Making your writing better!

Sentence Structure Fragments are incomplete thoughts/sentences. Examples: Purdue offers many majors in engineering. Such as electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering. I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I have now isn't working out too well.

Sentence Structure Run on sentences join two or more complete sentences with no punctuation. Examples: I expected to pay $5 to get in the game I was wrong. Mallory and Jim like skiing Karen does not.

Sentence Structure Parallel Structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. Which ones are parallel? Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle. Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle. The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs. The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

Sentence Structure Wordy sentences use too many useless words that clutter writing. Good writing is simple and direct. Eliminate redundancy Examples: Each separate incident each incident Many different ways many ways He is a man who is he is

Sentence Structure Vary sentence length Don’t use too many long sentences, and don’t use too many short sentences.

Introductory Paragraph Three things are needed in an intro paragraph: Thesis statement- a sentence that expresses the main idea(s) of your paper and answer the question posed by your paper. Blueprint- a detailed outline or plan of action. Attention grabber

Let your thesis direct you Layout your ideas Before you begin… Know your audience Let your thesis direct you Layout your ideas