ACADEMIC WRITING I Class 3 March 11, 2014

Today - Sentence structure (continued) - Introduction to paragraphs

Key terms Sentence: A complete idea/thought consisting of at least one noun (subject) and one verb. Noun: Germany, dog, ice cream, people Verb: go, fight, watch Adjective: big, wonderful, terrible, amazing Adverb: very, quietly, carefully, loudly

Key terms Clause: A group of words that contains at least one subject and one verb. i.e., Anna left the party early. Independent clause: A clause that can be a sentence by itself (a bicycle). i.e., Anna left the party early. Hold the cat’s mouth closed. Dependent clause: A clause that cannot be a sentence by itself because its meaning is not complete (a basket). i.e., …because she was tired. before she bites me.

Sentence Review Students studied. Students in the biology lab studied sharks in the ocean.

Sentence review Regardless of how much detail we add, the wheels give the same kind of information. The subject tells us who or what. The predicate tells us what about it. Who or what? What about it? Tony loves pizza. Companies benefit from customer loyalty. Efficient train service will decrease traffic problems.

Sentence Review: Dependent Clauses When the music began Everyone started to dance. When the music began, everyone started to dance. dependent clause independent clause

Dependent Clauses We can place these baskets on the front of a bike. As soon as it stopped raining, we saw a double rainbow. When we need a quiet place to study, we go to the library. Because I registered early, I got the classes I wanted.

Dependent Clauses We can also place them on the back of a bike. We saw a double rainbow as soon as it stopped raining. I got the classes I wanted because I registered early. We go to the library when we need a quiet place to study.

Dependent Clauses – relative pronouns These baskets go after the word they describe. Sometimes they ’ re in the middle of the bike. Frank, who works part-time,will be our guide. The new fitness center, which includes a swimming pool, will open in February. The car that is parked in my driveway is Henry ’ s.

Dependent Clauses – relative pronouns Sometimes they are on the back of the bike. Karen likes books that have a happy ending. We are making pasta for Tim, who does not eat meat. I have tickets to the jazz festival, which begins at noon.

Remember… A basket can’t do anything by itself. I ate lunch as soon as I got home.

Sentence Review Make sure you read Slides 30 – 44 from last Friday’s PowerPoint (we did look at them in class).

Ice cream is a good food. I like to eat ice cream. Ice cream is delicious in summer. Summer is hot. Eating ice cream in summer is cool. Let’s eat ice cream.

Types of Sentences - Simple sentence - Compound sentence - Complex sentence

Types of Sentences Simple sentence A group of words that: a) Contains at least one subject and one verb and b) Expresses a complete thought i.e., Airplanes changed how people travel.

Types of Sentences Simple sentence Four basic formulas S = subject, V = verb 1. S V The Harry Potter movies were international hits.

Types of Sentences Simple sentence The Harry Potter movies were international hits. 2. S S V Young people and adults enjoyed the them.

Types of Sentences Simple sentence The Harry Potter movies were international hits. Young people and adults enjoyed the them. 3. S V V The films entertained and thrilled audiences everywhere.

Types of Sentences Simple sentence The Harry Potter movies were international hits. Young people and adults enjoyed the them. The films entertained and thrilled audiences everywhere. 4. S S V V Harry Potter and his friends battled evil and made us laugh at the same time.

Types of Sentences Compound sentence - A sentence composed of at least two simple sentences joined by a comma (, ) and a coordinating conjunction. - Seven (7) coordinating conjunctions are: and, but, so, or, for, nor, yet Basic Formula: S V coord. conj. S V

Types of Sentences Compound sentence - A sentence composed of at least two simple sentences joined by a comma (, ) and a coordinating conjunction. Basic Formula: S V coord. conj. S V i.e., The gold disappeared with the mice, so the greedy man got nothing.

Types of Sentences Compound sentence More examples: He dropped a rice ball, and it rolled into a hole in the ground. They were happy, but they were poor. He could choose a big box, or he could choose a small one.

Types of Sentences Complex sentence - A combination of one independent clause and one (or more) dependent clause(s). i.e., Anna left the party early because she was tired. After it stopped raining, we went outside.

Types of Sentences A good writer uses a variety of sentence types in each paragraph and each essay. - We will look at this in a later class. For now, remember: - Do not only use simple sentences.

Paragraph = a group of sentences It’s hot out today. Chickens are crazy. I think I will do my homework. Surfing is fun.

Paragraphs A paragraph is…?! - Several sentences grouped together. - These sentences discuss one main subject.

Paragraph Structure A paragraph is a lot like…

Writing Paragraphs Parts of a Paragraph: - Topic sentence - Supporting details (Development) - Concluding sentence

Topic sentence States the main idea of the paragraph. Clearly states the topic and the controlling idea of the paragraph. Gives only main idea(s). No specific details. Must contain at least one subject and one verb. Is usually the first sentence in a paragraph.

Topic sentence Topic names the subject of the sentence. Controlling idea limits or controls the topic to a specific area. Convenience foods are easy to prepare. There are several advantages to growing up in a big city. Driving on the highway requires strong nerves and aggressiveness.

Topic sentence Do not include too many ideas. Independent films are characterized by experimental techniques, low production costs, and provocative themes. VS. Independent films are characterized by experimental techniques.

Examples English has been influenced by other languages. The slang expression so long (meaning “good bye”) is probably a corruption of the Arabic salaam. The Arabic origins of many English words are not always obvious. too general too specific Just right

Topic sentence States the main idea of the paragraph. e.g.) “Writing an essay is a complicated process.”