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Webinar Overview
In the following slides, we will cover
Syntax Parts of a Sentence and Sentence Types Punctuation Sentence Variation Strategies 10 Tips for Sound (and Exciting!) Sentences
Understanding Syntax
Syntax: the rules that govern sentence structure in any given language; the way words are put together to form a sentence
Mix it up!
Varying Syntax
The subjects had 15 minutes to take the test. The subjects then had to seal the test in an envelope. The subjects did this to protect their anonymity. The subjects then handed the envelope to the moderator.
Pros Clear, correct grammar Specific description of subjects steps Cons
Varying Syntax
The subjects had 15 minutes to take the test. Once completed, the subjects sealed their test in an envelope to protect their anonymity and then handed the envelope to the moderator.
Its all about the variation:
Avoid several consecutive sentences that are about the same length and structured in the same way.
Parts of a Sentence
For a sentence to be complete, it must have a subject (what or whom the sentence is about) and a verb (an action, or what the subject does). Jones wrote. Jones = the subject Wrote = the verb
Most sentences also have a direct object (what receives the action). Jones wrote an article. an article = direct object
Parts of a Sentence
In academic writing, we also often have a modifier (a clause that modifies a noun or a verb). Because of a gap in the literature, Jones (2010) wrote an article. We might also add an appositive (a clause that defines a noun). Jones (2010), the famed social scientist, wrote an article. Finally, sentences often have prepositions (clauses that indicate the relationship of a noun or pronoun). Jones (2010) wrote an article about Mexican culture.
Parts of a Sentence
Dependent clause: a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought (not a full sentence). Common dependent clause markers: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while.
Sentence Types
Simple Sentence An independent clause with no conjunction or dependent clause Jones was a brilliant scientist. Compound Sentence Two independent clauses joined by a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Jones was a brilliant scientist, but he did not consider his own biases when conducting the study.
Sentence Types
Complex Sentence One independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Combine them with subordinators referring to the subject (who, which), the sequence/time (since, while), or the causal elements (because, if) of the independent clause. Although Jones was a brilliant scientist, he did not consider his own biases when conducting the study. Compound-Complex Sentence Multiple independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
Although Jones was a brilliant scientist, he did not consider his own biases when conducting the study, and this oversight showed in his skewed results.
Punctuation
In order to make all the parts of sentences work correctly, you need punctuation. You also often need punctuation to join clauses. Commas Semicolons Colons
Punctuation
According to APA (2010), use a comma between elements (including before and and or) in a series of three or more items (p. 88). In the forest, there are lions, tigers, and bears. You can make the pie with apples, pears, or bananas.
At practice today, the players will work on catching the ball, shooting with accuracy, and defending set plays.
Punctuation
Also use commas to
Punctuation
Use semicolons to
Punctuation
Use colons to
Now What?
Build a successful paragraph with this knowledge.
Mix it up!
1. Avoid Wordiness
Sometimes the best means of expression is also the simplest. Instead of This Based on the fact that At the present time For the purpose of There were several people who stated Use This Because Now For or To Several people stated
* These and the following suggestions adapted from the APA manual.
2. Avoid Redundancy
Instead of This They were both alike One and the same A total of 68 participants In close proximity Four different groups Has been previously found Summarize briefly Use This They were alike The same 68 participants In proximity Four groups Has been found Summarize
4. Employ Transitions
Use transitions to guide the reader from one sentence to the next. Time: then, next, after, while, since Cause-effect: therefore, consequently, as a result Addition: in addition, moreover, furthermore, similarly Contrast: but, conversely, nevertheless, however, although
Instead of This
The doors were closed to advancement In light of recent research It was a slippery slope to failure The researchers were getting results My journey through the literature has led to
Use This
There was no way to advance Based on recent research Failure occurred easily The researchers collected results Based on the articles I read
Use This
The research was thorough The participants were responsive
Other Resources
Writing Center: http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/
Library: http://library.waldenu.edu/
Residencies: http://residencies.waldenu.edu/
Grammarly:
http://www.grammarly.com/edu/students/ Writing Center Blog: http://waldenwritingcenter.blogspot.com/
For questions about course papers: writingsupport@waldenu.edu For questions about dissertations and doctoral studies: editor@waldenu.edu