Sentence Variety and Structures for Argument


Repetitive sentence structures can make an interesting idea sound boring or a strong argument sound weak. Know the four sentence types and use them to control the pace and rhythm of your writing and strengthen the rhetorical effect of an argument.


The Simple Sentence


A sentence that has only one independent clause*:


Subject + verb. Subject + verb + verb. Subject + subject + verb. Subject + subject + verb + verb.


*A caue is simply a group of words having a subject and a verb. A caue may be idpnet, expressing a complete


l s l s needn


thought and able to stand alone, or d


eedn pnet, not able to stand on its own.


Note: You can add a prepositional phrase to the opening or closing of a simple sentence. This can also help to create sentence variety among simple sentences.


Examples: David was late to the movie last night. I prefer steak to pizza.


David and John missed the bus for school.


Strategies for Argument: One problem with [opposing view] is __________.


Activists insist ________. Still, ________ would [make the problem worse/violate a basic human right].


__________ must be taken into consideration.


A common concern about this issue is __________.


The Compound Sentence


Two independent clauses joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (fo


r, an d, nr, bt, o e o): o u r, yt, s


Subject + verb, for + subject + verb. Subject + verb, and + subject + verb. Subject + verb, nor + subject + verb. Subject + verb, but + subject + verb. Subject + verb, or + subject + verb. Subject + verb, yet + subject + verb. Subject + verb, so + subject + verb.


In compound sentences, use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.


Examples: David was late, for he missed the bus.


I would prefer steak, but I will eat pizza. David missed the bus, so he was late.


Strategies for Argument:


Some proponents of ________ agree with _________, but _________.


This subject has become controversial, so we must look carefully at ________.


I agree with those who support ________, yet there are alternative views to consider.


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