Composition ISeptember 19, 2013

Tonight’s AgendaSentence Structure (p. 366, 379)Thesis Statements (p. 11) Organizing (p. 12)More on MLA Documentation (p. 89)Homework: Topic Proposal

SentencesFinding the subject

Who or what is doing the action (verb) in the sentence?

Knowing the subject is important for avoiding some of the most frequent grammar errors, such as SVA, FRAG, etc.

Sentence TypesSimpleCompoundComplexCompound-Complex

Sentence TypesSimple

One independent clauseCompound

Two or more independent clausesNo dependent clauses

ComplexOne independent clause One or more dependent clauses

Sentence TypesCompound-Complex

At least two independent clausesAt least one subordinate clause

Sentence TypesSimple

One independent clause

Eva could not visit her parents in Lima.

Spring comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.

Sentence TypesCompound

Two or more independent clausesNo dependent clauses

The car broke down, but a rescue van arrived within minutes.

A shark was spotted near shore; people left immediately.

Sentence TypesComplex

One independent clause One or more dependent clauses

If you leave late, take a cab home.

What matters most to us is a quick commute.

Sentence TypesCompound-Complex

At least two independent clausesAt least one subordinate clause

Before class, I hold office hours, and this extra time can be beneficial.

Thesis StatementActs as the main idea of the paperAllows you to achieve unity and coherenceIs neither too broad nor too narrowSatisfies the questions on p. 12Belongs in a specific place: the last sentence

of the first paragraph

Non-ExampleThere is too much crime today. Maybe

by becoming a crime scene investigator I will help bring justice to crime victims. CSI is an exciting show that reveals some of what crime scene investigators do. Forensics is the use of evidence to solve crimes. Many criminals accidentally leave evidence they were at the scene of a crime. Our country has a lot of work to do to decrease crime.

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