Mastering Sentence Structure and Paragraph Development

Understanding Sentence Structure

Simple Sentence

A linguistic unit possessing syntactic and semantic unity.

Compound Sentence

The combination of two or more simple sentences joined together.

Coordinated Sentences

Sentences that are joined without a subordinating nexus, maintaining equal grammatical rank.

Subordinate (Complex) Sentences

Sentences comprising clauses that do not make sense independently (dependent clauses).

Paragraph Structure and Cohesion

Paragraph Definition

A set of sentences dealing with a single question or topic.

Main Clause (Topic Sentence)

The main clause contains the central idea or theme of the paragraph.

Supporting Sentences

These are fundamental statements supporting or developing the main idea (topic sentence).

Supporting Details Unit

This unit consists of all the sentences that contain secondary content relevant to the main clause.

Consistency and Cohesion

All the sentences that comprise the paragraph must be linked logically to each other.

Sentence Construction and Order

Syntactic Construction (Standard Order)

The standard order is: subject, then the verb, and finally the accessories (complements).

Logical Construction and Emphasis

Sentences are sorted to align with the psychological interest, highlighting the most important idea.

Methods of Paragraph Development

Paragraphs can be developed using various rhetorical techniques:

• Anecdote or Example (Trivia)

  Narrated using hard facts or personal experiences.

• Quotation

  This type uses direct or indirect quotes to support the main idea.

• Interrogative Method (Question)

  The paragraph introduces a problem posed as a question.

• Analogy

  A comparison is drawn between the subject text and a similar situation.

• Cause and Effect

  Shows the relationship between an event or situation and its resulting consequences.

• Comparison and Contrast

  Highlights the similarities and differences between two or more objects or ideas.

• Sequence (Enumeration)

  A particular subsection type focusing on ordered enumeration or steps.

• Description

  Detailed description of objects, places, people, events, or developments.

• Narrative Paragraph

  Consists of a sequence of actions or events told chronologically.

Qualities of Effective Paragraphs

• Concision (Focus)

  A paragraph should be tightly focused on a single idea.

• Clarity

  The statements should be unambiguous and not encourage questions.

• Simplicity

  The content must be stated simply, without ornate language that obscures the meaning.

Types of Conjunctions and Connectors

Conjunctions Definition

Linguistic elements that allow you to connect two or more sentences or clauses in a statement.

Key types of connectors include:

• Causal (Grounds)

  Point to the cause or reason for what is stated in the preceding sentence.

• Comparative

  Express comparison between sentences or clauses.

• Concessive

  Denotes an allowance or opposition despite a known fact.

• Conditional

  Involves a condition required to verify a circumstance.

• Consecutive (Result)

  Express a consequence or result of what was discussed earlier.

• Continuity (Additive)

  Express the idea of continuing or adding to the previous sentences.

• Disjunctive (Doubt)

  Involve questions or express hesitation or doubt.

• Final (Purpose)

  Denote the object or purpose of the action stated previously.

• Temporal (Time)

  Express the idea of time to link two sentences or events.