Writing 3: Sentence Variety
Objectives • Understand the importance of using a variety of sentence structures . • Learn and practice some common ways to vary sentence structure. • Practice writing/typing a personal response.
Introduction In this lesson, you will learn about and practice two simple ways to introduce sentence variety into your writing: repositioning prepositional phrases and using adverbs as sentence modifiers. When preparing for a timed exam like the TOEFL iBT, it’s important to use grammar and sentence structures you are confident about. However, learning simple techniques to add variety to your sentences can enhance your writing and help you score higher. You will find reference to the importance of a variety of sentence structures in the top-level score descriptor on the rubric that is used for scoring the Writing for an Academic Discussion task. The scoring rubrics for both Writing tasks are included in this booklet after Lesson 10. Repositioning prepositional phrases: A simple way to add sentence variety is to reposition prepositional phrases in your sentences. • Prepositional phrases often describe time (for example, in the morning), place (for example, on the table), or manner (for example, with enthusiasm) . • You can move a prepositional phrase from the end of a sentence to the beginning. For example: o Original: I completed the task in the morning. o Revised: In the morning, I completed the task . • Sometimes, prepositional phrases can also move from the middle of a sentence to the beginning. Be mindful that moving prepositional phrases to the start of a sentence puts more emphasis on the main part of the sentence that now comes last. Use this technique sparingly—once or twice in a short response is enough to make your writing more dynamic .
Exercise 1
Instructions
• Study the examples provided. • Rewrite each sentence that follows by moving the prepositional phrase to the beginning. • Review the rewritten sentences provided in the answer key at the end of this lesson.
Examples: • I always have a cup of coffee in the morning. In the morning, I always have a cup of coffee. √ (similar meaning) • I like to shop at the market on the corner. On the corner, I like to shop at the market . X (different meaning)
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