Giving lnstructions

Chapter Preview
Prewriting Activity: Listing

Part 1: Organization
"How To" Paragraphs
Listing and Outlining

Part 2: Sentence Structure

Independent and Dependent Clauses
Complex Sentences
Sentence Errors: Fragments
Summary: Three Types of Sentences

Part 3: Capitallzation and Punctuation

Capitalization: Four More Rules
Commas: Four Rules

Part 4: Writing

65

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 66 First Steps in Academic Writing
./·.:'- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- -- - - -

Chapter Preview
In this chapter, you will write paragraphs that explain how to do something or
how to make something. You will also study and practice:
• time order and time-order signals
• complex sentences with time clauses
• fragments (a sentence en-or)
• four new capitalization rules
• one new comma rule

Prewriting Work with a group of at least three students or with the entire class.
Activity:
Usting 1. Look at the picture of the messy house after a party on page 65.

2. Make a list of all the things you should do to clean it up. Write down every
idea. Don't worry about putting the ideas in order. You will do that later.

3. After your group has finished listing, your teacher may ask you to share
your list with other groups. Keep your list. You will use it later to write a
paragraph.
Listing: How to Clean Up After a Party
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 67

'-RT.l I Organization
-How To" In this chapter, you will learn to write a paragraph that gives instructions. This
Paragraphs kind of paragraph is sometimes called a "how to" paragraph because it explains
how to do something or how to make something-how to change a fiat tire or
how to perform a science experiment, for example.

There are four keys to writing clear "how to" paragraphs.

1. Begin with a topic sentence that names the topic and says the
paragraph will give instructions about it.
2. Divide the instructions into a series of steps. For some topics, you
will put the steps in order by time and use time-order transition
signals to show the order.
First, do this. Next, do that.
For other topics, you can use listing order.
3. Explain each step one by one.
4. Use transition signals to introduce each new step.

Keep these four keys in your mind as you read the model paragraph.

\10DEL How to Have a Successful Garage Sale

How To" 1Prepare ahead in order to have a successful garage sale. 2First,
Paragraph
collect used items in good condition. 3These items can be clothes,
toys, books, dishes, lamps, furniture, TVs, pictures, and sporting goods.
4Ciean everything well and store it in your garage until the day of the
sale. 5Next, decide on a day and time for your sale. 6Third, decide on the
prices, and mark a price on each item. 7lf you are not sure how much
to charge, check the prices at other garage sales in your community.

(continued on next page)

 68 First Steps in Academic Writing
' " " ' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

BFourth, make signs advertising the date, time, and address of your sale,
and put them up around your neighborhood. 9Then get some change
from the bank. 10Get at least twenty dollars in one-dollar bills, a roll of
quarters, and a _roll of dimes. 11 Finally, get up early on the morning of
the sale, and arrange the items on tables in your driveway and in your
garage. 12After that, sit back and wait for your customers to arrive.
13Be prepared to bargain! 141f you follow all of these steps, your garage
sale will be a great success.

Questions on the Model

1. What is the topic of the model paragraph?
2. Which sentence tells you the topic? What is this sentence called?
3. How many main steps does the paragraph explain?
4. Circle the transition signals that introduce each main step.
5. Does this paragraph use time order or listing order to organize the steps'.l

Notice that many of the verbs in the model are commands: collect, clean,
store, decide, mark, and so on. Use the command verb form to give
instructions.
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 69

Topic and Concluding Sentences for "How To" Paragraphs

The topic part of a topic sentence for a "how to" paragraph names the topic. The
controlling idea part tells your readers that they will learn how to do or make
something. In the model paragraph, the topic sentence names the topic: a garage
sale. It also tells what your paragraph will tell your reader about garage sales:
how to prepare in order to have a successful one.

Here are other examples of topic sentences for "how to" paragraphs. Notice
that they use expressions such as by taking these steps, ~f you follow my advice,
and follow these instructions. These expressions tell your reader that this is a
"how to" paragraph.
Anyone can change a flat tire by taking these steps.
It's easy to soothe a crying baby if you follow my advice.
Follow these instructions to make delicious pizza.

The concluding sentence of a "how to" paragraph mentions the topic again to
remind the reader what the paragraph was about.
In no time at all, your flat tire will be repaired, and you will be on your
way again.
If you follow these four steps, your baby will fall asleep within five
minutes.
You now have a delicious pizza to enjoy.

PRt\CTlCE I Work with a partner or a small group.

Topic Sentences
A. Complete topic sentences for "how to" paragraphs by filling in the blanks.
'"o r "How To"
Paragraphs
1. It's easy to write a paragraph if you follow the four steps in the writing
process.
2. It is simple to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ if you _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
3. Anyone can learn to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ if he or she _ _ __

4. Follow these instructions to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

5. Make/Draw/Write/Cook a perfect _ _ _ _ _ _ _ by following
these steps.
 70 First Steps in Academic Writing
.-.-.'-·- - - - -- - -- -- - - - - - - -- -- -- - - - - - - - - - - -

B. Now write three original topic sentences for "how to" paragraphs. Use
some of the topic suggestions that are listed, or think of other topics that
you might want to use later when you write your own "how to" paragraph.
!. _____________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________

3. ---------------------------------------------------

Topic Suggestions
Get an A in English Rai se a happy child
Get an F in English Raise a spoiled child
Meet people in a new place Catch a fish
Learn a new language Train a falcon/hunting dog/parrot
Get the job of your dreams Make pizza/baklava/borscht/nachos
(or any special food)
Check the oil in a car
Make a pinata
Change a flat tire
Decorate an egg
Study for a test
Use chopsticks
Avoid studying for a test
Play a children's game
Get on a horse

Time-Order Signals

In a "how to" paragraph, you can use either listing-order signals or time-orde
signals. You learned about listing-order signals in Chapter 2. Notice that mar::
listing-order and time-order signals are the same.
• If the steps in your instructions must be in a specific order (such as in
the model paragraph about how to have a successful garage sale), use
time-order signals.
• If the order doesn ' t matter, use listing-order signals.
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 71

Usting-Order Signals Time-Order Signals

1. First, 1. First, 2. before a test
First of all, First of all, in the morning
Second, Second, during a flight
Third, Third,
In addition, Next,
Also, After that,
Finally, Then
Finally,

1. These transition signals usually appear at the beginning of a sentence,

followed by a comma. Then is an exception. Do not put a comma
after then.
First, make the pizza dough.
Then add 2 cups of flour.

2. You can use any time expression as a time-order signal. You can put
time expressions such as these almost anywhere in a sentence.
Before a big test, get a good night's sleep.
In the morning, be sure to ·eat breakfast.
Drink a lot of water during a flight.

Do not put a transition signal at the beginning of every sentence in a "how

to" paragraph. A paragraph with too many transition signals is just as
confusing to the reader as a paragraph with none! Use a transition signal
with important steps, not with every step.

PRA.CT1CE 2 In a small group or with the whole class, think about each of the following
topics for "how to" paragraphs. Which topics require time order, and which
listing Order or
Time Order?
topics can use listing order? Write TO (Time Order) or LO (Listing Order)
in the space next to each topic.

_]Q_ 1. How to study for a test

_hQ_ 2. How to get fit
3. How to change the oil in a car
4. How to meet people in a new place
5. How to impress your boss
(continued on next page)
 72 First Steps in Academic Writing
·.·;··- ---:----------------------------

6. How to learn a new language

7. How to shop economically
8. How to write a paragraph
9. How to get a driver's license
10. How to prepare for an earthquake

PRJ\CTtCE 3 Each of the following groups of sentences includes a topic sentence and
several steps.
Transition
Signals Step 1 Decide which sentence is the topic sentence. Give it the number "1."
Step 2 Decide which three of the four groups should be in time order.
Number the steps in these three paragraphs in the conect time order.
. (The remaining group of sentences will be listing order.)
Step 3 Choose two groups of sentences and write each group as a paragraph.
Write the paragraphs on a separate piece of paper.
• Copy the title and topic sentence. The topic sentence is the first
sentence of the paragraph, so remember to indent it.
• Copy the remaining sentences in order.
• Add a transition signal to some (not all) steps.

1. How to Prevent Jet Lag 1

_I_ Frequent flyers recommend these steps to prevent jet lag.
__ Don't drink alcohol or coffee during the flight.
__ Go to bed early your first night in the new time zone.
_2_ Eat a high-carbohydrate" meal before your flight.
_ _ Don't nap 3 during the day when you arTive.

Paragraph
How to Prevent Jet Lag

Frequent flyers recommend these steps to prevent jet lag. First of all,

eat a high-carbohydrate meal before your flight. Second, ...

1jet lag: tiredness caused by travel through several time zones

2carbohydrate: foods such as rice, potatoes, and breads
3nap: sleep for a short time
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 73

2. How to Drive Your Teacher Crazy

__ It's easy to drive your teacher crazy if you follow these simple
directions .
__ Yawn and look at your watch as often as possible during the class.
__ Make a lot of noise when you enter the classroom.
_ _ At least five minutes before the end of class, slam your books shut
and stare at the door.
__ Always come to class at least five minutes late.

3. How to Plan a Family Vacation

__ Consider the interests and abilities of eve_ryone in the family.
__ Decide how long you can be away from home.
__ Decide how much money you can spend.
__ Planning a family vacation takes careful thought.
__ Find out when everyone can take time off from school and jobs.
__ When you have the answers to all of these questions, visit a travel
agency.

4. How to Wax a Car

Note: In this group, some sentences belong together as part of the

same step. When you write this paragraph, do not use transition
signals with every sentence. Use them only in front of a new step,
which are marked with an asterisk (*).
Keep your car looking great by following these easy steps
to wax it.
After you have put wax on the entire car, start to remove
it, section by section.
*Wash and dry the car thoroughly.
Use a soft towel to remove the wax in the same order that
you applied it.
Work on one section at a time, and rub the wax into the
car in small circles.
*Park your car in a cool, shady spot.
*Polish the car with a soft cloth to remove any remaining
wax and to bring out the shine.
*Dip a damp sponge into a can of wax.
74 First Steps in Academic Writing

Listing and In Chapter I, you got ideas by freewriting. In Chapter 2, you got ideas by
Outlining clustering. The listing activity that you did at the beginning of this chapter is
another way to get ideas. In listing, you make a list of every word or phrase that
comes into your mind when you think about a topic. As with freewriting and
clustering, you don't stop to wonder if an idea is good or if your spelling or
grammar is correct. You just keep writing down words in a list until you run out
of ideas.

Here is the list made by the writer of the model paragraph on how to have a
successful garage sale.

MODEL
Listing
................................................ .!i~~J~...tt~~~..~ .. ?..'!.£~~W.~!...~!.'.~9~..$~!.~.................................................

..............£!?.!!~~...'!.~~~:L~b!.~g§.J~................................P..~.C?.P.!~.. ~!?.~~t.~!-!Y...!?.r!?.fs~~..£r................................
....................9!?.~.q..~!?.!!~f!.i.C?.~...............................................5:!.(r.tY...J~.h~9:?................................................................
.......................... ::::::£~~tb~§...............................................s.~t~~.~~9.~..f.r.~.~Jh~...e.~~K..................................
.......................... ::::::!~.Y.:?.......................................................~:?.fs..Y.~.t!.t..f.r::i~X!~:?. ..t.~...~.~~P........................................
.......................... :::::!?.!?.~.~..................................................q~~!~~ ..~.~.Jb~...t?.r.i.~~§................................................
..........................::::::!?.!~ ..~!:?.~.~:?. ........................................l?.~t.~...P.E!£~...C?.!:l...~.~~b. ..!t.~.~-····································
...............§!!?.r~Jh~.~..!~Jh~.. 9.~.r::~g~ .....................~~x..t?.ri~~J~g:?...............................................................
...............£!~~~...~~rxt.h!r.9............................................~~fs~...§.t!.t~ ..~~.~tbi~.9...!:?...~!~~r...........................
...............£!~~r....t~~.. 9~t~9.~..........................................~~§b.. ~~-~..!f.!?.!:I..Jb.~...~!!?.t.~~:?....................................
oooo•oooooooooo~•r.r.~r.g~..i!~!'n:?. ..e.~J~P.~~~ ........................~.9Y.~.r::t!~~••••••••••••••••••••••••••••oo••••·••••••••oo•••••••••oo•••••••••••••••••••
...............~~.r::r.e.~J~~!~§................................................ J!Y....t.~...~~~..it.C?.r....~...§.t!.!?.~Y....q~x ...........................
...............~~fs~...§.i9~§.......................................................~~~!9~ ..?..~ .. ~ .. 9~Y....~~~Ji.l!.l.~....................................
...............P..!-!tJ~~!'n...~!.'.C?.~.~~Jb~ ................................~~...P.E~.P..~E~.9...t!?... P..~rg~i~ ........................................
.....................IJ~!gb.~C?.!.'.~.C?.!?.q............................................................................................................................................

After you have made a list, the next step is to edit the list. Decide what you
want to include in your final paragraph and what you want to omit.

Notice how the writer edited his list.

1. He crossed out unimportant and repeated items.

2. He numbered the main steps in order by time.
 Chapter 3 I Giving Instructions 75

MODEL
Edited List ................................................. !:f.~!f...t~...tt9~~..9..?..'!.~~~~'!.!...~r.~g~..?.9~~- ................................................

.... ... .!:...~.l?.!!~q ..'!.§.~.~.. tbi~9§. ..!r..................................~~~J~...~!:'.1.~~..~-~~~...~!.................................

...·............... .9.'?.9.~ ..~9.r..~Jt!~D.................................................~!r.1l...~h!~~................................................................
........................ ::::.£!.C?.t~~:?............................................ 9.:.. .9~t~h.~!l9~..f.r.:~!!2 ..~..~~~..................................
........................ ::::.t.~Y.~.........................................................~~!5..~.~~r.J!i~.~~~..~...~~~.......................................
························=·~~.'?.!s§. ..............................................~:...~~~J.~~...'?.!2..t.h~...P..f.l~:?.................................................
........................ ::::.~J.g...~!~b~!f!. ...............................,....~:...P..~..9..P..r.!~.~..9.~...~9£[email protected].......................;..............
........?......~tt?.r~ . tb~.f!}.. if!..tb~..s.gr_gg~ ......................t:!.':!l...~r..~~~J~..............................................................
........~.....~.1.~9r....~~!:'rlb!r.s......................'.......................~~~- ..~~~ ..~-~-~!~..!~..~§.~~-........................
.............. ~.l.~~f.l.. .t~.~.. ~~!':.~~~ ..........................................':~~-~..~!:'.~..!f..~!:t...t:h~...~!~.~-.................................
......!.Q.....g.r.:r.~r.9~ .. it~!!!§. ..!?n.. t9!?.!~~..........................~.!:!.~.t1i~................~..........................................................
..............t:!.!?.~r.~.·~.~.. l~~!~.................................................t.!':"t...~...~.~f.JL~~...~...~~~~~...~.t............................
....... .7.:..m.g.f5~..:?.!9r.:?.................................................~:.. !:t~~J.~~...I?.r....~...~~..!:!~.~..ti~....................................
........§.: .. l?.!?.t .. tb~f!} .. 9.r!?.~D.~ ..t.h~..........................!J:.. P..~..P..r.:~~r.~J!?.J?.!:!r.9!:!ir..........................................
....................r.~igb~!?.t~~!?.g,,,,, ........................................................................................................................................

The next step is to make an outline. To make a simple outline, change the
numbers to capital letters (A, B, C, D, and so on), write a topic sentence at the
beginning, and add a concluding sentence at the end.

Here is the student's completed outline.

'MODEL
. . ~ How to Have a Successful Garage Sale
5 1mp1e 0 ut1me
TITLE ~ It's easy to have a successful garage sale if you prepare for it ahead
TOPIC SENTENCE Of time.
A. Collect used things in good condition
B. Clean the items and store them in the garage
C. Decide on a day and time for your sale
D. Decide on the prices and mark a price on each item
E. Make signs to advertise
F. Put signs around the neighborhood
G. Get change from a bank
H. Arrange items on tables in your driveway or yard
I. Be prepared to bargain
CONCLUDING SENTENCE If you follow all of these steps, your garage sale will be a great success.
 76 First Steps in Academic Writing
.,

PRA.CTtCE 4 Write an outline from the list you made at the beginning of this chapter on
how to clean up after a party.
Simple
OutUning Step 1 Edit the list by crossing out repeated ideas or ideas that don't fit.
Step 2 Decide whether to use time order or listing order.
Step 3 Put the steps in order.
Step 4 Add a title, a topic sentence, and a concluding sentence.

Tr1f 1t Out! Write a paragraph about how to clean up a house after a party. You have already
completed Step 1 (Prewriting). Now continue with the writing process.
Step 2 Write the first draft.
• Write ROUGH DRAFf at the top of your paper.
• Follow your outline.
• Use transition signals to introduce some steps.
• If you wish, add other sentences to explain each step in more detail.
Step 3 Edit the first draft.
• Edit your paragraph with a partner as you have done in previous
chapters. Use the Reader's Response 3A and Writer's Self-Check 3A
on pages 198 and 199.
Step 4 Write the final copy.
• Write a neat final copy of your paragraph to hand in to your teacher.
Your teacher may also ask you to hand in your prewriting, your
outline, and your other drafts.

PART 2 I Sentence Structure

In Chapters 1 and 2, you learned about simple and compound sentences. A third
kind of sentence is a complex sentence. Before we study these, let's learn about
clauses.

lndependent A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. There are two
and kinds of clauses in English: independent clauses and dependent clauses.
Dependent
Clauses Independent Clause Dependent Clause
s v s v
It rained. . .. because it rained ...
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 77

1. An independent clause has one SV pair and expresses a complete thought.

Independent clause is just another name for a simple sentence.
s v
Paris has excellent art museums.
s v
We finished our homework.

2. A dependent clause is an independent clause with a subordinating

word, such as because, after, and when, added to the beginning of it.
SUBORDINATING
WORD S V
. .. because Paris has excellent art museums ...
SUBORDINATING
WORD s v
. . . after we finished our homework ...

A dependent clause does not express a complete thought, so it is not a

sentence by itself. It is only half of a sentence. It MUST be joined to an
independent clause. Together, the two clauses express a complete thought.
, - - - - - INDEPENDENT CLAUSE j DEPENDENT CLAUSE - - - - - ,
Art students should visit Paris because it has excellent art museums.
, - - - - - DEPENDENT CLAUSE r--- INDEPENDENT CLAUSE ~
After we finished our homework, we watched 1V for a while.

Adverb Subordinators

There are many subordinating words that can make a dependent clause. In
this chapter, we will study adverb subordinators. We call them adverb
subordinators because they introduce dependent clauses that act like adverbs.
That is, they answer the questions when?, why?, where?, and so on.
 78 First Steps in Academic Writing
··-..

Certain adverb subordinators introduce time clauses. Here are some common
time subordinators.

Time Subordinators
after I will go straight to bed after I finish writing this paragraph .
as soon as She felt better as soon as she took the medicine.
before Wait for a green light before you cross a street.
since It has been a year since I left home.
until We can't leave the room until everyone finishes the test.
when Where were you when I called?
whenever Whenever I don't sleep well, I feel sick the next day.
while My neighbors were having a party while I was trying
to sleep.

Caution!

A few time subordinators are also prepositions. Prepositions are followed by

nouns. Subordinators are followed by subject-verb combinations
after my accident (preposition)
after I had an accident (subordinator)
before class (preposition)
before class begins (subordinator)
until ten o'clock (preposition)
until the bell rings (subordinator)

In addition to time-order transition signals, such as first, next, after that, and
so on, you can use time clauses to show time order.
Before you start writing, look over the test.
After you have answered the easy questions, go back and work
on the hard ones.
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 79

PRACTICE 5 Identify independent and dependent clauses.

dependent Step 1 Write /C (independent clause) or DC (dependent clause) in the space to
d Dependent the left of each group of words.
Step 2 If it is an IC, add a period. If it is a DC, circle the time subordinator.

_lf_ 1. I take a walk around the block.

De 2.(Before)I go to work
3. The exercise wakes up my body and clears my mind
4. It's hard to do this in the winter
5. When I go to work
6. It is still dark
7. After I get home from work
8. It is dark again
9. I can always take a walk on weekends, even in the winter
__ 10. When it is raining, of course
__ 11. I never go out
- - 12. On rainy days, as soon as the alarm clock rings
- - 13. I turn over and go back to sleep

Complex Now that you know about dependent and independent clauses, let's learn about
Sentences complex sentences.

A complex sentence has one independent clause and one (or

more) dependent clauses.
• When the dependent clause begins with an adverb subordinator,
the clauses can usually be in any order.
We ran for shelter as soon as it started to rain .
As soon as it started to rain, we ran for shelter.
• If the independent clause is first, don't use a comma.
• If the dependent clause is first, put a comma after it.
80 First Steps in Academic Writing

PRJ\CTICE 6 A. Analyze these complex sentences.

Complex Step 1 Underline the independent clauses with a solid line and the dependent
Sentences clauses with a J:m;~ls.~DJirt~.
with Time
Subordinators
Step 2 Draw a circle around the time subordinator.
Step 3 Add a comma if one is needed.

1. (.hJ:t~r)w~_W9_11Jb_~_lQ.H~J..YJ?-_~t.Y~J!L my wife and I decided to

take a trip.
2. We were very excited when we won.
3. After we got our first payment we started planning a trip to Italy.
4. Before we left on our trip we wrote to our cousins in Rome and
told them our plans.
5. As soon as they received our letter they called and invited us to
stay with them.
6. They were waiting at the airport when we arrived.
7. They waited outside while the Italian officials checked our
passports and luggage.
8. Finally, after we got our suitcases they drove us to their home.
9. As soon as we arrived at their apartment they wanted to feed us.
10. We ate one delicious home-cooked dish after another until
we were stuffed. 1
11. We fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows.
12. Almost twenty-four hours had passed since we left home.

B. Write complex sentences.

Step 1 Match a clause from column B with a clause from column A to make
a complex sentence.
Step 2 Write the story on the lines provided. The clauses in column A are in
the correct order. Be sure to punctuate the sentences correctly.
A B
1. The trip began badly a. before we could put on our rain
jackets
2. It was almost noon b. when we had a flat tire on the
way to the lake
3. As soon as I threw out c. until I go fishing with my
my fishing line brothers again

1stuffed: very full

 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 81
-------------------------------------------------------------------.~

4. I spent most of the afternoon d. I immediately took a hot shower

untangling 2 my line
e. while my brothers were catching
5. After we had been fishing fish after fish
for a couple of hours
f. it got caught in some underwater
6. We were totally wet weeds
7. When we got back home g. before we started fishing
8. It will be a long, long time h. it started to rain

A Miserable Fishing Trip

The trip began badly when we had a flat tire on the way to the lake.

C. Turn back to Practice 5 on page 79. Write complex sentences by

combining independent clauses with dependent time clauses as follows.

1. Combine 1 and 2: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2. Combine 5 and 6: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

3. Combine 7 and 8: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4. Combine 10 and 11: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

5. Combine 12and13: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___

2untangling: removing knots, making straight

 82 First Steps in Academic Writing
·;-·.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sentence In Chapter 2, you learned about the sentence en·ors called run-ons and comma
Errors: splices. Another kind of sentence eiTOr is called a fragment. The word fragment
Fragments means a part of something. A sentence fragment is only part of a sentence or half
of a sentence. It is not a complete sentence. These are fragments:
FRAGMENT: Before the test began.
FRAGMENT: As soon as you get home.

Why are they fragments? They are fragments because they are dependent
clauses. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence by itself.

To fix this kind of fragment, add an independent clause to it.

COMPLETE SENTENCE: The teacher passed out pencils and paper
before the test began.
COMPLETE SENTENCE: Call me as soon as you get home.

PRA.CT1CE 1 Identify and correct fragments.

Fragments Step 1 Read each sentence. Decide if it is a fragment or a sentence. Write
F for fragment and S for sentence.
Step 2 Then correct each fragment by adding an independent clause.
Write your new sentences on the lines provided.

_F_ 1. Before I learned to speak English well.

2. Every night, after I finish my homework.
3. As soon as we heard the crash.
_ _ 4. The bicycle racers stopped to rest before they started up the
mountain.
_ _ 5. Wait until you hear the bell.
6. Whenever my children have a school holiday.
_ _ 7. I work at night while my husband stays home with th~
children.
I. Before I learned to st?eak English well. I was afraid to use the

telephone.
 Chapter 3 I Giving Instructions 83

SummallJ: Let's summarize what you have learned about the three types of sentences. Good
Three Types writers add interest and variety to their writing by using all three types.
of Sentences
A simple sentence has one independent clause.
It was a sunny day.
Raise your hand to ask a question.

A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses joined

by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
It was a sunny day, so we went to the beach.
Talk quietly, or don't talk at all.

A complex sentence has one independent and one or more dependent

clauses. A comma is needed when a dependent clause comes before
an independent clause.
While the meat is cooking, prepare the sauce.
Prepare the sauce while the meat is cooking.

PRA.CTtCE 8 A. Identify the different types of sentences.

Simp1e, Step 1 Underline all independent clauses with a solid line and all dependent
Co mpound, clauses with a .br9_ls-~IJJi!:l_~.
and Complex
Se ntences
Step 2 In the space at the left, write the words simple, compound, or complex
to identify each sentence type.

Unusual Vacations
complex 1. Some people like to relax and do nothing wh~_QJV~Y­
!?._ls~__
<LYA(:Ati_Qfi.
______ 2. Other people like to travel , and still others like to
have an adventure.
______ 3. Unusual vacations are becoming popular.
______ 4. For example, people go hiking in Nepal or river
rafting in Ecuador.
5. Some people spend their vacations learning, and
some spend their vacations helping others.
6. A friend of mine likes to help people, so he spent
his summer helping to build a school in Bangladesh.
(continued on next page)
 84 First Steps in Academic Writing
:•... -.----------------------------------

______ 7. After he returned horne, he wanted to go back to

help build a medical clinic.
8. People may find the local scenery a little boring
after they have climbed volcanoes in Guatemala
or ridden camels in Egypt.

B. The following "how to" paragraph uses a combination of simple,

compound, and complex sentences. Find five compound sentences and
three complex sentences. Then answer the questions that follow.
How to Succeed in a U.S. College 1
1
Succeeding in a U.S. college may require new strategies 2 for students
from other cultures. 2 Here are a few tips from a U.S. college professor. 3 First,
attend every class. 4 Professors talk about the most important material in
class. 5 When you aren't there, you miss important information. 6Second, take
good notes. "TThen review or recopy your notes as soon as you can. 8Third,
don't be afraid to ask questions whenever you don't understand something.
9
Professors want their students to succeed, so they want them to ask
10 11
questions. Fourth, get to know your professors personally. Go to their
12
office during office hours, and introduce yourself. 0on't waste professors'
13
time, but make sure they know your name and face. Finally, get involved
14
in a campus activity, or get a job in the bookstore. Go to football and
15 16
basketball games. Join a club. Be friendly, and talk to everyone-other
students, professors, secretaries, cafeteria workers, and janitors. 17Active,
involved students are successful students.

1. Which sentences are compound? Sentence numbers __ , __ , __ ,

__ ,and _ _ .
2. Which sentences are complex? Sentence numbers __ , _ _ , and __ .

Tq; 1t Out! Step 1 Study the pictures, and discuss the meaning of unfamiliar words .
Step 2 Combine the sentences in each group to make one sentence. Some of
your new sentences will be simple, some will be compound, and some
will be complex. There may be more than one possible correct way to
combine each group.
Step 3 Write the eleven sentences as a paragraph. Add time-order signals to
some sentences, but don't start every sentence with a time-order signal.

1
Adapted from Clark Ford, "How To Succeed in College Without falling into the usual traps" [sic],
http:www.public.iastate.edu/-cfford I 01 howtosucceed.htm (accessed December 24, 2006).
2
strategies: tactics, approaches
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 85
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - · :'·, ,

;;,ett loop Word List

Nouns
pair (of jeans) nail file hem sandpaper
denim fabric thread spray bottle thigh
cheese grater bleach belt loop seat
Verbs
afford spray dip
rub fray bleach
Adjectives
ripped faded

How to Make Your Own Designer Jeans

1. a. Would you like to own a pair of designer jeans?
b. You can't afford to pay designer prices.
2. a. Follow these instructions to make your own pair of jeans.
b. The jeans are stylishly ripped.
c. The jeans are stylishly faded.
3. a. Buy a pair of inexpensive new jeans.
b. Use a pair that you already own.
4. a. Find the direction of the lines in the denim fabric.
b. Rub a knife back and forth in the opposite direction.
,------,=::---- ---,
5. a. You can also use a cheese grater.
b. You can also use a nail file.
cheese grater 6. a. Keep rubbing.
b. White threads appear. (Use until.)
7. a. You want the white threads to stay there.
b. Don't cut them.
8. a. Dip an old toothbrush into bleach. spray bottle
b. Run the old toothbrush around the edges of the back pockets.
c. Run the ·old toothbrush over the belt loops.
9. a. Mix a little bleach with water in a spray bottle.
nail file
b. Spray the thighs and seat of the jeans.

Fl 10. a. Rub sandpaper on the hems of the legs to fray them.

b. Rip one corner of a back pocket.
11 . a. Wash and dry the jeans several times.
BLE.AC~ b. Your new jeans will look stylishly old! (Use after.)
"7
f
(continued on next page)
~~ ~J
...._
-
 86 First Steps in Academic Writing
.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - -- -- - - - - -

How to Make Your Own Designer Jeans

Would you like to own a pair of designer jeans but can't afford to paJ-y_

designer prices?

PART 3 I Capitalization and Punctuation

Capitalization: In Chapter 1, you learned six rules for capitalizing words in English. There are
Four More four additional rules in the chart on page 87.
Rules

Rules Examples
Capitalize:

7. Names of specific structures the White House Highway 395

such as buildings, roads, the Hilton Hotel State Route 15
and bridges.
the Kremlin the Brooklyn Brid ge

8. Names of specific organizations Sears, Roebuck & Co. City College of

such as businesses, schools, and United Nations New York
clubs. Irish Students' Cl ub

9. Names of the· days, months, Monday New Year's Day

holidays,· and special time January Ramadan
periods.
BUT NOT the names of seasons. spring fall (autumn)
summer winter

10. Geographic areas. the Middle East Southeast Asia

the Southwest Eastern Europe

BUT NOT compass directions. Drive south for two miles and turn west.
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 87

IIRACTICE 9 A. Work with a partner or a group. Write your own examples of Rules 7- 10.
Ca pitalization
Rule 7
a building

a road

a bridge

RuleS
a business

a school or
college

a club

Rule 9
a day

a month

a holiday

Rule 10
a geographic area
in your country

a geographic area
in another part
of the world
 88 First Steps in Academic Writing
,-

B. Work by yourself or with a partner. Change the small letters to capital

letters wherever necessary in this letter from Heather to her friend Stacie.

~.!~A
rfPvw23, 20__
Dear Stacie,
1
1am so happy that you are coming to visit me this summer. 2 1hope that you will be able
to stay until july 4. 3 We are planning a big picnic on that O.ay to celebrate inO.epenO.ence O.ay
here in the uniteO. states.
4
'/0U askeO. for O.irections to my house from the airport, so here they are. 5 Drive out of the
airport anO. turn north on u.s. ;,eo, then u.s. 680, then california 1. 6
Galifornia 1 is also calleO.
nineteenth avenue. 7'{ou will pass san francisco state university anO. a large shopping center.
8
C.Ontinue on nineteenth avenue through golO.en gate park. 9Soon you will come to the
famous golO.en gate briO.ge. 10Drive across the briO.ge anO. continue north for about ten more
miles. 11
'/0U will pass the towns of sausalito, mill valley, anO. larkspur. 12 ln larkspur, take the sir
francis O.rake boulevarO. exit from the highway.
13
Drive west for three blocks, anO. then turn left. 14 Pacific national bank is on the corner
where you turn, anO. across the street is a shell oil company gas station . 15'/ou will be on elm
avenue. 16Finally, go one block on elm anO. turn right. 17 My apartment is in the marina towers.
8fhe aO.O.ress is 155 west hillsiO.e O.rive.
1

19
Be sure to bring warm clothes because it is colO. in june anO. july in nortbern california.
20
1can't wart to see you!

Love;,
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 89

Commas: There are many rules for using commas. You have already learned three of them:
Four Rules

Rules Examples

Use a comma:

1. After listing-order and time- First, put four cups of rice into a pan.
order signals (EXCEPT then). After that, fold the paper in half again.
After the test, go out and celebrate.

2. Before coordinating Some people like to travel, and others like

conjunctions in a compound to have an adventure.
sentence. Cook the steak over high heat for six minutes,
but don't let it burn.

Exception: Sometimes Dogs bark and cats meow.

writers omit this comma in Turn left and drive one block
very sho1t sentences.

3. In a complex sentence when While you are waiting for the pizza dough to rise,
a dependent adverb clause make the sauce.
comes before an independent After you take the pizza out of the oven, cut
clause. it into eight pieces.

Here is a fourth comma rule.

Use a comma:

4. To separate items in a series. One dog, one cat, two goldfish, a bird, and four
A series is three or more humans live at our house.
things. These may be words Every morning I get up early, run a mile, take a
or phrases (groups of words). shower, eat breakfast, and feed my pets.
Turn left at the stoplight, go one block, and
turn right.
90 First Steps in Academic Writing

Notice that there is always one less comma than items. If there are four items,
there are three commas; if there are five items, there arc four commas; and so on.

I . If there are three items in a series, some writers omit the last comma.
However, it is a good idea to use all the commas because commas make
your meaning clearer.
I have visited many countries in Europe, Asia, and America.
Shopping, relaxing, and visiting friends are my favorite
weekend activities.

2. With only two items, don't use any commas.

I have visited many countries in Europe and Asia.
Sleeping and hanging out with friends are my teenage son's
favorite weekend activities.

PRJ\CTICE 10 A. Add commas where necessary in the following paragraphs. Add twenty
commas to Paragraph 1 and eight commas to Paragraph 2.
Commas
Paragraph 1
My Brother, the Sports Fan
1
My brother Bob is a sports fan. 2 His favorite sports are golf tennis skiing
and swimming. 3 He skis in the winter swims in the summer and plays golf
during the spring summer and fall. 4 He also watches football and baseball
on TV. 5 His bedroom looks like a used sporting goods store. 6 Bob owns skis
tennis racquets golf clubs footballs basketballs baseballs tennis balls soccer
balls a bicycle and weights. 7Whenever he comes· home from a sports event
he throws his equipment in a pile on his bed. 8When the pile gets too high
you can't see his bed his desk or sometimes even him .
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 91 .
.~, ~
----------------------------------------------------------------

Paragraph 2
How to Fail a Driving Test
1
1t's easy to fail a driving test if you really try.
2
First park your car so close to the next car that the
examiner cannot get into your car to begin the test.
3
lt also helps to have your two front wheels far up
on the curb-blocking the sidewalk if possible.
4
Second back out of the parking space really fast.
5
After that try to hit something such as another
car. 6 0on't stop at stop signs but speed up to get
through intersections quickly. 7Then try to make
your tires squeal while turning corners. 8 Next look
for an opportunity to turn the wrong way on a
one-way street. 9 Entering a one-way street in the
wrong direction will cause you to fail immediately.
1
°Finally don't stop for pedestrians in crosswalks but use your horn to frighten
them out of your way. 11 Just one of these techniques will probably get you
an F on a driving test and two or more certainly will.

B. Complete these sentences to practice the "items in a series" comma rule.

1. What three foods do you like the most? (Use and before the last item.)
I like Japanese sushi. Middle Eastern falafel. and Mexican tacos
2. What three foods don't you like? (Use or before the last item.)
I don 't like - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
3. What are three places you might go on your honeymoon. (Use or before
the last item.)
On my honeymoon, I might go to - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

4. What are six useful items to take on a hike? (Use and before the last item.)
Whenever you go on a hike, be sure to take _______________

5. What are two animals that don 't get along with each other. (Use and.)
--------------------don't get along with each other.
(continued on next page)
92 First Steps in Academic Writing

6. What are three things you do every morning? (Use and.)

Ever¥rnorning,I ___________________________________________

7. What are two things you always do and one thing you never do on
weekends. (Use both and and but. Write a compound sentence.)
On weekends, I always - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Try 1t Out! Write a paragraph giving directions from one place to another place in your
city, in your neighborhood, or on the campus of your school.
• Practice using capitalization rules by giving the names of streets,
buildings, stores, and other landmarks.
• Practice writing complex sentences. Try to include at least three
complex sentences in your paragraph.

For fun, read your paragraph to a classmate. See if he or she can draw a map
showing your directions.

PART 4 I Writing
Review Check your understanding of the important points in this chapter by answering
Questions the following questions.

Organization
1. What are the four keys to writing clear instructions?
2. What two orders can you use to organize a "how to" paragraph?
3. What are some time-order signals?

Sentence Structure
4. What is an independent clause?
5. What is a dependent clause?
6. What is a complex sentence, and how do you punctuate one?
7. What is a fragment?
8. How do you correct a fragment?

Capitalization and Punctuation

9. What are the four capitalization rules in this chapter?
10. What are four comma rules that you have learned in Chapters 1-3? -
 Chapter 3 I Giving lnstructions 93

Writing Choose one of the topics from Practice IA or IB on pages 69-70, and write a
-\ssignment paragraph giving instructions. Use time order or listing order to organize the
steps.
Step 1 Prewrite to get ideas.
• Use the listing technique.
• Edit your list.
• Put the steps in order (time order or listing order).
• Make an outline.
Step 2 Write the first draft.
• Write ROUGH DRAFf at the top of your paper.
• Begin with a topic sentence that names the topic and indicates that
you will give instructions.
• Follow your outline.
• Add time-order or listing-order signals to some of the steps.
• Try to include at least three complex sentences in your paragraph.
Step 3 Edit the first draft.
• Edit your paragraph with a partner as you have done in previous
chapters. Use the Reader's Response 3B and Writer's Self-Check 3B
on pages 200 and 201.
Step 4 Write the final copy.
Write a neat final copy of your paragraph to hand in to your teacher. Your
teacher may also ask you to hand in your prewriting, your outline, and
your other drafts.