Varying Syntax and Sentence Structure

What does the term, variation mean?

• No change made to something.

• It means making one thing similar to another.

• Incorporating a number of different types or elements; to modify something in order to make it unique and/or fluent.

• This term has no relevance to Language Arts class; therefore, it has no real meaning.

Choose the BEST sentence variation for this paragraph.

Johnny knew he would win his race if he kept up a consistent pace. He always dreamt of becoming a pro athlete. Johnny looks up to his father, who won multiple gold medals at track meets.

• No change is necessary.

• With much anticipation, Johnny prepared himself for a victorious win. After many years of training, he knew that maintaining a consistent pace was the key component to becoming a pro athlete like his father.

• Johnny knew he would win his race if he kept up a consistent pace. He always dreamt of becoming a pro-athlete. His father is a professional athlete.

• Johnny knew he would win his race if he kept up a consistent pace. Johnny always dreamt of becoming a pro athlete. He wants to a professional athlete like his father.

Experienced writers incorporate sentence variety into their writing by varying sentence style and structure. Using a mixture of different sentence structures reduces repetition and adds emphasis to important points in the text.

Is this statement true or false?

• True

• False

Underneath the heavy wooden table, the terrified child hid.

What type of sentence variation beginning was used in this example?

• Prepositional Phrase

• Starting with a PARTICIPLE (-ing /-ed) phrase

• Starting a sentence with an adjective/adverb

• Starting with a DEPENDENT CLAUSE

• Start with an INFINITIVE

During my time in office I have achieved several goals. I have helped increase funding for local schools. I have reduced crime rates in the neighborhood. I have encouraged young people to get involved in their community. My competitor argues that she is the better choice in the upcoming election. I argue that it is ridiculous to fix something that isn’t broken. If you reelect me this year, I promise to continue to serve this community.

What is the main problem with this paragraph?

• It lacks punctuation.

• There is absolutely nothing wrong with this paragraph.

• It is very monotonous; it feels like I am reading the same thing continuously!

During my time in office, I have helped increase funding for local schools, reduced crime rates in the neighborhood, and encouraged young people to get involved in their community. Why fix what isn’t broken? If you reelect me this year, I will continue to achieve great things for this community. Don’t take a chance on an unknown contender; vote for the proven success.

Identify ALL ways in which this REVISED paragraph differs from the original or previous paragraph. There are TWO correct answers.

• In the beginning, some sentences are combined to avoid "I" from being repeated unnecessarily. This did not exist in the original paragraph.

• There are no major differences between this paragraph and the previous one.

• The use of a rhetorical question adds more seriousness to this context, while omitting monotony at the same time. This was not present in the original paragraph.

• The bold statement at the end makes it much more different than the initial paragraph [from question 5].

Original sentences: Steve checked the computer system. He discovered a virus.

Revised sentence: Checking the computer system, Steve discovered a virus.

Which type of sentence beginning was utilized in the revised sentence?

• Prepositional phrase

• Adverb/Adjective phrase

• Dependent Clause

• –ing Modifier

• Infinitive

Because he knew he would win, Ken ran the race with a smile.

What type of sentence variation is used in this example?

• Starting with a PARTICIPLE (-ing /-ed) PHRASE

• Starting with a Dependent Clause

• Starting with an ADJECTIVE / ADVERB

• Starting with an INFINITIVE

• Starting with a PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE

Original sentences: The Jones family was delayed by a traffic jam. They arrived several hours after the party started.

Revised sentence: Delayed by a traffic jam, the Jones family arrived several hours after the party started.

What varying sentence beginning is used in this revised sentence example?

• Dependent Clause

• Starting with an ADJECTIVE / ADVERB

• Prepositional Phrase

• –ed Modifier

• INFINITIVE

To win, Ken ran the race smiling, sure of his success.

What type of sentence beginning is employed in this example?

• Adjective/Adverb

• Infinitive

• Participial Phrase

• Prepositional Phrase

• Dependent Clause