Studying Sentence Patterns for the Midterm: Day 1

Class:
Here is a three day plan for reviewing for the midterm. The Monday class should start today or early tomorrow. Look at the names and the examples of the sentence patterns. Go back to your notes if you still do not understand. Study these patterns a few times a day, a few minutes at a time. Practice writing sentences that use these patterns.

Day One Pattern Review

A Short Sentence for Effect:

“This is true.”

“All attempts failed.”

A Short Question for Effect:

“Why ask this?”

“Why be afraid?”

A Short Sentence Fragment for Effect:

"Fair enough."

"Enough already." (This means, “I am tired of listening to this idea/subject.”)


Resumptive modifier:

“White collar crime is a serious problem, a problem that doesn't get enough attention in the courts or the media.”

"Sean complements the weekly class with a blog, a blog that features review material and annoying youtube links."

A List without a Conjunction:

“He is kind, compassionate, giving.”


Multiple Semicolons in a Single Sentence:


“Joy is friendly; Roger is shy; Victor is bashful.”

Interrupting Sentence

"Sean’s education history—He has a B.A. in English, American Studies and Religious Studies at Chico State and an M.A. and PhD. in English from U.C. Davis—is impressive."

"Steve’s legal troubles (He went to jail for a year for robbery) make it difficult for him to get a job."


Emphatic Modifier

"Quickly, Steven ran to class."

"His face covered in sweat, Leonard continued the stressful workout."


Using a Colon to Go From the General to the Specific

"Confucianism has one goal in mind: social harmony."

"Football has a simple scoring system: a touchdown is worth six points; a field goal, three; a safety, two; an extra point, one." [This sentence also shows how you can “drop the verb” when you use semicolons.]