WRITERS GUIDE

Sentences
Good writing has a natural flow. Sentences that vary in structure and length create a readable style. When writing follows the rhythms of speech, it is a pleasure to read aloud. Here are some ways to improve your sentences. Vary sentence types. Make your writing sound natural by using interrogative, exclamatory, and imperative sentences, along with declarative sentences. Avoid dullness by varying the length of your sentences. Be adventurous. Try beginning sentences in ways other than the, I, or it. Use connectors. Show relationships between ideas with words such as although, but, next, while, and however. Dont rely too heavily on and, so, and because.

Strategy for Improving Sentences

Reread a piece of your writing and number each sentence. Then make a chart like the one below and examine each sentence.
Sentence number Number of words First word Type of sentence (Interrogative, Declarative, Imperative, Exclamatory) Connector words

As you fill out your chart, look for areas to improve. Perhaps you will learn that you tend to overuse but or and to connect ideas. Maybe your sentences could be longer and more varied. When you revise your writing, try to improve these areas.

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Writing

Sentences

WRITERS GUIDE

Use the connector in ( ) to join related ideas in each sentence. Write the new sentences. Use commas as needed. Example: Lightning struck. The old oak tree was charred. (when) Answer: When lightning struck, the old oak tree was charred. 1. 2. 3. 4. The thunder rumbled and the wind howled. We waited indoors. (while) He was afraid of the thunder. Our dog whimpered. (because) The lights went out. We used our battery-powered radio. (when) The storm ended. We went outside to assess the damage. (after)

In the paragraph below, change each sentence to the sentence type shown in ( ). Write the paragraph. Hint: Begin the exclamatory sentences with How. 5. It is exciting to be snowbound. (exclamatory) 6. I think you should find the skis and sleds. (imperative) 7. We will miss some days of school this week. (interrogative) 8. The trees glitter with icicles. (exclamatory) 9. You can find the old snowshoes in the attic. (interrogative) 10. Maybe you could put them on and try to walk in the snowdrifts. (imperative)

Write a description of a rainstorm or blizzard that changed your plans. Use different types of sentences, and begin each sentence with a different word.

Writing

Sentences

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