English 7th Grade -Combining Sentences and Avoiding Padded Language-

Combining Sentences

- Sentences should contain a complete thought with descriptive details. A short sentence can be effective if it contains a singular idea that is best stated simply. Short sentences, particularly sentences with a common idea, should be combined to form longer and more interesting sentences.   -Sentences may be combined using the following: a) subordinate clauses b) conjunctions c) semi-colon

Exercise: Rewrite the following paragraph combining sentences that are common in topic.

It was the middle of October. In two weeks it would be Halloween. The boys and girls were preparing for Halloween. The boys and girls were making costumes. They were making costumes out of old clothes. They were having a Halloween party. The Halloween party was at the school. The Halloween party was for the whole school. The Halloween party was in the gymnasium. The gymnasium was being decorated. The students were hanging cutouts of ghosts and witches. The students were excited. The students were looking forward to an afternoon off from regular school. There were going to be prizes. The prizes were for the best costumes. There were going to be games organized. There were prizes for game winners.

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Sentence Sense - Avoiding Padded Language

- It is generally accepted that concise, clear sentences are more effective. Padded language occurs when a writer becomes wordy when stating a fact or an idea. Sometimes it is the use of clauses or phrases where a single word would suffice.   Examples: The statement, "It occurs to me that I may be late if I don't hurry.", might simply be written, "I may be late if I don't hurry", or "What he wants to do is to become a professional athlete." could be written, "He wants to become a professional athlete."

Exercise: Rewrite the following wordy sentences in a more concise way.

1. The reason I want to go to the park is that I want to have fun. 2. He noticed the key which was in the lock. 3. The fact is that I really enjoy going to the movies. 4. In fact, I feel that exercise is beneficial. 5. In my opinion, I think that the fact is that the school year is too long. 6. On account of the fact that today is a holiday, most stores are closed. 7. According to what I remember, he won the championship last year. 8. The girl who is standing there and who is with a dog is my classmate. 9. The politician made a statement that the economy of the country was growing.

This is a personal study tool. I do not take credit for this material.