Supplementary Handouts 1 and 2

Writing
Name:____________________________

Handout 1: Sentence Types (Simple, Complex, Compound sentences)

Writing Sentences
When we communicate, we need to use a variety of sentences to make the conversation
or writing more interesting. We also need to make sure our sentences are clear, and they
convey the message properly. While speaking, we don't usually need to think about every
little grammatical detail of our speech. But when we write, we pay more attention and
make sure we write clear, complete sentences.

In order to write a complete sentence, we have to include at least a subject and a verb.
When our writing lacks one of these necessary parts of a sentence, it results in an
incomplete thought which cannot stand on its own. To understand this concept better, we
need to understand the following terms.

What is a phrase?
A phrase is a group of words that acts like one part of speech. Even though a phrase can
act as a subject, it can't have a verb, so it can't stand on its own because a sentence
needs a subject and a verb to be complete.
Noun phrase: The students, an instructor, my English class
Other phrases: with the red cover, under the desk, on the top shelf, etc.

What is a clause?
A clause includes more than one part of speech. It is a group of words that can be a
sentence because it has both a subject and a verb.
• An independent clause can stand on its own because it has a subject, a verb and a
complete thought. So, it is a complete sentence.
Example: I write letters.
• A dependent clause can't stand on its own because even though it has a subject and a
verb, it doesn't have a complete thought.
Example: When I write letters
After the letters are sent
Because I like writing letters
Using a variety of sentences - The Simple Sentence
A simple sentence is a complete sentence if it has: • a subject
• a verb
• a complete thought
Example: Rita takes dancing lessons.

• A simple sentence can have two or more subjects.

Example: Jessy and Rita are learning how to swim.

• A simple sentence can have two or more verbs.

Example: Andrew is learning grammar and is writing sentences.

Using a variety of sentences - The Compound Sentence

A compound sentence is made by joining two independent clauses using a comma and a
coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so). To remember these words,
think of the word FANBOYS.

For to explain (similar to Students need to get enough sleep, for getting enough
because) rest is important for the brain.
And to add information Jack joined the football team, and he started training
for the big game.
Nor to list items that are not You should not play video games for more than three
options hours a day, nor should you surf the web.
But to show contrast (similar Bobby enjoys watching zombie shows, but his sister
to however) prefers vampire series.
Or to list options Students can improve their English by watching TV
series, or they can do so by reading books.
Yet to add surprising Greg is not a very nice person, yet he is one of the best
information doctors I know.
So to show effect (similar He was addicted to drugs, so he had to go to a
to therefore) rehabilitation center.

Using a variety of sentences - The Complex Sentence

A complex sentence is made by joining an independent clause and one or more
dependent clauses using a subordinating conjunction (while, when, because, since,
although etc.). You can find a list of subordinating conjunctions below.

Consider the following sentences:

1. Because you should use a variety of sentences, you need to learn how to write complex
sentences.
2. You need to learn how to write complex sentences because you should use a variety of
sentences.

Both sentences have the same clauses; they even have the same words, but the order of
the clauses is different.
The first sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction (because) making the first part
of the sentence a dependent clause. The second part of that sentence is an independent
clause. When you start a complex sentence with a dependent clause, you need to separate
it from the independent clause with a comma.

1. Dependent clause + comma + independent clause.

The second sentence starts with an independent clause, so there is no comma between the
clauses.
2. Independent clause + dependent clause.

Subordinating Usage Example

conjunction
while during that Our friends came over while you were
time sleeping.
when at that time When Sandra came home, I had already left.
because/ since cause / reason I left early because I didn't want to be late to
class.
Since it is his birthday, I made his favorite
dish.
whenever every time Whenever I skip class, I miss something
important.
although / even unexpected Although I studied hard, I failed the exam.
though result I passed the exam even though I hadn't
studied enough.

unless / if condition I'll study for the exam unless I have other
plans.
If I have other plans, I won't study tonight.
 before / after time Before he came to class, we had already
relationship covered some important rules.
We will write complex sentences after we
finish this unit.

A. Write simple sentences about

a hobby:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
something you're doing now:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
your personality:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
a friend:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
your home:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

B. Combine these simple sentences into one compound sentence.

1. Jack is playing soccer. He can't come to the phone right now.
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
2. The ice cream cake looks delicious. I'm on a diet.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
3. Lara might go out tonight. She might stay in and watch Netflix.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
4. Peter wasn't hungry. He wasn't thirsty either.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
5. I studied hard last night. I failed the test.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

6. I failed the test. I didn't study hard enough.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

C. Combine these simple sentences into one complex sentence using a subordinating
conjunction.

1. Jack is playing soccer. He can't come to the phone right now.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
2. The ice cream cake looks delicious. I'm on a diet.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
3. Lara might go out tonight. She might stay in and watch Netflix.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
4. Peter went to bed. He brushed his teeth.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
5. I study hard. I get an A.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

6. I didn't study hard enough. I failed the test.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

D. Identify the dependent and independent clauses in the below sentences. Specify
the type of each sentence.

1. The CEO and the manager agreed that all employees could have an extra day off
during the Easter holidays. ____________________
2. Because bank employees must know how to communicate with customers, the
Human Resource department has arranged for a training seminar on proper
communication. ____________________
3. The customer was not happy with the service, so he asked to talk to the manager.
____________________
4. After the employee was late to work three days in a row, the manager submitted a
formal disciplinary notice. ____________________
5. Many top companies have online customer service help that is available 24 hours
a day. ____________________
6. Crepaway Restaurant is an extremely successful company because it continually
serves delicious, clean food at affordable prices. ____________________
7. Today, many businesses are struggling and are hiring consultants to help develop
strategies to succeed. ____________________
8. Most universities require MBA graduate students to have at least 2 years of work
experience; however, it’s hard for students to work while studying.
____________________
9. It takes a certain type of person to major in management.
____________________
10. While many students want to get the MBAs, many cannot due to financial
restrictions. ____________________
Handout 2: Exercises - Simple, Complex, Compound sentences

A. Write compound sentences using the following coordinating conjunctions and the
vocabulary you have learned so far.
For:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
And:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
Nor:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
But:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
Or:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
Yet:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
So:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

B. Write complex sentences using the following subordinating conjunctions.

Because:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
Even though:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
Before:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
When:
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

C. Form either compound or complex sentences using the keywords listed below.

1. Science project / deadline

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
2. Beauty salon / customers

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Summer / parties

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. Surprise / music

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

5. Paris / Disneyland
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

6. Children / TV
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

7. Health / vegetarians
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1. Camp / activities
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Social Media / bloggers

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Traffic Lights / ticket

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

D. Select the appropriate conjunction and continue the sentence. Make sure to add a
comma where necessary and not to use the same conjunction more than 1 time.

1. Vampires Dairies is my favorite television show

_________________________________________________________________.

2. The student wiped the white board

_________________________________________________________________.

3. _________________________________________________the trendy fashion

designer released her new line.

4. Trina and Harley went to a bar in Hollywood

_________________________________________________________________.

5. __________________________________________________________________ the
citizens decided to rebel.

6. __________________________________________________________________
Angela went to Home Depot, and Martin organized the kitchen appliances.
7. ______________________________________________________________ I have
new respect for his music.

8.
__________________________________________________________________
Sarah did most of the work.

9. We are traveling on the 20th of June

_________________________________________________________________.

10. The student

_________________________________________________________________.