Post on 28-Jun-2015
Composition ISeptember 19, 2013
Tonight’s AgendaSentence Structure (p. 366, 379)Thesis Statements (p. 11) Organizing (p. 12)More on MLA Documentation (p. 89)Homework: Topic Proposal
SentencesFinding the subject
Who or what is doing the action (verb) in the sentence?
Knowing the subject is important for avoiding some of the most frequent grammar errors, such as SVA, FRAG, etc.
Sentence TypesSimpleCompoundComplexCompound-Complex
Sentence TypesSimple
One independent clauseCompound
Two or more independent clausesNo dependent clauses
ComplexOne independent clause One or more dependent clauses
Sentence TypesCompound-Complex
At least two independent clausesAt least one subordinate clause
Sentence TypesSimple
One independent clause
Eva could not visit her parents in Lima.
Spring comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.
Sentence TypesCompound
Two or more independent clausesNo dependent clauses
The car broke down, but a rescue van arrived within minutes.
A shark was spotted near shore; people left immediately.
Sentence TypesComplex
One independent clause One or more dependent clauses
If you leave late, take a cab home.
What matters most to us is a quick commute.
Sentence TypesCompound-Complex
At least two independent clausesAt least one subordinate clause
Before class, I hold office hours, and this extra time can be beneficial.
Thesis StatementActs as the main idea of the paperAllows you to achieve unity and coherenceIs neither too broad nor too narrowSatisfies the questions on p. 12Belongs in a specific place: the last sentence
of the first paragraph
Non-ExampleThere is too much crime today. Maybe
by becoming a crime scene investigator I will help bring justice to crime victims. CSI is an exciting show that reveals some of what crime scene investigators do. Forensics is the use of evidence to solve crimes. Many criminals accidentally leave evidence they were at the scene of a crime. Our country has a lot of work to do to decrease crime.
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