Lecture 2

Basic Writing Skill 2

Types of Sentences
 Outline
1. Sentence
Definition
2. Four Types of
Sentences
 1. What is a Sentence?
• A group of words containing at least a subject
and a verb (or in other words at least one
independent clause), express a complete
idea, begin with a capital letter and end with a
full stop.
2. Four Types of Sentences
 Simple Sentences
• One subject-verb combination.
• An independent clause.
 Note
• A simple sentence can have more than one
subject and more than one verb.
• Sentences like “Save your water.” are also
complete simple sentences.
 Activity 1
1. Write a simple sentence with one subject.
2. Write a simple sentence with two subjects.
3. Write a simple sentence with two verbs.
 Compound Sentences (Câu ghép)

• Having two or more independent clauses/

simple sentences joined together. 
• Not contain any dependent clauses.
 How to Make a Compound Sentence

Way 1: Using Coordinating Conjunctions

Way 2: Using Conjunctive Adverbs
Way 3: Using semicolons (;)
 Way 1
Using Coordinating Conjunctions/ Coordinators
 Independent clause, coordinator + independent clause.
Ex: This chair is good, and it is cheap.
 FANBOYS
Coordinator Meaning Example
for Reasons Thousands of companies have been
declared bankrupt, for the economic crisis
has become more severe.
and Additional information Social networks are growing, and many
businessmen are investing in them.
nor Addition of negative Many students do not study hard, nor do
they want to graduate.
but , yet Different information  Internet technology is growing, but some
small companies cannot afford to invest in
  it.
Unexpected, different, Internet technology is growing, yet some
surprising information small companies cannot afford to invest in
it.
or Options Many companies are investing in new
technologies, or they are planning to invest
in them.
so Results/ reasons Social networks are growing, so many
businessmen are investing in them.
 Way 2
Using Conjunctive Adverbs
 Independent clause; conjunctive
adverb, independent clause.
Ex: This chair is good; moreover, it is cheap.
Conjunctive Adverbs
 Way 3
• Using semicolons (;)
 Independent clause; independent clause.
E.g. My father works in a bank; my mother
works in a hospital.
• Note: This type of sentence is formed when
the two independent clauses are closely
related. 
 Complex Sentences (Câu phức)
One (or
One independent more) A complex
clause (or main dependent sentence
clause) clause(s).

• The more important idea is placed in the

independent clause
• The less important one is in the dependent
clause which cannot stand alone.
Activity
Compound-complex Sentences (Câu ghép-
phức)
A compound-complex sentence
a combination of two (or more) independent
clauses and one (or more) dependent clause(s). 
 Note
The punctuation of compound-complex
sentences requires much careful attention:
• The rule to punctuate the compound part of
compound-complex sentences is the same as
that of compound sentences.
• The rule to punctuate the complex part of
compound-complex sentences is the same as
that of complex sentences.
Practice Makes Perfect