Learning to WRITE
How are messages coneveyed is speaking and writing?
The basic elements of a sentence: Simple Sentences
Combining simple sentences: Complex Sentences
Combining simple sentences: Compound Sentences
Combining simple sentences: Compound Complex Sentences
Revise and check: Video quiz on sentence structure
Speaking vs
Writing
spontaneous/unprepared
well-planned/ prepared
>
>
>
repetitive/rambling
concise/ accurate
>
>
unclear/unprecise
clear/ precise
>
>
messy/ disorganized
logically organized
>
>
often informal
often (semi)formal
>
>
>
no body language/
context must be specified
less interactive
high responsibility
intonation?
+interactive
+body language
+intonation
+context
+"easy going"
!!! !?!
Come here!
Words
Grammar
Sentence
Paragraph
Story, email, report, essay, article, novel, etc.
What's a sentence?
SUBJECT + VERB (+ OBJECT) S+V+O
She lives here.
What were you doing yesterday?
Raining.
It is raining.
Because of the bad weather.
The flight was cancelled because of the bad weather.
phrase
Come here!
Exception: giving orders - subject is not used!Imperative = sentence
What's a sentence?
SUBJECT + VERB + OBJECT S+V+O
A simple sentence has the minimum of a subject and a main verb.
Examples: Time flies. Guests arrived. I understand.
Sentence = a set of words1) contains: a subject (what the sentence is about, the topic of the sentence), and a verb (a predicate) (what is said about the subject) 2) starts with a CAPITAL letter and finishes with a
. ! ?
Example: Our guests arrived by bus yesterday.
predicate
What's a sentence?
A.A. Milne, “Winnie-the-Pooh.” 194 words. “In after-years he liked to think that he had been in Very Great Danger during the Terrible Flood, but the only danger he had really been in was in the last half-hour of his imprisonment, when Owl, who had just flown up, sat on a branch of his tree to comfort him, and told him a very long story about an aunt who had once laid a seagull’s egg by mistake, and the story went on and on, rather like this sentence, until Piglet, who was listening out of his window without much hope, went to sleep quietly and naturally, slipping slowly out of the window towards the water until he was only hanging on by his toes, at which moment luckily, a sudden loud squawk from Owl, which was really part of the story, being what his aunt said, woke the Piglet up and just gave him time to jerk himself back into safety and say, “How interesting, and did she?” when—well, you can imagine his joy when at last he saw the good ship, 'The Brain of Pooh (Captain, C. Robin; 1st Mate, P. Bear') coming over the sea to rescue him.”
SIMPLE SENTENCES
My Friend Anna Anna is my best friend. She works in a hospital. Hospitals are not her favorite place. Her home is in a small town. A big city is her dream. She is wearing glasses. She hates the big frames. She is calm in most situations. Big meetings are stressful. She is never late. Books fill her free time. Music provides relaxation. This woman is kind. Honesty is her rule. Everyone likes her.
Combining two simple sentences.
He is stubborn. He never listens to anyone.
SIMPLE SENTENCE
SIMPLE SENTENCE
He is stubborn, so he never listens to anyone.
COMPOUND SENTENCE
He never listens to anyone because he is stubborn.
COMPLEX SENTENCE
COMPOUND SENTENCES
FANBOYS
SIMPLE SENTENCE + SIMPLE SENTENCE
Subject +Verb + Subject + Verb
For And Nor But Or Yet So
We didn’t go to the beach, for it started raining. We didn’t go to the beach, and we stayed home instead. We didn’t go to the beach, nor did we visit the park. We didn’t go to the beach, but we had fun at the museum. We didn’t go to the beach, or we could have tried a hike. We didn’t go to the beach, yet we had a relaxing day. We didn’t go to the beach, so we watched movies at home.
COMPOUND SENTENCES
FANBOYS
AND, BUT, OR, SO
I try to eat healthy every day, and I also drink lots of water. I try to eat healthy every day, so I prepare my meals at home. I try to eat healthy every day, or I go for a long walk instead. I try to eat healthy every day, but I still crave chocolate.
COMPOUND SENTENCES
FANBOYS
FOR
= BECAUSE
I need to leave early, for I have an appointment.
I need to leave early because I have an appointment.
YET
= BUT
He's 80 years old, yet he runs marathons. (wow, that's surprising!)
He's 80 years old, but he exercises daily. (normal contrast)
"I studied hard, but I failed the test." (simple contrast) "The food was expensive, but it was delicious." (straightforward opposite) "I studied for weeks, yet I failed the test." (more surprising/disappointing) "The restaurant was tiny, yet it served amazing food." (unexpectedly good despite size)
COMPOUND SENTENCES
FANBOYS
NOR
+ reversed word order = and + negative
I don’t eat junk food, and I don't drink sugary drinks.
I don’t eat junk food, nor do I drink sugary drinks.
We didn’t go to the beach, and we didn't visit the park.
We didn’t go to the beach, nor did we visit the park.
He can’t sing, and he can't dance.
He can’t sing, nor can he dance.
Practice – finish the sentences with your ideas. I don’t ……………………………….., nor do I …………………………………. . He doesn’t ………………………….., nor does he ……………………………. .
COMPOUND SENTENCES
A wise person listens carefully. A foolish person speaks quickly.
a simple sentence
a simple sentence
but
A wise person listens carefully, ____ a foolish person speaks quickly.
CLAUSE
an independent clause
an independent clause
a compund sentence
Hard work pays off. Laziness leads to regret.
Failure tests character. Persistence builds success
Learning requires effort. Progress never appears by accident.
Progress is not linear. It is not predictable.
You can repeat old habits. You can build better ones.
Progress is often invisible. It is constantly happening.
Talent opens the door. Discipline keeps it open.
Learning accumulates over time. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Practice
Learning requires effort, for progress never appears by accident.
Failure tests character, and persistence builds success.
Hard work pays off, but laziness leads to regret.
Failure tests character, and persistence builds success
Progress is not linear, nor is it predictable.
You can repeat old habits, or you can build better ones.
Progress is often invisible, yet it is constantly happening.
Talent opens the door; discipline keeps it open.
Learning compounds over time, so consistency matters more than intensity.
COMMA SPLICE
I have a big test tomorrow, I need to study tonight.
SEMICOLON
I have a big test tomorrow; I need to study tonight.
A SEMICOLON connects two simple sentences that are closely related in thought without a FANBOYS connector.
COMPOUND SUBJECT COMPOUND VERB
Peter and Mary have been dating for three years and are going to get married soon.
What is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence uses specific connecting words that create a relationship between two or more parts of the sentence. One part gives the main information (independent clause), and the other part adds extra details (dependent clause).
If a student believes they already know everything, the doors to new wisdom remain firmly locked. Learning never truly ends since the world changes faster than our current understanding of it.
What is a Complex Sentence?
The Magic Words for Complex Sentences: Time: when, while, after, before, until, since Reason: because, since, as Contrast: although, even though, though Condition: if, unless Explanation/definition: who, which, that, where
What is a Complex Sentence?
- I love watching movies which make me laugh.
- Although it was too hot outside, he was wearing a coat.
- When she arrived at the airport, the plane had already taken off.
- If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors and watch movies.
- She won't pass the exam unless she studies a lot.
- I don't remember where I left my keys.
- He called his mother because he missed her.
- Since you're getting paid today, let's go out for drinks!
- Before I go to bed, I like to read a book.
- I always feel more energetic after I drink a cup of coffee.
- The cat was sleeping while the dog was chasing its tail.
00:00
SINCE
AS
BECAUSE
Experiences (school subjects) 1. I enjoyed [ subject ] lessons at school because… 2. I didn't like [ subject ] lessons because... 3. My [ subject ] teacher was my favourite/ least favourite because... 4. I studied/ didn't study hard because... Opinions 5. I think AI will/ won't help everyone learn better because… 6. I suppose higher education is/ isn't important because… 7. I believe online learning is/ isn't useful because… 8. I prefer learning independently/ in a group because…
Because............................................. I enjoyed [ subject ] lessons at school.
Because............................................. I didn't like [ subject ] lessons.
Because............................................. I didn't like [ subject ] lessons.
Because.........................................
Because.........................................
Because.........................................
Because.........................................
Because.........................................
THOUGH
ALTHOUGH
EVEN THOUGH
I like studying English.
I like studying English although it is sometimes hard.
Although it is sometimes hard, I like studying English.
Although I like studying English, I can't speak very well.
I can't speak English very well although I like studying it.
Use the ideas above to create one complex sentence from simple ones
Schools teach important skills. Studying helps people get better jobs. Learning languages is necessary. Education gives people more opportunities. AI is a useful tool for learning.
00:00
BEFORE/ AFTER/ WHEN
I learnt basic computer skills before I took the online course. I took the online course after I learnt basic computer skills.
Before I took the online course, I learnt basic computer skills. After I learnt basic computer skills, I took the online course.
When I took the online course, I learnt basic computer skills. When I learnt basic computer skills, I took the online course.
LEVELS OF EDUCATIONAttend kindergarden/ nursery school / preschool (ages 3–4) Study in primary school (Years 1–6) / elementary school (Grades 1–5 or 6) Move to lower secondary school (Years 7–9) / middle school (Grades 6–8) Continue to upper secondary school (Years 10–12) / high school (Grades 9–12) Take final secondary exams / high school graduation exams (end of Year 12 / Grade 12)
Enter university for a bachelor’s degree / undergraduate degree (3–4 years) Graduate with a bachelor’s degree / undergraduate degree Apply for a master’s degree / graduate degree (1–2 years) Complete a master’s degree / graduate degree Begin doctoral studies / PhD program (3–6 years)
00:00
Revise and Check
Ask your question to every groupmate.
Step 1 Step 2
Answer your question in a writtten form. (approx. 8 sentences)
Revise and Check
1 A predicate is the part of a sentence that says something about the subject. 2 The main part of the predicate is the verb. 3 There are two types of clauses are independent and dependent. 4 True or false: a simple sentence consists of one dependent clause. 5 If a "sentence" does not have a subject, a verb and a complete thought, it is a fragment. 6 True or False: "Turn off that music!" is a fragment not a sentence. 7 True or False: "The major and the captain attended the meeting." is a simple senetence. 8 Compound or Complex: "He submitted his leave request, and he began planning his vacation." 9 Compound or Complex: "Because his leave request was approved, he began planning his vacation." 10 Add commas: "According to the research it's not buying material things that makes us happier and we can waste our lives running after money rather than enjoying the simple things."
a simple sentence consists of one independent clause
"Turn off that music!" is a sentence (an imparative form).
, and we can waste our
AI Sentence Structure Trainer
https://student.magicschool.ai/s/join?joinCode=D7tznQ
Learning to WRITE
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Transcript
Learning to WRITE
How are messages coneveyed is speaking and writing?
The basic elements of a sentence: Simple Sentences
Combining simple sentences: Complex Sentences
Combining simple sentences: Compound Sentences
Combining simple sentences: Compound Complex Sentences
Revise and check: Video quiz on sentence structure
Speaking vs
Writing
spontaneous/unprepared
well-planned/ prepared
>
>
>
repetitive/rambling
concise/ accurate
>
>
unclear/unprecise
clear/ precise
>
>
messy/ disorganized
logically organized
>
>
often informal
often (semi)formal
>
>
>
no body language/
context must be specified
less interactive
high responsibility
intonation?
+interactive
+body language
+intonation
+context
+"easy going"
!!! !?!
Come here!
Words
Grammar
Sentence
Paragraph
Story, email, report, essay, article, novel, etc.
What's a sentence?
SUBJECT + VERB (+ OBJECT) S+V+O
She lives here.
What were you doing yesterday?
Raining.
It is raining.
Because of the bad weather.
The flight was cancelled because of the bad weather.
phrase
Come here!
Exception: giving orders - subject is not used!Imperative = sentence
What's a sentence?
SUBJECT + VERB + OBJECT S+V+O
A simple sentence has the minimum of a subject and a main verb.
Examples: Time flies. Guests arrived. I understand.
Sentence = a set of words1) contains: a subject (what the sentence is about, the topic of the sentence), and a verb (a predicate) (what is said about the subject) 2) starts with a CAPITAL letter and finishes with a
. ! ?
Example: Our guests arrived by bus yesterday.
predicate
What's a sentence?
A.A. Milne, “Winnie-the-Pooh.” 194 words. “In after-years he liked to think that he had been in Very Great Danger during the Terrible Flood, but the only danger he had really been in was in the last half-hour of his imprisonment, when Owl, who had just flown up, sat on a branch of his tree to comfort him, and told him a very long story about an aunt who had once laid a seagull’s egg by mistake, and the story went on and on, rather like this sentence, until Piglet, who was listening out of his window without much hope, went to sleep quietly and naturally, slipping slowly out of the window towards the water until he was only hanging on by his toes, at which moment luckily, a sudden loud squawk from Owl, which was really part of the story, being what his aunt said, woke the Piglet up and just gave him time to jerk himself back into safety and say, “How interesting, and did she?” when—well, you can imagine his joy when at last he saw the good ship, 'The Brain of Pooh (Captain, C. Robin; 1st Mate, P. Bear') coming over the sea to rescue him.”
SIMPLE SENTENCES
My Friend Anna Anna is my best friend. She works in a hospital. Hospitals are not her favorite place. Her home is in a small town. A big city is her dream. She is wearing glasses. She hates the big frames. She is calm in most situations. Big meetings are stressful. She is never late. Books fill her free time. Music provides relaxation. This woman is kind. Honesty is her rule. Everyone likes her.
Combining two simple sentences.
He is stubborn. He never listens to anyone.
SIMPLE SENTENCE
SIMPLE SENTENCE
He is stubborn, so he never listens to anyone.
COMPOUND SENTENCE
He never listens to anyone because he is stubborn.
COMPLEX SENTENCE
COMPOUND SENTENCES
FANBOYS
SIMPLE SENTENCE + SIMPLE SENTENCE
Subject +Verb + Subject + Verb
For And Nor But Or Yet So
We didn’t go to the beach, for it started raining. We didn’t go to the beach, and we stayed home instead. We didn’t go to the beach, nor did we visit the park. We didn’t go to the beach, but we had fun at the museum. We didn’t go to the beach, or we could have tried a hike. We didn’t go to the beach, yet we had a relaxing day. We didn’t go to the beach, so we watched movies at home.
COMPOUND SENTENCES
FANBOYS
AND, BUT, OR, SO
I try to eat healthy every day, and I also drink lots of water. I try to eat healthy every day, so I prepare my meals at home. I try to eat healthy every day, or I go for a long walk instead. I try to eat healthy every day, but I still crave chocolate.
COMPOUND SENTENCES
FANBOYS
FOR
= BECAUSE
I need to leave early, for I have an appointment.
I need to leave early because I have an appointment.
YET
= BUT
He's 80 years old, yet he runs marathons. (wow, that's surprising!)
He's 80 years old, but he exercises daily. (normal contrast)
"I studied hard, but I failed the test." (simple contrast) "The food was expensive, but it was delicious." (straightforward opposite) "I studied for weeks, yet I failed the test." (more surprising/disappointing) "The restaurant was tiny, yet it served amazing food." (unexpectedly good despite size)
COMPOUND SENTENCES
FANBOYS
NOR
+ reversed word order = and + negative
I don’t eat junk food, and I don't drink sugary drinks.
I don’t eat junk food, nor do I drink sugary drinks.
We didn’t go to the beach, and we didn't visit the park.
We didn’t go to the beach, nor did we visit the park.
He can’t sing, and he can't dance.
He can’t sing, nor can he dance.
Practice – finish the sentences with your ideas. I don’t ……………………………….., nor do I …………………………………. . He doesn’t ………………………….., nor does he ……………………………. .
COMPOUND SENTENCES
A wise person listens carefully. A foolish person speaks quickly.
a simple sentence
a simple sentence
but
A wise person listens carefully, ____ a foolish person speaks quickly.
CLAUSE
an independent clause
an independent clause
a compund sentence
Hard work pays off. Laziness leads to regret.
Failure tests character. Persistence builds success
Learning requires effort. Progress never appears by accident.
Progress is not linear. It is not predictable.
You can repeat old habits. You can build better ones.
Progress is often invisible. It is constantly happening.
Talent opens the door. Discipline keeps it open.
Learning accumulates over time. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Practice
Learning requires effort, for progress never appears by accident.
Failure tests character, and persistence builds success.
Hard work pays off, but laziness leads to regret.
Failure tests character, and persistence builds success
Progress is not linear, nor is it predictable.
You can repeat old habits, or you can build better ones.
Progress is often invisible, yet it is constantly happening.
Talent opens the door; discipline keeps it open.
Learning compounds over time, so consistency matters more than intensity.
COMMA SPLICE
I have a big test tomorrow, I need to study tonight.
SEMICOLON
I have a big test tomorrow; I need to study tonight.
A SEMICOLON connects two simple sentences that are closely related in thought without a FANBOYS connector.
COMPOUND SUBJECT COMPOUND VERB
Peter and Mary have been dating for three years and are going to get married soon.
What is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence uses specific connecting words that create a relationship between two or more parts of the sentence. One part gives the main information (independent clause), and the other part adds extra details (dependent clause).
If a student believes they already know everything, the doors to new wisdom remain firmly locked. Learning never truly ends since the world changes faster than our current understanding of it.
What is a Complex Sentence?
The Magic Words for Complex Sentences: Time: when, while, after, before, until, since Reason: because, since, as Contrast: although, even though, though Condition: if, unless Explanation/definition: who, which, that, where
What is a Complex Sentence?
00:00
SINCE
AS
BECAUSE
Experiences (school subjects) 1. I enjoyed [ subject ] lessons at school because… 2. I didn't like [ subject ] lessons because... 3. My [ subject ] teacher was my favourite/ least favourite because... 4. I studied/ didn't study hard because... Opinions 5. I think AI will/ won't help everyone learn better because… 6. I suppose higher education is/ isn't important because… 7. I believe online learning is/ isn't useful because… 8. I prefer learning independently/ in a group because…
Because............................................. I enjoyed [ subject ] lessons at school.
Because............................................. I didn't like [ subject ] lessons.
Because............................................. I didn't like [ subject ] lessons.
Because.........................................
Because.........................................
Because.........................................
Because.........................................
Because.........................................
THOUGH
ALTHOUGH
EVEN THOUGH
I like studying English.
I like studying English although it is sometimes hard.
Although it is sometimes hard, I like studying English.
Although I like studying English, I can't speak very well.
I can't speak English very well although I like studying it.
Use the ideas above to create one complex sentence from simple ones
Schools teach important skills. Studying helps people get better jobs. Learning languages is necessary. Education gives people more opportunities. AI is a useful tool for learning.
00:00
BEFORE/ AFTER/ WHEN
I learnt basic computer skills before I took the online course. I took the online course after I learnt basic computer skills.
Before I took the online course, I learnt basic computer skills. After I learnt basic computer skills, I took the online course.
When I took the online course, I learnt basic computer skills. When I learnt basic computer skills, I took the online course.
LEVELS OF EDUCATIONAttend kindergarden/ nursery school / preschool (ages 3–4) Study in primary school (Years 1–6) / elementary school (Grades 1–5 or 6) Move to lower secondary school (Years 7–9) / middle school (Grades 6–8) Continue to upper secondary school (Years 10–12) / high school (Grades 9–12) Take final secondary exams / high school graduation exams (end of Year 12 / Grade 12) Enter university for a bachelor’s degree / undergraduate degree (3–4 years) Graduate with a bachelor’s degree / undergraduate degree Apply for a master’s degree / graduate degree (1–2 years) Complete a master’s degree / graduate degree Begin doctoral studies / PhD program (3–6 years)
00:00
Revise and Check
Ask your question to every groupmate.
Step 1 Step 2
Answer your question in a writtten form. (approx. 8 sentences)
Revise and Check
1 A predicate is the part of a sentence that says something about the subject. 2 The main part of the predicate is the verb. 3 There are two types of clauses are independent and dependent. 4 True or false: a simple sentence consists of one dependent clause. 5 If a "sentence" does not have a subject, a verb and a complete thought, it is a fragment. 6 True or False: "Turn off that music!" is a fragment not a sentence. 7 True or False: "The major and the captain attended the meeting." is a simple senetence. 8 Compound or Complex: "He submitted his leave request, and he began planning his vacation." 9 Compound or Complex: "Because his leave request was approved, he began planning his vacation." 10 Add commas: "According to the research it's not buying material things that makes us happier and we can waste our lives running after money rather than enjoying the simple things."
a simple sentence consists of one independent clause
"Turn off that music!" is a sentence (an imparative form).
, and we can waste our
AI Sentence Structure Trainer
https://student.magicschool.ai/s/join?joinCode=D7tznQ