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Organising information and ideas - EduqasSentence structures and variety

Well-organised writing is easy to follow and understand. Points follow on from and build upon each other to lead to clear conclusions.

Part of English LanguageWriting

Sentence structures and variety

Varying how sentences start

Changing the way that sentences open makes a piece of reading more interesting and engaging for the reader. There are many ways to do this.

Example

Take the sentence 'The man shouted out of the window'.

Start your sentence with鈥Example
鈥n adverb to describe the verbFrantically, the man shouted out of the window.
鈥 connective to place the event in relation to other action within the textConsequently, the man shouted out of the window.
鈥 simile Like a terrified beast, the man shouted out of the window.
鈥 verbWaving, the man shouted out of the window.
Start your sentence with鈥鈥n adverb to describe the verb
ExampleFrantically, the man shouted out of the window.
Start your sentence with鈥鈥 connective to place the event in relation to other action within the text
ExampleConsequently, the man shouted out of the window.
Start your sentence with鈥鈥 simile
ExampleLike a terrified beast, the man shouted out of the window.
Start your sentence with鈥鈥 verb
ExampleWaving, the man shouted out of the window.

In the following examples, see how the writer changes the sentence openers to create variety for the reader:

Attempt one

I walked into the room. The lights shone brightly. People were everywhere and the music was blaring. There were people outside talking. I saw my friends in the corner of the room and went over to join them.

Attempt two

Cautiously, I walked into the room. Overhead, the lights shone brightly. People were everywhere and the music was blaring. Outside, there were people talking. With a sigh of relief, I saw my friends in the corner of the room and like a shot, I hurried over to join them.

Aim to find a balance and include some simple sentences for pace.