Sentence Structure

Revision

Sentence Structure

• You need to be able to identify the main features of sentence structure but also explain their effect.

• Remember! The structure of a sentence is the way it is made up and how the various elements are arranged.

Things to consider when answering a question on structure:

• Punctuation• Sentence types– Statements / commands / questions /

exclamations / minor sentences– Long & complex OR short & simple

• Word order– Inversion (‘back we went’)

• Patterns– Lists / repetition / climax

STOP!

S = simple or complexT = type of sentenceO = order of wordsP = punctuation, patterns, parenthesis

Punctuation

Copy down each of the following punctuation marks and write down their names next to them:

, ; : - —

Commas

• Commas separate phrases and clauses within a sentence.

• A number of commas may well indicate a list.

Find a sentence which uses a comma in one of the newspapers provided.Copy down the sentence and write down which function the comma is performing.

Colon

• Introduces a quotation or list.• Introduces an explanation or elaboration.• Introduces a summing up.• Provides a balance between the two parts of

the sentence it divides.

Copy out a sentence which uses a colon and write down what function the colon provides in the sentence.

Semi-colon

• Finishes off one part of a sentence.• It may be used instead of a conjunction (linking word)

to separate two principal clauses in a sentence.• The semicolon can be used to sort out a complicated

list containing many items, many of which themselves contain commas.

Find a sentence which uses a semi-colon and identify its function.

Dash

• Can function like a colon to introduce a quotation, list, explanation, elaboration or summing up.

• Two dashes can mark off a parenthesis.(Remember! A dash is longer than a hyphen)

Find a sentence which features a dash. Explain why the dash has been used.

Hyphen

• Joins two words to make a compound word (e.g. fast-track).

• Indicates a split word at the end of a line A spokeswoman for Tay-side police explained...

Find a sentence which uses a hyphen, copy it out and explain why the hyphen has been used.

Extra Punctuation

Name the following punctuation features. For each, write down a sentence which includes it, along with an explanation of its use.

“”or ‘’...( )!

Parenthesis

• Asides or interruptions in the normal flow of text, placed inside brackets, dashes or commas.

• An explanatory or qualifying word, clause or sentence.

• Contains material that could be omitted without destroying or altering the meaning of a sentence. Adds supplementary information.

• In spoken language these parenthetical services are provided by means of pauses, intonation, and expression.

Examples of Parenthesis

• John, a great singer, was not a good dancer.• John – a great singer – was not a good dancer.• John (a great singer) was not a good dancer.

Punctuation Practice Questions

In 45 minutes I will lead a walking safari through the African bush – with only five days’ training under my belt. That’s right, dear reader: six days ago I knew as much about the flora and fauna of Africa as I did about the contents of your fridge.

Q. How does the punctuation help to convey how worried and unprepared the writer feels? 1A

A. Reference to the use of either the dash OR the colon introducing the idea that the writer lacks training / knowledge.

Punctuation Practice Questions

It was a hobby-hawk. Not as rare as rare-bird-addicts reckon things: they come to Britain in reasonable numbers every summer to breed.

Q. Explain with clear reference to the whole sentence why the writer uses a colon. 2A

A. “reasonable numbers” following the colon expands / explains the idea of there not being rare.

Patterns

“I came, I saw, I conquered.”

Lists indicated by commas (or sometimes semi-colons)

In this example, use of list creates a sense of action.

“I came, I saw, I conquered.”

RepetitionRepetition of the personal pronoun “I” suggests speaker is egotistical and dominating.

Patterns

Patterns

“I came, I saw, I conquered.”

Climax – verbs have a sense of progress – ending with the most powerful.(Climax: the most intense or highest point of a series of events)

Sentence Structure Revision Questions(The writer is discussing his boat.) As for its larger value, I’ve found a way of keeping on the move that works, or seems to. Accommodation sufficient to contain an ordinary daily working life. A suitable speed at which to meet the world. Just enough danger to keep one’s wits sharp. A vehicle dependent on the random chances and decisions of the weather.

Q. Comment on the sentence structure used in presenting the reasons for the writer’s belief that “he’s found a way of keeping on the move that works...” 2A

A. Similar OR repeated pattern / like a list. All start with the important part of the reason. Minor / incomplete sentences.

Sentence Structure Revision QuestionThere’s so much fascinating stuff to learn about this place, and that’s before you’ve got to the tricky business of remembering what everything is called. One by one, Dave throws names at me. One by one, I forget them.

Q. Comment on the effectiveness of the structure of the final two sentences. 2AA. Reference to balance / repetition of “One by one” suggesting the names are endless / it’s hopeless trying to remember them all / reference to brevity emphasising despair / introducing a humorous tone.

Sentence Structure Revision Question

So as women’s role in society changed so did the chocolate bars and advertising. Out went the stoic “meal on the run” idea, in came the post-Sixties “Me” sense of indulgence – running through fields or sitting in a bath eating a flaky chocolate bar.

Q. How does the structure of this sentence reinforce the idea of the changing role of women in society? 2A

A. Balance / contrast of “Out went / in came”

Sentence Structure Revision QuestionOne of the great powers attributed to witches and wizards throughout history is the ability to fly, from the persecuted sorcerers of the Dark Ages to the players of the game of quidditch.

Q. The writer refers to “witches and wizards throughout history...”. Explain by referring to sentence structure how the rest of the sentence continues this idea. 2A

A. “from...to” – construction reprises the idea of throughout history / use of comma to indicate new clause – elaborating on the point with examples.