, so, yet – look at how the meaning of the sentences change! Bill was sad. Dave was happy. Bill was sad Dave was happy. Edna was in love. Tim was not in love. Edna was in love Tim was not in love. Asia likes Chinese food. Karen likes Indian food. Asia likes Chinese food Karen likes Indian food. Asia likes going to the movies. Karen likes going to the movies too. Asia likes going to the movies Karen likes going to the movies too. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page Click for more conjunctions

Complex sentences A complex sentence is usually made up of an independent clause (that would make sense on its own) joined by one or more dependent clauses (could not be a sentence on their own). The meaning of these sentences is shown by the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause (often shown by the use of a subordinating conjunction). Example: Since I came back from my holiday, I have had a horrible cold. He left the office early (independent), bought a paper (dependent) and had a leisurely lunch (dependent clause). Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes Conjunctions for complex sentences home page Writing complex sentences

Writing complex sentences using subordinate conjunctions 1. What is your main reason for coming to college? I come to college because 2. What is your favourite food? My favourite food is because / as . Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page

More on conjunctions subordinate conjunctions These conjunctions explain why: because as since Question: Why are you so happy today? Answer: I am happy because the sun is shining! Answer: As it’s my birthday today, I’m buying a new car! Answer: Since it’s my birthday, I’m going to the salon. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page More on conjunctions

More on conjunctions subordinate conjunctions These conjunctions are to do with time ( when): after, when and since. Question: Are you doing anything nice this evening? Answer: When I have done all of my work, I will go to the cinema. After I have finished my work, I will go running. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page Writing complex sentences

Writing for business Points to consider: you need to have a clear idea of what you want to say (make a plan) you need to be concise (brief) you need to proof-read and revise your writing avoid ‘flowery’ language (overly descriptive) there are ‘stock phrases’ that you can use (see common phrases) think about your format: are you writing a report, a memo, an email or a letter? think carefully about who you are writing to use formal language – i.e. do not use contractions (shortened words e.g. it’s, I’ve, you’ve, we’ve, don’t etc.) Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes Study common phrases home page

Common phrases for business writing home page Reason for writing Enclosing (including) documents I am writing to enquire about… Please find enclosed… I am writing to request… I am enclosing… I am writing to confirm… Enclosed you will find… I am writing with reference to… Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes More common phrases

Common phrases for business writing More on formal writing Common phrases for business writing home page Making requests… Ways to finish… I would be grateful if… I look forward to hearing from you. I would appreciate… I look forward to your reply / response. Could you possibly…? Please do not hesitate to contact me /us with any questions / enquiries. Thank you for your time. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes

How to address people People you know… People you don’t know… home page People you know… People you don’t know… Dear Mr. Smith Dear Ms. Smith (if you don’t know of their marital status) Dear Mrs. Smith Dear Sir / Madam, Dear Miss Smith To whom it may concern, Dear Ms. Smith Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes More on formal writing

How to finish a formal letter home page People you know… People you don’t know… Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes Business writing summary

Business writing home page Activity: fill in the boxes with the missing parts of the letter. home page Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes

Writing assignments / essays home page Points to consider: essay writing is about arguing a point. usually, there is a key question to be answered and you must refer back to this throughout your writing. in an essay you may have to put forward other people’s views, and then argue a case for your own. it is useful to think about topic sentences and link sentences for essay writing to help to structure your argument in a clear way. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes Click below for link Topic sentences Concluding sentences Link sentences Useful phrases

The topic sentence Example: The topic sentence is usually the first home page Example: Billy is a brilliant driving instructor and has a lot of experience. Billy has taught hundreds of students to drive over the past seven years. They liked him for his patience, his skill and his great sense of humour. These qualities have enabled him to have a successful career. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in any paragraph and it Introduces the main point of that paragraph. The concluding sentence ‘sums up’ that main point. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes More on concluding sentences

Concluding sentences Write a concluding sentence for the following paragraph: I like all sorts of fruit. I eat strawberries, apples, oranges, pears, blueberries and apricots. I prefer strawberries to pears because they are sweeter. I eat fruit for breakfast and with my lunch. Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes home page

Link sentences Each paragraph needs to be linked to the home page Each paragraph needs to be linked to the one before. This will make your writing ‘flow’ and your arguments will be easier to follow. Link sentences can act as a bridge between your paragraphs, linking one idea to the next. Examples of link sentence following on from the last paragraph on ‘fruit’ might be: I like fruit very much, but there are also many other foods that I enjoy including… Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes Click here for some useful phrases for structuring an argument

Useful phrases I would argue that… In my opinion… It is my view that… home page I would argue that… In my opinion… It is my view that… There is evidence to suggest that… Furthermore… Interestingly… Kindly contributed to the Adult Basic Skills Resource Centre http://www.skillsworkshop.org/ by Jennifer Baines, Park Lane College, Leeds. j.baines@parklanecoll.ac.uk July 2006. Various sections cover the following curriculum links: Ws/E1.1 Construct a simple sentence Ws/E2.1 Construct simple and compound sentences, using common conjunctions to connect two clauses (and, as, but) Ws/E3.1 Ws/L1.1 Write in complete sentences Ws/E3.3 L1.3 L2.4 Use punctuation correctly Ws/L2.1 Construct complex sentences Wt/L1.3 L2.3 Present information in a logical sequence, using paragraphs where appropriate Wt/L1.4 Use language suitable for purpose and audience Wt/L2.5 Use formal and informal language appropriate to purpose and audience Wt/L2.6 Use different styles of writing for different purposes