Trait #4 Sentence Fluency

1. Trait #4 Sentence Fluency 6 Traits of Good Writing

2. A Definition • Sentence fluency is the rhythm and flow of sentences that makes a text both easy and pleasurable to read. • Makes text easy to read aloud with interpretation and inflection. • Marked by variety in both length and structure of sentences. • The best “RULE” in fluency is to read the piece aloud. Your ears will tell you if it works.

3. Student Checklist for Sentence Fluency • This writing is easy to read aloud. It has smooth rhythm and flow. • It is easy to read this with expression and voice. • Many sentences begin differently; the writing has variety. • Repetition is used only for effect. • Sentences also differ in length. • In highly detailed, technical sections, I kept sentences short and direct. • If I used dialogue, the speech sounds natural – like real people talking. • If I used quotations, I worked them smoothly into my text. • Fragments are used only for emphasis; I have no accidental fragments.

4. Sentence Variety • Sentence fluency includes variety. Use different kinds of sentences. • Compound • Complex • Compound-Complex • Simple

5. Simple Sentence • A sentence having no coordinate or subordinate clauses. A simple sentence in its truest form is one subject and one verb. • The cat ate her food. • The sentence is an independent clause standing alone. If you join another independent clause or a dependent clause, you no longer have a simple sentence.

6. Compound Sentence • A compound sentence is two independent sentences joined together with: • A comma and a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) • A semicolon (;) • Example 1: Sally went to the store, but she forgot her grocery list. • Example 2: Sally went to the store; she forgot her grocery list.

7. Complex Sentence • A complex sentence is an independent clause and a dependent clause joined together using a subordinate conjunction. • Subordinate conjunctions: before, because, since, if, when, as, although, unless, until, whenever, while. • Example: Because it was raining outside, we couldn’t go to the park. • We couldn’t go to the park because it was raining outside.

8. Compound-Complex Sentence • A sentence with at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. • Example: Sally went to the store, but she forgot her grocery list because the dog ran away.

9. 12 Tips for Compelling Sentences • Combine a series of little, choppy sentences into one smooth sentence. • The tornado struck. • It struck without warning. • It caused damage. • The damage was extensive. • Use connecting words (but, also, nevertheless, however, in addition) to show how ideas relate. • The speaker was young, nervous, and inexperienced. • She mesmerized the crowd. • Add details to complete the picture. • She stood there, looking at us. • Watch out for run-ons (multiple sentences jammed together). • I thought his boring lecture would never end my eyelids were drooping my feet were going numb.

10. 12 Tips - continued • Watch out for ramblers – run-ons with “And’s” inserted (this is NOT the solution). • Herby was clumsy and he served the salad and it spilled on everything and my mother about had a fit and she screamed and the cat hid under the stairs. • Make all pronoun references clear. • When he stuffed the parrot into the cage, it made an odd squeaky sound. • Get rid of deadwood. • At this point in time, in reference to your memo of September 1, it is our unanimous feeling that further deliberations will yield a decision on this issue. • Avoid shifts in tense. • We went on a picnic Saturday. We are having the best time when suddenly it starts to rain! Our whole trip was ruined.

11. 12 Tips – Continued • Avoid shifts in number. • A person should be careful when they accept a new job. • Avoid shifts in voice. • I was walking down the street on this cold, clear day, and suddenly, you saw this dark cloud on the horizon. • Keep sentence elements (clauses, phrases) parallel – that is, matching in form. • Miss Blakely was intelligent, plus she had beauty, and people often commented on her sense of humor, too. • Avoid There is or There are as sentence beginnings. Be direct. • There is a lot of unrest among employees since the new vacation policy went into effect.