Sentence Structure

The aim in writing is always to write in complete sentences which are correctly punctuated. Sentences always begin with a capital letter and end in either full stop, exclamation or question mark. A complete sentence always contains a verb, expresses a complete idea and makes sense standing alone.

TYPES OF SENTENCES

1. Declarative
2. Command or imperative
3. Question or interrogative
4. Exclamatory

DECLARATIVE SENTENCE
Declarative sentence simply makes a statement or expresses an opinion. This kind of sentence ends with a full stop.

Examples:

I want to be a good writer. (statement)

My friend is really a good writer. (expresses opinion)

IMPERATIVE SENTENCE
Imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request. It usually ends with full stop but can; under certain circumstances end with an exclamation mark.

Examples:

“Please sit down.

I need you to sit down now!

INTERROGATIVE SENTENCE
An interrogative sentence asks a questions. This type of sentence often begins with who, what, where, when, why, how, or do and it ends with a question mark.

Examples:

When are you going to turn in your report?

Do you know what the weather will be like tomorrow?

EXCLAMATORY SENTENCE
An exclamatory sentence is a sentence that expresses great emotion such as excitement, surprise, happiness and anger, and ends with an exclamation point.

Examples:

• It is too dangerous to climb that mountain!
• I got an A on my book report!

Activity you can do with your child or pupil
Most children can tell the difference between these types of sentences, but most of them do not ensure to start their sentences with capital letters and most definitely do not include an end punctuation mark in their sentences. To get your child/pupil to be a better writer, try these: Sit down with your child or pupil and his favorite books together and have him or her identify statements, questions, commands and exclamations in those books. You can also read from magazines, websites, song lyrics or any medium that is fun and interesting to your child. Get your child to get used to always starting a sentence with a capital letter and putting an end punctuation mark in all sentences written. This way, you will be setting up your child for success in writing.

This is a publication of Jordan Hill Creative Writing & Reading Workshop, a center designed to excite children’s reading and writing interests.