TLW-Types of Sentences

~ Appendix Two ~ Types of Sentences ~ Creating Structures ~

TLW ~ Writing and Speaking ~ Essential Forms

Types of individual sentences:

1) Simple: Contains a single, independent clause.

I don’t eat green eggs and ham.

2) Compound: Contains two independent clauses that are joined by a conjunction (but, or, and, so, because).

Many people came to the party, so we had to go to the liquor store.

3) Complex: Contains an independent clause plus one or more dependent clauses.

Paper is good for taking notes although computers are the best tools.

Although computers are the best tools, paper is good for taking notes.

Note: When the subordinate clause follows the independent clause, no comma is needed.

Types of sentences in a paragraph: An Analogy (see below)

1) The Topic Sentence introduces the main idea and the meaning of a paragraph.

Think of the parent in a family of sentences. It’s meant to introduce the idea.

The topic sentence can be simple, general, broad-minded.

2) Supporting Sentences provide additional information in support of the main idea.

Think of sons and daughters that show respect for their parents or

outlining the activities of the extended family (relatives/relations).

3) Detail Sentences are small bits of information or facts relating

to a specific supporting sentence. They’re meant to create clarity.

Think of aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., or friends, and you are explaining

details that they had not known, explaining it carefully for the first time.

4) The Closing Sentence (conclusion/summary statement) provides paragraph closure.

Giving closure is like a person saying goodbye after a family reunion or party

summing up the conversations and hinting to the future.

What is an analogy?

~ An analogy is saying a process is like something else to explain something more clearly.

~ The above analogy uses the idea of a family to explain the structure of a paragraph.

What is a metaphor?

~ A metaphor is saying an idea is like something else in a simple way to provide clarity.

~ It is possible to suggest that a metaphor is a simple form of analogy.

~ Example 1) My dog is a terrorist. (A direct comparison is a metaphor)

~ Example 2) My dog acts like a terrorist. (Using 'like' is called a “simile”)

~ Example 3) My cat is an angel.

~ Example 4) My cat looks like an angel.

Example paragraph: The Unusual Life of a Cicada

The Cicada is a fascinating example of nature. All around the globe billions of cicadas will emerge

from the soil after several years. Before their arrival, they live mysterious lives underground

feeding on roots. They know when to surface when the roots have repeated a specific number of

yearly cycles. Sometimes it takes as long as 17 years. They burst through the soil, almost blind,

and begin to climb their tree. Then they grow wings and find a mate to complete their short life cycle.

They can become food for other creatures in their environment. In this way, they are an essential

link in the ecosystem. When we hear their magical mesmerizing sounds in summer, we can appreciate

their short stay in the world around us.

Try to analyze the sentence types… Be aware that there can be more than one interpretation…

Featured ~ Stephen Pinker ~ Linguistics as a Window to Understanding