Page 43 - English Grammar and Composition-Student Textbook short

Study Section 11: Variation in Writing

11.1 Connect

The strength of writing depends upon the way it is constructed. Variation in the length and structure of
sentences makes all the difference. Adding sentence variety puts the emphasis upon what is being said
instead of the way a passage is written. If each sentence opens with the same word, the writer calls
undue attention to that one word. Sentence after sentence of the same length will be monotonous. Short
sentences call attention to important points. Longer sentences work well when there are several details to
convey.

11.2 Ways to add variety to writing

*Change the way each sentence opens.

When each sentence in a paragraph starts with the same or similar words, it will be monotonous for the
reader. Common words like this, the, these, it, or I can be especially distracting. Below is an example of this
type of writing.

Example:
I am going to work in the field. I need to do some weeding so that the corn plants can thrive. I have to do this today
because I have a very busy week. I hope nothing comes up to prevent me from accomplishing this goal.

Possible revision:
Today my plan is to work in the field. The weeds have been growing taller than the corn plants and are overtaking
them. This will be an extremely busy week for my family, so I hope nothing will prevent me from accomplishing my
goal.

*Change the flow by alternating long and short sentences.

If every sentence in a passage is of a similar length, the writing will seem robotic. Shorter related sentences can be
combined. Simple sentences can be used to emphasize more important elements of the paragraph.

Example:
The Bible is a long book. Actually it is 66 separate books. These books were written in different time periods. They
were written by many different authors. They were written on different continents. All of these books in some way
tell the story of God’s plan for people. All the books never contradict each other. They all come together in
harmony.

Possible revision:
At first glance, the Bible seems like a very long book. However, it is actually 66 separate books written on different
continents by different authors in different time periods. This makes it all the more amazing that the content of
these books never contradict each other. They all come together in harmony to tell the story of God’s great plan of
redemption for humanity.

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