Intro to Manipulating Sentence Length

Short sentences are made up of how many words?

• 10+

• 5-9

• 1-4

Medium length sentences are made up of how many words?

• 10+

• 5-9

• 1-4

Long sentences are made up of how many words?

• 10+

• 5-9

• 1-4

What feelings do short sentences help create?

• fast, intense

• thoughtful, calm

Why would you want to use a short sentence?

• to show how much detail you are putting into an essay

• to demonstrate that you've thought through all options

• to emphasize the urgency or importance of a point

What feelings do long sentences help create?

• thoughtful, calm, but also can help build tension/suspense

• anger and resentment but also disappointment

• the urgency and importance of a situation

Why would you NOT want to use a long sentence?

• to clearly explain your reasoning to defend yourself

• to emphasize how important something is

• to show how much thought or detail was put into something

• to build suspense or tension

What should you try to AVOID when writing an essay?

• writing sentences of differing lengths

• writing sentences of all the same length

What ELSE should you try to AVOID in your writing?

• starting each sentence in the same paragraph with the same word or same kind of structure

• starting each sentence in the same paragraph with different words and different structures

What question should you ask yourself when you're writing each sentence?

• Does this sentence length match the mood I'm trying to create?

• What should I have for lunch today?

• Did Mrs. Wannen bring in treats for us?

• Is water wet?