1. Higher Close Reading
Sentence Structure

2. Simple Stuff What is a sentence?
What are the following types of sentences – simple, compound or complex?
Radiohead write fantastic music.
Although Radiohead write fantastic music, I know that their themes are a little bleak for some.
Radiohead write fantastic music, and they consistently set new boundaries.

3. Simple sentence (main clause) – Subject plus verb
Compound sentence - 2 simple sentences joined with a coordinating conjunction
Subordinate clause – A main clause that does not make sense on its own.
“When the idiot next to me was quiet, I could actually hear the band.”

4. What to look out for Short/minor sentences
Exclamation/command/statement/ question (rhetorical)
Repetition – clause, phrase, word, sound
Antithesis/ balance
Triads
lists
inversion
Climax/anti-climax
Parenthesis
Use of conjunctions/ position of words
Punctuation (be aware of what the mark is doing)

5. Sentence length You should also examine the length of sentences.
Short – draw attention to a point. Dramatic etc
Long sentences – build up pace, present us with a list or a series, build to a climax or an anti-climax

6. Lists or series
Do not mention that commas or semi colons make up a list – a number of items make up a list.
Make your comments specific.
Polysyndetic lists – I’ve got Pablo Honey and The Bends and Ok Computer and just about everything they’ve ever done. (Shows excitement, albums are equally important)
Asyndetic lists – I spend my days wondering, thinking, understanding. (open ended feeling – suggests list could go on etc)

7. Punctuation
What are the following types of punctuation and what are they used for?
“ ” ! : ; …
- -
( ) ,

8. Annotate the article and answer the questions that follow

9. Write down 5 things you should look for when asked about sentence structure