Syntax

Syntax NotesAnalysis of Sentence StructureSentence lengthTelegraphic: shorter than 5 wordsShort: 5-10 wordsMedium: 15-20 wordsLong: 30 words or moreSentence beginningsIs there a good variety, or does a pattern emerge?When analyzing syntax, look for:Word orderAre words in a specific order for a purpose or added effect?Arrangement of IdeasAre ideas in a specific order for a purpose or added effect?When analyzing syntax, look for:Syntactical TermsDefinition:Repeating an idea in a variety of waysPurpose:To reinforce an ideaExample:We will never give up; we will never surrender, we will never be defeated.

RestatementDefinition: Repeating an idea using the same wordsPurpose:To create a memorable, powerful effect and reinforce an idea.Example:We will never give up; we will never surrender, we will never be defeated.

RepetitionDefinition: Repetition of a grammatical structure or an arrangement of words Purpose: To create rhythm and make words more memorable

ParallelismBad Example (not parallel):She revels in chocolate, walking under the moonlight, and songs from the 1930s jazz period.

Good parallelism: She revels in sweet chocolate eclairs, long moonlit walks, and classic jazz music.

"sweet chocolate eclairs," [Adjective--Adjective--Object]"long moonlit walks," [Adjective--Adjective--Object]"and classic jazz music." [Adjective--Adjective--Object]

Definition: Asking a question whose answer is self-evidentPurpose: To provoke the reader to respond or to thinkTo lead a reader to the next ideaExample:"Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do 'practice'? (George Carlin)

Rhetorical QuestionRhetorical PracticeIndependence Day Speech

http://youtu.be/B9iWheRuka0In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in this history of mankind. Mankind -- that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps its fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom, not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution -- but from annihilation. We're fighting for our right to live, to exist. And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive!" Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!Syntax Practice: Gettysburg AddressComplete in your groups.