Grammar and Language Workbook

Unit 14, Composition 309

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Composition

Lesson 103

14.103 The Writing Process: Revising II ..............30914.104 The Writing Process: Editing ....................

Once you have revised the content of your paragraphs, you can revise the

structure. The idea is to create sentences that make your paragraphs lively and

interesting to read. Each sentence should flow smoothly into the next. Varying

the length of your sentences can help. Rather than writing all long sentences or

all short ones, try to create a balance. Divide a long sentence into two short ones

to grab a reader’s attention. Combine two or three short sentences into one longer,

flowing sentence by using a connecting word such as or, and,or but. Read your

sentences aloud to hear how they sound. A combination of long and short

sentences will form a pleasing pattern.

 Exercise 1 Combine the short sentences into one longer sentence. Divide the longer

sentences into two or three short ones.

Sue had roast beef for dinner. Sue had potatoes for dinner. Sue had roast beef and

potatoes for dinner.

1.Kyle likes to play football. Kyle likes to play baseball. Kyle likes to play football and

baseball.

2.We met Cindy at the park. We met Jan at the park. We met Bobby at the park.

We met Cindy, Jan, and Bobby at the park.

3.The wind whistled through the trees while the young girl made her way through the

deep, dark forest. The wind whistled through the trees. The young girl made her way through the

deep, dark forest.

4.I tried strawberry ice cream. I like chocolate better. I t ried strawberry ice cream, but I like

chocolate better.

5.The first television program was fast-paced and exciting, and the second television

program was slower and rather dull. The first television program was fast-paced and exciting.

The second television program was slower and rather dull.