MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

TAY NGUYEN UNIVERSITY

HO NGOC DOAN THU MA.

A COURSEBOOK ON

WRITING ENGLISH 1
(FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY)

==DAKLAK, 2022==
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 PREFACE

Writing English 1 (2 credits) is very neccesary in the school curriculum for the first major
English students at Tay Nguyen University. It aims to help students realize different types of
sentences, write correct sentences about various topics and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar
in writing different types of sentences. Writing English 1 also aims to improve students’ writing
skill, especially skill of writing sentences. It is a preparation for Writing 2 (in which students study
how to write a paragraph) and Writing 3 (in which students study how to write an essay). It can be
also used for non-major students who need to develop their writing skills or to brush up on sentence
structure and mechanics.
The coursebook consists of six units offering definitions, grammar rules with practice
exercises, topics for homework writing and a revision test which is designed as an example of the
final test.
I would like to thank Tay Nguyen university managers and my colleagues at the Faculty of
Foreign Languages Studies for help and advice. I would appreciate any comments you may have to
better this coursebook.

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 UNIT 1: CLAUSES

Clauses are building blocks of sentences. A clause is a group of words that contains (at least)
a subject and a verb. These are clauses:
ecology is a science
because pollution causes cancer
These are not clauses:
to protect the environment
after working all day in the language laboratory

There are two kinds of clauses: independent and dependent.

1. INDEPENDENT CLAUSES
If a clause can stand alone as a sentence, it is an independent clause, as in the following
example:
the Prime Minister is in Ottawa

An independent clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. An
independent clause is like an adult person: he is independent and can ‘live’ by himself.
An independent clause is formed with:

Subject + Verb (+ Complement/object)

• Robin read the book. (direct object complement of the verb)

• Robin gave it to me. (indirect object complement of the verb)

The following sentences show examples of independent clauses:

- Students normally spend four years in college.
- I will declare my major now, but I may change it later.
- Foreign students suffer from culture shock when they come to the United States.
- Because the cost of education has been rising, many students are having financial problems.

+ Practice 1
1. Read each group of words out loud.
2. Decide which ones are complete sentences and which ones are not.
3. Write yes next to the complete sentences and no next to the nonsentences.
4. Explain why the nonsentences are not sentences.
Examples:
no Is very hot today. (There is no subject.)
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 yes It is very hot today.

1. ___ My new classmate from Brazil.

2. ___ He speaks three languages fluently.
3. ___ Is very handsome.
4. ___ When he arrived there.
5. ___ He wants to start his own business.
6. ___ He isn’t married.
7. ___ Enjoys many sports, especially soccer.
8. ___ Don’t worry.
9. ___ Help!
10. ___ They didn’t like.
11. ___ Because they are new students.
12. ___ They don’t want.

+ Practice 2
After each sentence select the option that best describes the clauses in that sentence.

1. The doctor told Charlie to lose weight and exercise vigorously for forty-five minutes a day.
a. This sentence has two independent clauses.
b. This sentence has no independent clauses.
c. This sentence has one independent clause.
2. The doctor was worried that Charlie was putting on too much weight.
a. The section in italic is an independent clause.
b. The independent clause is "The doctor was worried."
c. This sentence has no independent clause.
3. Charlie has a hard time sticking to a diet; he really loves rich, sweet desserts.
a. This sentence has two independent clauses.
b. This sentence has one independent clause.
c. This sentence has no independent clauses.
4. In fact, the last time he tried to lose weight, he ended up actually gaining weight.
a. “he ended up actually gaining weight" is the only independent clause.
b. The section in italic is the independent clause.
c. This sentence has two independent clauses.
5. Charlie has decided to hire a personal trainer because he is worried about his heart.
a. The section in italic is an independent clause.
b. This sentence has two independent clauses.
c. “Charlie has decided to hire a personal trainer" is an independent clause.

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2. DEPENDENT CLAUSES
A dependent clause begins with a subordinator such as when, while, if, that, or who, etc. A
dependent clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence by itself.

A dependent clause is formed with

subordinator + subject + verb (+ complement)
…although students normally spend four years in college…
…if his girlfriend from back home joins him at his university…
…when they come to the United States…
…who studied for the exam…
…that the study of the brain is fascinating…

+ Practice 3
Independent and Dependent Clauses
A. Write I next to the independent clauses and put a period (.) after them. Write D next to the
dependent clauses.

….1. Many people have lettuce in a salad at the beginning of a meal

….2. Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in a garden
….3. If the soil is not already a little wet
…. 4. When they are about two to three centimeters tall
….5. You can transplant the seedlings into the garden
….6. Give it some water
….7. That is bigger than the lettuce roots
….8. Plant them in the ground in a hole
….9. Cut off head lettuces at ground level
….10. Harvest leaf lettuces
….11. Lettuce is best when served fresh
….12. When the leaves are big enough to eat

B. Combine the clauses to make meaningful sentences.

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3. CLAUSES CONNECTORS

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 Three groups of words are used to connect clauses in order to form different kinds of sentences.
They are subordinators (subordinating conjunctions), coordinators (coordinating conjunctions),
and conjunctive adverbs.
CLAUSES CONNECTORS
SUBORDINATORS (SUNBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS)

after before that when which

although even though though whenever while
as how unless where who
as if if until wherever whom
as soon as since what whether whose
because so that
COORDINATORS (COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS)

You can remember the seven coordinators by the phrase FAN BOYS
for and nor but or yet so

CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS

accordingly furthermore in contrast meanwhile on the other hand

besides hence indeed moreover otherwise
consequently however instead nevertheless therefore
for example in addition likewise nonetheless thus

+ Home work.
Writing Practice
Write 10 sentences about the following topic. (Write any kinds of sentences)
- Topic: What do you enjoy about shopping? What don’t you enjoy?
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UNIT 2: SIMPLE SENTENCES

A sentence is a group of words that you use to communicate your ideas. Every sentence is
formed from one or more clauses and expresses a complete thought.

+ Practice 1
Punctuating Sentences.
1. Decide where sentences begin and end in this paragraph.
2. Add punctuation at the end of each sentence.
3. Change the first letter of each new sentence to capital.

Introducing myself
My name is Mickey Mouse i live in a place called Disneyland my father’s name is Walt Disney
he was a famous cartoonist a cartoonist is a person who draws cartoon characters like me i was
born about eighty years ago in a movie studio in Hollywood, California i first appeared in a
cartoon in 1928 the name of the cartoon was ‘Steamboat Willie’ at first I appeared in cartoon with
Minnie soon my friend Donald Duck and Goofy joined me in addition to starring in cartoons I also
work at Disney there I stand around and smile a lot I also pose for pictures with visitors i enjoy my
job a lot because I make children all over the world happy.

There are basically four kinds of sentences in English: simple, compound, complex and
compound-complex. The kind of sentence is determined by the kind of clauses used to form it.

SIMPLE SENTENCES
1. Simple sentences with one subject and one verb
A simple sentence is one independent clause.
I enjoy playing tennis with my friends every weekend.

2. Simple sentences with one subject and two verbs

I enjoy playing volleyball and look forward to it every weekend.
Notice that this sentence has two verbs, enjoy and look forward to. This is called a compound
verb. Because there is only one clause, this is a simple sentence.

3. Simple sentences with two subjects and one verb

My friends and I play volleyball every weekend.

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 4. Simple sentences with two subjects and two verbs
My friends and I play volleyball and go bowling every weekend.
This sentence has a compound subject as well as a compound verb, but it is still a simple
sentence because it only has one clause.

+ Practice 2
Finding Subjects and Verbs
1. Work with a partner
2. Underline the subjects with one line
3. Underline the verbs with two lines
4. Write S or V above each underlined word.

Example:
S V V
He watches TV and does his homework at the same time.
1. My best friend is single.
2. He likes his job but hates his boss.
3. He didn’t go to work yesterday.
4. This semester, he is studying English and computer science.
5. He and I don’t have any classes together.
6. He speaks and understands English well.
7. On weekends, he and his friends play soccer.
8. He doesn’t have a steady girl friend yet.
9. Smile!
10. Be happy!

+ Practice 3
Make complete sentences using the following words and phrases.
1. you/ ever/ go/ circus?
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2. Ben/ enjoy/ watch/ TV/ everyday.
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3. I/ live/ this house/ five years.
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4. the children/ often/ afraid/ cross/ street.
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5. she/ always/ like/ read/ picture books/ free time.
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6. you/ ever/ see/ traffic jam?
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7. can/ he/ play/ guitar/ well?
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8. The Browns/ never/ visit/ foreign country.
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9. my mother/ cook/ at the moment.
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10. Mary/ write/ at this time/ yesterday.
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+ Practice 4
Write sentences about your family and family members.
1. Write two simple sentences with one subject and one verb.
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2. Write two simple sentences with one subject and two verbs.
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3. Write two simple sentences with two subjects and one verb.
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4. Write two simple sentences with two subjects and two verbs.
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+ Homework.
Writing Practice
Write 10 sentences about the following topic. (Write any kinds of sentences)
Topic: How can you make your life healthier?
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UNIT 3: COMPOUND SENTENCES

A compound sentence is two or more independent clauses joined together. There are three
ways to join the clauses:

1. With a coordinator I enjoy tennis, but I hate golf.

2. With a conjunctive adverb I enjoy tennis; however, I hate golf.
3. With a semicolon I enjoy tennis; I hate golf.

1. COMPOUND SENTENCES WITH COORDINATORS

A compound sentence can be formed as follow:

Independent clause, + coordinator + independent clause

Notice that there is a comma (,) after the first independent clause. The following sentences
illustrate the meanings of the seven ‘FANBOYS’ coordinators.

for Women live longer than men, for they take better care of their health.
(The second clause gives the reason for the first clause.)
and Women follow more healthful diets, and they go to doctors more often.
(The two clauses express equal, similar ideas.)
nor Women don’t smoke as much as men do, nor do they drink as much alcohol.
(Nor means ‘and not’. It joins two negative independent clauses. Notice that question
word order is used after nor.)
but Men may exercise harder, but they may not exercise as regularly as women do.
(The two clauses express equal, contrasting ideas.)
or Both men and women should limit the amount of fat in their diets, or they risk
getting heart disease. (The two clauses express alternative possibilities.)
yet Women used to be known as the ‘weaker sex’, yet in some ways, they are stronger
than men. (The second clause is a surprising or unexpected contrast to the first
clause.)
so Men are less cautions than women, so more men die in accidents. (The second clause
is the result of the first clause.)

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+ Practice 1
In the following exercise, turn the sentence pairs into single compound sentences, each with
a coordinating conjunction. You can rearrange or add words in the sentence to make it sound
better, but only if it’s necessary.

1. The black dog has won many prizes. He doesn’t know many tricks.
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2. She saw a cat in front of her. She fell down while roller-skating.
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3. There was a meteor shower. The crew did not know how to avoid meteors.
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4. I wanted to buy a baby Chihuahua. I started to save my money.
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5. Gillian did not like to read. She was not very good at it.
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6. The little boy did not like going to school. He went anyway.
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7. You can cry like a baby. You can clean your room like an adult.
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+ Practice 2
Add another independent clause to the following independent clauses to form compound
sentences. Be sure to write a complete clause containing a subject and a verb. Circle the
coordinator and add punctuation.
Example:
The college campus is located in the center of the city, so it is very easy to do my shopping.

1. Students can attend day classes and ……………………………………………

2. Students can live in dormitories or……………………………………………..
3. I have finished my math homework but………………………………………..
4. I have studied English for six years yet…………………………………………
5. My adviser suggested a computer class for……………………………………..
6. Some students do not like to write term paper nor………………………………
7. The instructor gave us eight weeks to write our term papers yet……………….
8. Most students had not even chosen a topic nor…………………………………
9. The instructor was very upset for……………………………………………….
10. My roommate scored very high on the English placement test so……………..
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+ Practice 3
On a separate sheet of paper, write seven compound sentences of your own, using each
coordinator once.

2. COMPOUND SENTENCES WITH CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS

A compound sentence can also be formed as follow:

Independent clause; + conjunctive adverb, + independent clause

Examples:
• I woke up very late this morning; nevertheless, I wasn’t late to school.
• She didn’t take a bus to work today; instead, she drove her car.

• Jack wants a toy car for his birthday; meanwhile, Jill wants a dollhouse for her birthday.
• They returned home; likewise, I went home.
• We have many different sizes of this shirt; however, it comes in only one color.

Notice the punctuation: a semicolon follows the first independent clause, and a comma
follows the conjunctive adverb. Also, just like the FAN BOYS coordinators, conjunctive adverbs
express relationships between the clauses. The following chart shows the coordinators and
conjunctive adverbs that express similar meanings.

CONJUNCTIVE
COORDINATORS ADVERBS SENTENCES
and besides Community colleges offer preparation for
furthermore many occupations; moreover, they prepare
moreover students to transfer to a four-year college or
also university.
but however Many community colleges do not have
yet nevertheless dormitories; however, they provide housing
nonetheless referral services.
or otherwise Students must take final exams; otherwise,
they will receive a grade of incomplete.
so accordingly Native and nonnative English speakers have
consequently different needs; therefore, most schools
hence provide separate English classes to each
therefore group.
thus
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Note:
+ Practice 4
Choose the right conjunctive adverb for the sentence.

1) Hurry up; , you will be late for the train.

2) I studied hard for the exam; , I failed.
3) Tom is a sportsman; , his brother Tom is athletic.
4) He didn’t go to college. , he started his own business.
5) He is not good-looking. , he is popular among girls.

+ Practice 5
Combine the pairs of sentences using conjunctive adverbs instead of coordinators. Punctuate
your sentences correctly.

1. The due date for the final paper has passed. I could not submit mine on time.
2. There are many history books. None of them may be accurate.
3. It rained hard. Lightening flashed and thunder boomed.
4. The baby fell asleep. The doorbell rang.
5. The law does not permit drinking and driving anytime. There would be many more accidents.

+ Practice 6
Select an appropriate conjunctive adverb from the choices. Give and write it in the blank.
Add correct punctuation to the compound sentences.

1. A movie makes money when people buy tickets to see it ………………… that is not the only
way movies make money. (however, consequently)
2. People rent or buy video cassettes even after the movie leaves the
theaters……………………… producers keep earning money. (besides, meanwhile)
3. Premium cable TV station pay producers to air movies……………………… this is another
way movies make money. (in fact, for example)
4. Advertiser also pay to have their products appear in movies……………………. Some
companies buy the right to produce products based on movie characters. (however, in
addition).
5. For example, toy companies don’t have to think of new ideas for best-selling toys and
games………………….. they just pay producers for the right to make and sell action figures
and other merchandise. (otherwise, instead)
+ Practice 7
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 On the lines provided, complete each of the sentences using one of the conjunctive adverbs
given in parentheses. Add a related independent clause (simple sentence) to create a compound
sentence.
Example:
Fall is probably the best season of the year; however, I like spring the most.
(however, in addition)
1. Working in a restaurant can be tough………………………………………….. (still,
nevertheless)
2. Over a hundred gallons of gasoline spilled into the stream
……………………………………………. (consequently, however)
3. Art class should always be interesting ………………………………………… (furthermore,
in fact)
4. The explosion destroyed the front of the building ……………………………… (moreover,
nevertheless)
5. The president spoke to a room full of reporters ………………………………… (meanwhile,
then)
6. I waited two hours to be seen in the emergency room …………………………. (finally,
moreover).
7. The earthquake partially destroyed city hall last year ………………………… (consequently,
in fact).
8. There should be more activities for students in town …………………………. (also, indeed).

+ Practice 8
On a separate sheet of paper, write four compound sentences, using each of these
conjunctive adverbs once: furthermore, however, therefore, and otherwise.

3. COMPOUND SENTENCES WITH SEMICOLONS

A compound sentence can also be formed with a semicolon alone:

Independent clause; independent clause

My older brother studies laws; my younger brother studies medicine.
I like chocolate ice cream; my friend likes strawberry.

This kind of compound sentences is possible only when the two independent clauses are closely
related in meaning. If they aren’t closely related, they should be written as two simple sentences,
each ending with a period.

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+ Practice 7
Place a semicolon between the two independent clauses in the following compound sentences.

1. It’s just begun to rain I am happy that I am home.

2. The American way of life apparently does not foster marital happiness half of all American
marriages end in divorce.
3. Motherhood causes some women to quit their jobs others continue working despite having
young children to care for.
4. Three hundred guests attended his wedding two attended his funeral.

+ Homework
+ Writing Practice
Write 10 sentences about the following topic. (Write any kinds of sentences)
Topic: What is your favorite national holiday?
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 UNIT 4: COMPLEX SENTENCES

3. COMPLEX SENTENCES
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one (or more) dependent clause(s). In
a complex sentence, one idea is generally more important than the other one. The more important
idea is placed in the independent clause.
There are three kinds of dependent clauses: adverb, adjective, and noun.

Examples:
1. I didn't call her because I'm shy.(adverb clause)
2. The children who are on the bus are going to visit the museum. (adjective clause)
3. I believe that everything happens for a reason. (noun clause)

2. DEPENDENT CLAUSES

2.1. Adverb Clauses

ADVERB CLAUSE
A dependent adverb clause begins with an adverbial subordinator such as when,
while, because, although, if, before, so that, etc.

1. Although the dolphin lives in the sea, it is not a fish - it's a mammal.
2. You should give the iron time to heat up before you iron your clothes.

Notice that there are two possible positions for an adverb clause: before or after the
independent clause. If it comes before independent clause, it is followed by a
comma (sentence 1). If it comes after the independent clause, no comma is used
(sentence 2).

+ Types of Adverbial Clauses

There are several kinds of adverbial clauses. The following chart lists the different kinds
along with the subordinators that introduce them.

SUBORDINATOR MEANING

Time when a point in time/short duration

whenever at anytime
while at the same time/longer duration
as soon as immediately at or instantly after the
time that
after following the time that
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 since from that time/moment
as while/when
before earlier than the time when
until up to the time of
Place where a definite place
anywhere anyplace
wherever anyplace
everywhere everyplace
Distance/ as + adverb + as comparison
frequency
Manner as
as if in the way or manner that/like
as though
Reason because
as for the reason that
since
Result so + adjective + that
so + adverb+ that with the result that
such a(n) + noun phrase + that
so much/many/little/few + noun
phrase + that
Purpose so that for the purpose of
in order that
Concession although
(unexpected even though unexpected result
result) though
Contrast while direct opposition
(direct whereas
opposition)

Examples
Time Whenever I had to speak in front of people, I was paralyzed by fear.
Place Everywhere I shop, I use my credit cards.
Distance Peter jogs on the beach as far as he can.
Manner The students completed the experiment as quickly as they could.
Frequency Peter jogs on the beach as often as he can.
Reason Mark joined the English Drama Club because he wanted to improve
his intonation.
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Result The library is such a big place that I couldn’t find the book I needed.
Purpose He studied really hard so that he could get better marks.
Concession Although I studied all nights, I failed the test.
(unexpected
result)
Contrast While San Juan is extremely hot during the summer, San Francisco is
(direct very cool.
opposition)

+ Practice 1
Complete each of the following sentences using one suitable adverbial subordinator.

1. You need proper shoes to go hiking in the mountains, ________ the ground is rough and
hard.
2. Hockey players wear lots of protective clothing ________ they don't get hurt.
3. You may get malaria ________ you are bitten by a mosquito.
4. We keep our bread in the fridge ________ it doesn't go bad.
5. You need proper shoes to go hiking in the mountains ______ the ground is rough and hard.
6. _______Volkswagen cars are cheap, they last a long time.
7. You will have to pay higher insurance _____ you buy a sports car.
8. The five-cent coin looks very Canadian _____ it has a picture of a beaver on it.

+ Practice 2
Complete the following sentences by adding the kinds of adverbial clauses indicated in the
parentheses. Circle the subordinators, and add commas if necessary.

Example: I reviewed my class notes before I took the final exam. (time)
1. I bought all of my textbooks………………………………………………(time)
2. Tom rode on the subway………………………………………………(distance)
3. ………………………………………………….the company hired me. (reason)
4. I study in the library…………………………………………………....(purpose)
5. …………………………………………..I will study for a master degree. (time)
6. I registered for my class early………………………………………….(purpose)
7. A serious student spends time studying ………………………………...(reason)
8. Tom wanted to become a doctor……………………………………(concession)
9. ………………………...many young people prefer living together. (concession)
10. Pollution becomes a problem …………………………………………….(place)
11. City living is stressful……………………………....(contrast/ direct opposition)
12. A single person leads a carefree life ……….……....(contrast/ direct opposition)
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+ Practice 3
On a separate sheet of paper, write ten complex sentences using different kinds of adverbial
clauses.

2.2. Adjective Clauses

ADJECTIVE CLAUSE
A dependent adjective (relative) clause begins with a relative pronoun such as who,
whom, which, whose, or that, or with a relative adverb such as where or when.
An adjective clause functions as an adjective; that is, it modifies a noun or
pronoun.

1. Pizza, which most people love, is not very healthy.

2. Everyone who studied for the exam passed it easily.

A relative clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adjective; that is, it modifies a
noun or pronoun. For this reason, relative clauses are also called adjective clauses.

Relative Pronouns and Adverbs

A relative begins with a relative pronoun or relative adverb.

Pronouns who, whom, whose, that refer to humans

which, that, whose refer to nonhumans and things
Adverbs when, where refer to a time or a place

Position of Relative Clauses

Place a relative after its antecedent and as close to it as possible to avoid confusion.
Confusing: He left the gift in his friend’s car that he had just bought.
(It is not clear whether the relative clause modifies car or gift.)
Corrected: He left the gift that he had just bought in his friend’s car.
(The relative clearly modifies gift.)
Occasionally, a prepositional phrase comes between the antecedent and the relative clause.
Trying writing a sentence of your own that contains a relative clause.
Manuel was visited by a friend from Japan who was touring the country.

Verb Agreement in Relative Clauses

The verb in a relative clause should agree in number with its antecedent.
Compare:
A person who works part-time usually receives no benefits.
(The verb works is singular to agree with the singular antecedent person.)
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 People who work part-time usually receive no benefits.
(The verb work is plural to agree with the plural antecedent people.)

Punctuation of Relative Clauses

Relative clauses are either restrictive (necessary) or nonrestrictive (unnecessary). A
restrictive clause is necessary because it identifies its antecedent for the reader. Do not use commas
with restrictive clauses.

The professor who teaches my biology class won a Nobel Prize two years ago.
( Which professor won the Nobel Prize two years ago? The clause who teaches my biology class is
necessary to identify the professor.)

He won the prize for research that might lead to a cure for AIDS.
(For which research did he win the prize? We need the clause that might lead to a cure for
AIDS to tell us.)

A nonrestrictive clause is not necessary to identify its antecedent; it merely gives the reader
some extra information. Because it can be omitted without loss of meaning, separate it from the rest
of the sentence with commas.

Professor John, who teaches my biology class won a Nobel Prize two years ago.
(The person who won a Nobel Prize is identified by his name, so the clause who teaches my biology
class is extra, unnecessary information about Professor John. If it were omitted, we would still
know which person won the Nobel Prize.)

+ Practice 4
Choose the correct response to complete each relative clauses.
1. The man ___ was speaking to us was very tall.
a. who b. which c. whose
2. The woman ___ bought the dress did not speak English.
a. who b. which c. whose
3. The people ___ flight was cancelled were upset.
a. who b. which c. whose
4. Do you know anyone ___ speaks Japanese?
a. which b. that or which c. that or who
5. The guy ___ was very friendly.
a. I met b. that I met c. either a or b
6. The man ___ car we bought was from Texas.

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 a. who b. which c. either a or b
7. That's the cat ___ we saw yesterday.
a. that b. either a or c c. which
8. Can you see the man ___ is sitting at that table?
a. whose b. who c. which
9. Do you know the name of the artist ___ painted this portrait?
a. whose b. which c. that
10. What's the name of that guy ___ party we went to last week?
a. that b. whose c. which

+ Practice 5
1. Underline the relative clause or clauses in each sentence. (Some sentences have two.)
2. In the parentheses, write R for a restrictive and NR for a nonrestrictive clause.
3. Add commas to the nonrestrictive clauses.

(…..) 1. The sun which in forty minutes can produce enough solar energy to meet
humankind’s needs for a year is one of Earth’s potential source of power.
(…..) 2. According to an article that appeared in Time magazine we are at the
beginning of a medical computer revolution.
(…..) 3. The country that has the highest per capita* income is not the United States
which is in third place.
(…..) 4. Kuwait which is a small country in the Middle East is in first place.
(…..) 5. It was a thrilling experience to meet the author of the book that we had been
reading all semester.
(…..) 6. My brother-in-law who is from Italy moves his hands a lot when he is talking.
(…..) 7. People who use body language to express themselves are interesting to watch.
(…..) 8. She plans to marry her childhood sweetheart whom she has known since they
were five years old.
(…..) 9. Students whose grade point average fall below 2.0 will be placed on
probation.
(…..) 10. Mark Salzmann who wrote the novel Iron & Silk has also written two other
novels.
* per capital: per person/head

There are different types of relative clauses. In each different kind, the relative pronoun has a
different function. It may be a subject or an object in its own clause, or it may replace a possessive
word.

21
 Relative Pronouns as Subjects
A relative pronoun may be the subject of its own clause. Subject pattern relative clauses are
formed as follow:

who
which + verb + complement
that
Football, which is the most popular American sport, began at Harvard University.

+ Practice 6
Write six sentences of your own that contain relative clauses in the subject pattern. Use the
following prompts, and then write two sentences of your own. Write both restrictive and
nonrestrictive clauses.

1. My father, who ………………………………………………………………….

2. ………………………….anyone……………………………………………….
3. ………………………..is a sport that…………………………………………..
4. Mount Everest, which………………………………………………………….
5. ………………………………………………………………………………….
6. ………………………………………………………………………………….

Relative Pronouns as Objects

A relative pronoun may be the object in its own clause. Object pattern relative clauses are
formed as follow:

whom
which + subject + verb + complement
that
*
The address that he gave me was incorrect.

: this symbol indicates that relative pronouns can be left out.

+ Practice 7
In the space, write all the pronouns possible to complete each sentence. Write  if the
sentence is correct without adding a pronoun.
Example:
Mr. Green is the man who, whom, that,  I was talking about.

22
 1. She is the woman ………………. sits next to me in the class.
2. The hat…………………. Tom is wearing is unusual.
3. Hunger and poverty are worldwide problems to……………………… solutions must be
found.
4. I enjoy talking with the man…………………….. I sat next to on the plane.
5. People…………………………. fear flying avoid travelling by plane.
6. That is the man……………………….. daughter won the spelling bee.
7. The people about……………………… the novelist wrote were factory workers and
their families.
8. A barrel is a large container………………………is made of wood or metal.

+ Practice 8
Combine the two sentences in each pair to make a new sentence containing a relative clause
in the object pattern.

1. Change the object in the second sentence to a relative pronoun. Use whom, which, that, or no
pronoun as appropriate. Move the relative pronoun to the beginning of its clause.
2. Add commas if the relative clause is nonrestrictive.

1. Albert Einstein was a high school dropout. The world recognizes him as a genius.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
2. As a young boy, Einstein had trouble in elementary and high school. He attended these
schools in Germany.
..........................................................................................................................
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3. He did poorly in subjects. He disliked them.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
4. The only subjects were mathematics and physics. He loved them.
..........................................................................................................................
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5. He developed theories. We use theories to help us understand the nature of the universe.
..........................................................................................................................
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6. Einstein is best known for his General Theory of Relativity. He began to develop this
theory while living in Switzerland.
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23
+ Practice 9
Write six sentences of your own that contain relative clauses in the object pattern. Use the
following prompts, and then write two sentences of your own. Write both restrictive and
nonrestrictive clauses.

1. My mother, whom…………………………………………………………….
2. ………………………the homework that…………………………………….
3. ………………………someone whom………………………………………..
4. The island of Caribbean, which………………………………………………
5. …………………………………………………………………………………
6. …………………………………………………………………………………

2.3. Noun Clauses

A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun. It can be a subject, object, or
subject complement. Because a noun clause is dependent, it must be connected to an
independent clause to form a complex sentence.

Types of Noun Clauses

• That-clauses
That she should forget me so quickly was rather a shock.
I knew that he wouldn’t come.
• Subjunctive clauses
The company president urged that the marketing department be more aggressive.
It is necessary that the company not lose any more customers to its competitors.
After certain verbs and adjectives in an introductory clause, the verb in a that-clause is in
the simple or base form, called the subjunctive. These verbs and adjectives indicate urgency,
advisability, necessity, and desirability. The verbs and adjectives requiring the subjunctive form in
the that-clause include:
Verbs Adjectives
advise direct recommend advisable important
ask insist suggest essential urgent
command move urge necessary vital
demand propose imperative

• Wh-word clauses
I don’t know where the student cafeteria is.
Where he went is a mystery to me.
• If/whether clauses
I don’t know whether I should take computer science or not.
24
 I don’t know whether or not I should take computer science.
Whether you sink or swim is not my concern.
Do you know if/whether birds can communicate with each other?
"If" introduces one condition, whereas "whether" introduces alternative possibilities, usually with
"or not" implied or expressed.

+ Practice 10
Combine each pair of sentences into one that contains a noun clause. Begin the new sentence with
That or It.
Example: The weather is not going to improve. That is apparent.
It is apparent that the weather is not going to improve.
That the weather is not going to improve is apparent.

1. Pollution dismisses the quality of our lives. That is hard to deny.

.............................................................................................................................
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2. No one stopped to help Sam when he had car trouble. That is surprising.
.............................................................................................................................
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3. People in modern cities are distrustful of each other. That is unfortunate.
.............................................................................................................................
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4. People in my village always help each other. That is still true.
.............................................................................................................................
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5. People need each other and need to help others in need. That seems undeniably true.
.............................................................................................................................
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6. People have a moral duty to help others in need. That seems obvious to me.
.............................................................................................................................
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7. People today are afraid to help strangers. That is a pity.
.............................................................................................................................
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8. People in cities live in densely populated areas but don’t know their neighbors. That seems
strange to me.
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25
+ Practice 11
Complete the sentences, using the idea of the words in parentheses.
e.g. (You should organize a camping trip.)
The girl proposed that their scout leader organize a camping trip.

1. ( Ms. Hanson thinks that the director should divide our class into two sections.)
Ms. Hanson recommended that our class……………………………………………
............................................................................................................................. …..
2. (You must call home every week.)
Dan’s parents insisted that she………………………………………………………
............................................................................................................................. …..
3. (Someone must tell her the truth about her illness.)
It is essential that he…………………………………………………………………
............................................................................................................................. …..
4. (Open your suitcases for inspections.)
The customs official demanded that all passengers…………………………………
............................................................................................................................. …..
5. (Please mail all packages at the central office.)
The director requests that all packages……………………………………………
............................................................................................................................. …..

+ Practice 12
Write new complex sentences containing wh-word clauses.
1. Which company produces their CDs?
We asked the music store manager…………………………………………..
2. Where will their next concert be held?
They will announce tomorrow…………………………………………………
3. Where do they practice on the road?
The band’s manager always arranges…………………………………………
4. When did they last perform in Europe?
I remember very clearly…………………………………………………………
5. Who writes their songs?
The group never says……………………………………………………………
6. Which of their songs do you like the best?
I can’t really say…………………………………………………………………
7. How many members of the group have received formal music training?
It is surprising……………………………………………………………………
8. What happened to their female vocalist?
Their agent wouldn’t reveal……………………………………………………..
26
+ Practice 13
Complete the following sentences using whether, whether or not or if. (Choose 'if' when it is
possible to use it.)

1. I can't decide __________ to buy a bicycle.

2. Tom asked Julie _________ she'd like to go to the cinema.
3. You've got to go to school ___________ you like it or not!
4. Caroline might come. It depends on ___________ she has a car or not.
5. We're not sure ______________ we're going to change offices.
6. _______ I buy the cake or make it myself won't make it less fattening!
7. I wonder ___________ I should mention it to my boss.
8. He really doesn't care ________ it suits everyone.
9. I'm not sure ___________I'll have time to go to the hairdressers.
10. The price doesn't change __________ you travel by car or by train.
+ Practice 14
Write ten complex sentences containing noun clauses.
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2.4. Participle clauses

Participle clauses are a bit like relative clauses – they give us more information.
Example:
- People wearing carnival costumes filled the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
- The paintings stolen from the National Gallery last week have been found.
The participle clauses (‘wearing …’ and ‘stolen ….’) act like relative clauses. We could say:
- People who were wearing carnival costumes filled the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
- The paintings which were stolen from the National Gallery last week have been found.
27
+ With the Past Participle
- A pair of shoes worn by Marilyn Monroe have been sold for fifty thousand dollars.
- Trees blown down in last night’s storms are being removed this morning.
We use the past participle – ‘blown’ in the last example but the ending ‘-ed’ is used in regular verbs
– when the meaning is passive.

+ With the Present Participle

- A woman carrying a bright green parrot walked into the room.
- A man holding a gun shouted at us to lie down.
We use the present participle - the ‘-ing’ form – to form the participle clause when the meaning
is active.
Notice that the participle clauses with the present participle have a continuous meaning. If we
replaced them with a relative clause it would be in a continuous tense.
A man holding a gun has the same meaning as A man who was holding a gun.
We can’t make a participle clause with a present participle when the meaning is not
continuous.
Example:
- The woman living next door is on holiday.
- The woman who lives next door is on holiday.

+ Learn this:

1.We can use participle clauses to give more information about a noun. They can
be described as shortened relative clauses (defining or non-defining).
There’s a man reading a book. (=who is reading a book)
2. They contain either a present participle (-ing form) or past participle (-ed form).
3. Clauses with a present participle replace an active verb. The verb they replace
can be in any tense.
He lived in a flat belonging to his father. (=which belonged to)
4. Clauses with a past participle replace a passive verb. The verb they replace can
be in any tense.
The final episode, shown on TV tomorrow, will be watched by millions. (=which
will be shown on TV tomorrow)

28
+ Practice 15
Match the two halves of the sentences.

1. A painting damaged by yesterday's fire is a. is looking at you

2. The girl wearing the green dress b. eating a banana
3. The car parked on the corner c. being repaired
4. The man sitting next to Ella d. was blocking the road
5. She drew a picture of a monkey e. is her cousin

+ Practice 16
All of the following sentences contain errors in adjective clauses, adjective phrases, or
punctuation. Find the errors and correct them, using any appropriate form.

1. When we walked past the theater, there were a lot of people waited in along line outside
the box office.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
2. Students who living on campus are close to their classrooms and the library.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
3. If you need any information, see the librarian sits at the central desk on the second floor.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
4. My oldest sister is Anna is 21 years old.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
5. Hiroko was born in Saporo that is a city in Japan.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
6. The person sits next to me is someone I’ve never met him.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
7. My favorite place in the world is a small city is located on the southern coast of Brazil.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
8. Last Saturday I attended a party giving be one of my friends. My friend, who his apartment
is in another town, was very glad I could come.
..........................................................................................................................

29
 ..........................................................................................................................
9. People can speak English can be understood in many countries.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
10. There are eighty students, are from all over the world, study English at this school.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................

+ Practice 17
Find the people and things in the picture below and describe them. Use participle clauses
and the verbs in the box to help you write your sentences.

accompany hold leave lie eat gaze

wear smoke startle lose run

11. the woman on the right

12. the man in casual clothes/ on the left
13. two black dogs (one of the dogs/ the smaller dog)
14. the monkey
15. the tall woman/ in the middle of the picture
16. several people
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30
+ Homework.
Writing Practice
Write 10 sentences about the following topic.
Topic: What famous person do you admire?
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
31
 LESSON 5: COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES

COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES
A compound-complex sentence is a combination of two or more independent clauses and
one (or more) dependent clause(s). Many combinations are possible, and their punctuation requires
careful attention.
Example:
1. I wanted to travel after I graduated from college; however, I had to go to work immediately.
2. After I graduated from college, I wanted to travel, but I had to go to work immediately.
3. I wanted to travel after I graduated from college, but I had to go to work immediately
because I had no support from my family.
4. I couldn’t decide where I should work or what I should do, so I did nothing.

- Punctuate the compound part of a compound-complex sentence like a compound sentence;

that is, use a semicolon/comma combination (sentence 1), or put a comma before a
coordinator joining two clauses (sentences 2, 3 and 4).
- Punctuate the complex part like a complex sentence. With adverb clauses, put a comma after
a dependent clause (sentence 2) but not before them (sentence 3). With noun clauses, use no
commas (sentence 4).

+ Practice 1
Punctuate these compound-complex sentences.
1. Underline the independent clauses with a solid line and the dependent clauses with a broken
line.
2. Add commas and/or semicolons as necessary.

1. If housework and childcare are included women work more hours per week than men every
place in the world except North America and Australia but they also earn less than men.
2. In Africa, women work harder than men because they work 67 hours per week but men work
only 53.
3. Although Latin America women work 60 hours Latin men work only 54 and in Asia women
work 62 hours to men’s 48.
4. Men in Western Europe work the least they put in only 43 hours per week although women
average 48.
5. The report stated that even when men’s working hours were reduced they used the extra time
for leisure activities rather than for housework or childcare.

32
+ Practice 2
Combine the sentences two make one compound complex sentence.

1. Susan teaches the kids who live in the neighborhood. They meet in the evenings after she
comes home from work.
.............................................................................................................................
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2. The doctor wants to prescribe physically therapy, and he asked me to see a specialist. He
recommended Dr. Smith.
.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
3. Anthony told us about the assembly of the products. Unfortunately, he didn't tell us about
where they were made.
.............................................................................................................................
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4. We managed to finish the exercise on time, and passed the exam. However, it was very
difficult.
.............................................................................................................................
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5. The man spoke little English. Mary understood him, but couldn't help.
.............................................................................................................................
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6. We didn't have much time, so we didn't read the final chapter. However, we still enjoyed the
book.
.............................................................................................................................
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7. We will miss our father greatly. He taught us many lessons. Those lessons have helped us
succeed in life.
.............................................................................................................................
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8. The eagles attract many tourists. They live in the local mountain range. Unfortunately, the
politicians still refuse to protect them.
.............................................................................................................................
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9. We finished our work early, so we decided to go out for a drink. We went to Allan's Pub.
.............................................................................................................................
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10. The students who attended the university went on strike. They protested the tuition hikes.
.............................................................................................................................
33
 .............................................................................................................................
11. Sandy wanted to ask her uncle questions about his experiences. Her uncle fought in World
War II.
.............................................................................................................................
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12. The boys refused to ask the teacher any questions. They failed the exam.
.............................................................................................................................
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13. I don't like the food. The staff prepares the food. I also do not like their unfriendly attitude.
.............................................................................................................................
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14. Sheila loves red. The Mustang is red, but she might wait a few months.
.............................................................................................................................
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15. He can join us if he asks the man who invited us to the party. He can also stay home.
.............................................................................................................................
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+ Practice 3
Use what you have learned about the four kinds of sentences to improve these paragraph,
which contains too many short, simple sentences. Use different methods of combining the sentences.

Nonverbal Communication
1
Nonverbal communication, or body language, is used everywhere in the world. 2It is a
powerful means of communication. 3 It communicates much more than spoken words. 4One example
of nonverbal communication is what occurs between parents and child. 5Parents smile at their child.
6
They communicate love, acceptance, and reassurance. 7The child feel comfortable and safe. 8The
smile signifies approval. 9The child is happy and well-adjusted.
10
Another example of such communication is the image a person projects in public. 11A
woman is walking alone on an unfamiliar and possibly dangerous street. 12She wants to appear
confident. 13She should walk briskly*. 14She may be tired. 15She should walk with her shoulders
straight and her head held high. 16Her eyes should be focused straight ahead. 17Someone is looking
at her. 18She should return the glance without hesitation. 19In contrast, a nervous woman will appear
afraid. 20She walks slowly with her shoulders dropping and her eyes looking downward. 21Indeed,
body language can express more than spoken language. 22It is a very strong method of
communication. 23People use their body signals carelessly. 24They can sometimes be misinterpreted.
*briskly: fast

34
Note: Although good writers use all four kinds of sentences, the use of subordination (complex and
compound-complex sentences) is considered a more mature, interesting, and effective style.
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+ Homework.
Writing Practice.
Write 10 sentences about the following topic.
- Topic: Your dream home (10 sentences)
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
35
 UNIT 6: PARALLELISM AND SENTENCE PROBLEMS

1. PARALLELISM
Parallelism is an important element in English writing, especially when you are listing and
comparing and contrasting items or ideas. Parallelism means each item in a list or comparison
follows the same grammatical pattern. If you are writing a list and the first item in your list is a
noun, write all of the following items as nouns also. If the first item is an infinitive verb phrase,
make all of the others infinitive verb phrases; if it is a dependent clause, make all of the others
dependent clauses. If you are making a comparison or contrast, make sure that the items you are
comparing or contrasting are the same.
Notice how the rule of parallelism is followed in the second sentence in each of the following
sets.

Not parallel My English conversation class is made up of Chinese, Spaniards and

some are from Bosnia.
Parallel My English conversation class is made up of Chinese, Spaniards and
Bosnians.

Not parallel The students who do well attend class; they do their homework, and
practice speaking English.
Parallel The students who do well attend class, do their homework, and practice
speaking English.

Not parallel The teacher wanted to know which country we came from and our
future goals.
Parallel The teacher wanted to know which country we came from and what our
future goals were.

Not parallel The language skills of the students in the evening classes are the same
as the day classes.
Parallel The language skills of the students in the evening classes are the same
as the language skills of the students in the day classes.
(You may also substitute a pronoun for the second ‘the language skills’
The language skills of the students in the evening classes are the same
as those of the students in the day classes.

All of the words in the first item do not always have to be repeated in the second. You may
repeat all or some of the words, depending upon what you wish to emphasize.
Example:
36
 Before you write a paper or (before) (you) take a test, you must organize your thoughts.
‘Before’ and/or ‘you’ may be deleted from the second item without breaking the rule of
parallelism.

1.1. Coordinator – And, Or, But

Words, phrases, and clauses that are joined by and, or and but are written in parallel form.
Notice the parallel structures joined by coordinators in the following sentences:
- The Federal Air Pollution Control Administration regulates automobile exhausts, and
The Federal Aviation Administration makes similar regulations for aircraft.
- The states regulate the noise created by motor vehicles but not by commercial aircraft.
- Pesticides cannot be sold if they have an adverse effect on humans, on animal life, or
on the environment.

1.2. Correlative Conjunctions

Use parallel forms with the correlative conjunctions both…and, either…or; neither…nor, and
not only…but also.
Correlative conjunctions are placed directly before the elements they join in the sentence.
Notice the parallel structure in these clauses joined by correlative conjunctions:

A new law provides the means for both regulating pesticides and ordering their removal if
they are dangerous.
Air pollutants may come either from the ocean as natural contaminants given off by sea life
or from the internal combustion engines of automobiles.
If neither industry nor the public works towards reducing pollution problems, future
generations will suffer.
At the present time, air pollution is controlled through laws passed not only to reduce the
pollutants at their sources but also to set up acceptable standards of air quality.

+ Practice 1
Two or more items in each of the following sentences are written in parallel grammatical
form. Underline the items or ideas that are parallel, and circle the word or words that connect the
parallel structures.
Example:
An ideal environment for studying includes good lighting, a spacious desk, and a comfortable
chair.

1. You know you are truly bilingual when you can calculate in your second language and when
you begin to dream in it.
2. People often spend as much time worrying about the future as planning for it.
37
 3. You can learn a second language in the classroom, at home, or in a country where the
language is spoken.
4. My new personal computer is both fast and reliable.
5. Ann is growing older but unfortunately not wiser.
6. My old typewriter is neither fast nor reliable.
7. Young people buy computers not only to do schoolwork but also to play games.
8. If industrial nations continue to burn fossil fuels and if developing nations continue to burn
their rain forests, the level of CO2 in the atmosphere will continue to increase.
9. Before the judge announced the sentence, he asked the murderer if he wanted to speak either
to the victim’s family or to the jury.
10. The criminal neither admitted guilt nor asked for forgiveness before he was excused.

+ Practice 2
Rewrite the following sentences in parallel form. Underline the part of the sentence that is
not parallel and correct it.
Example:
The disadvantages of using credit card are overspending and you pay high interest rates.
The disadvantages of using credit card are overspending and paying high interest rates.
1. Credit cards are accepted by department stores, airlines and they can be used in some gas
stations.
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2. You do not need to risk carrying cash or to risk to pass up* a sale.
.............................................................................................................................
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3. With credit cards, you can either pay your bill with one check, or you can stretch out your
payments.
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4. You can charge both at restaurants and when you stay at hotels.
.............................................................................................................................
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5. Many people carry not only credit cards but they also carry cash.
.............................................................................................................................
6. Many people want neither to pay off their balance monthly nor do they like paying interest.
.............................................................................................................................
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7. Not making any payment or to send in only minimum payments every month is poor money
management.
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* pass up: miss an opportunity

+ Practice 3
The following sentences or clauses would be more effective if they were structured using
parallel forms. Revise them to make them more effective. Change the wording where necessary.

1. I’d rather you do what I tell you to do than you have imitated me.
.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
2. In the restroom, Anna was brushing her hair, freshened her lip-gloss, and took deep breaths,
trying to work up the courage to walk to her first speech class.
.............................................................................................................................
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3. When you have a cold, you should eat more than you usually do but with fever you’re better
off not eating at all.
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4. Celine looked behind the toilet, in the laundry basket, and checked under the bed, but she
could not find Squeeze, her nine-foot albino python.
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5. For his first date with Malinda, Dennis bought not only a dozen roses but he also purchased a
box of chocolates.
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+ Practice 4
Write seven original sentences in parallel form, using the coordinating conjunctions and, or
and but and the correlative conjunctions both…and, either…or, neither…nor, and not only…but also
one time each.
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 2. SENTENCE PROBLEMS
You will learn to recognize and correct some common errors in sentence structure:
sentence fragments as well as choppy, run-on, and stringy sentences.
1. Sentence Fragments
Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences or parts of sentences.
Remember that a complete sentence must contain at least one main or independent clause.
Study the following four examples of sentence fragments and the suggested methods for
correcting them.

1. Because some students work part-time while taking a full load of courses.
Problem This is a dependent clause.
To correct Attach it to an independent clause.
Because some students work part-time while taking a full load of
courses, they have very little free time.
2. For example, the increase in the cost of renting an apartment.
Problem There is no verb.
To correct Rewrite the sentence so that it has a verb.
For example, the cost of renting an apartment increased.
3. Feeling lonely and failing most of his classes.
Problem This is a participial phrase.
To correct (a) Add a subject and change the participles to verbs, or
(b) Attach the phrase to an independent clause.
(a) He felt lonely and was failing most of his classes.
(b) Feeling lonely and failing most of his classes, the student wisely
decided to make an appointment with his counselor.
4. Many young people who leave home at an early age.
Problem This is a noun phrase + a relative clause. The independent clause is
unfinished.
To correct (a) Change the relative clause into an independent clause, or
(b) Complete the unfinished independent clause.
(a) Many young people leave home at an early age.
(b) Many young people who leave home at an early age do not
manage their money well.

Always check your own writing for sentence fragments. Pay attention to your sentences
beginning with subordinating conjunctions (although, since, because, if, before, etc.). These are
DANGER WORDS! Make sure that every subordinate clauses beginning with these words is
attached to an independent clause.

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+ Practice 5
Read the following sentences. Mark them FRAG if they are sentence fragments, or COMP if
they are complete sentences. On a separate piece of paper, rewrite each fragment to make a
complete sentence.
____ 1. The desire of all humankinds to live in peace and freedom, for example.
____ 2. Second, the fact that men are physically stronger than women.
____ 3. The best movie that I saw last year.
____ 4. Titanic was the most financially successful movie ever made.
____ 5. For example, many students have part-time jobs.
____ 6. Although people want to believe that all men are created equal.
____ 7. Finding a suitable marriage partner is a challenging task.
____ 8. Many of my friends who didn’t have the opportunity to go to college.
____ 9. Working during the morning and attending classes during the afternoon.
____ 10. Because I don’t feel that grades in college have any value.

2. Choppy Sentences
Choppy sentences are sentences that are too short. Although short sentences can be
effective, overuse of them is considered poor style in academic writing.
Choppy sentences are easy to correct. Just combine two or three sentences to make one
compound or complex sentence. Your decision to make a compound or a complex sentence should
be based on whether the ideas in the short sentence are equal or whether one idea is dependent on
the other.

1. If the sentences express equal ideas, use coordination to combine them.

Choppy Wind is an enduring source of power. Water is also an unlimited energy
sentences source. Dams produce hydraulic power. They have existed for a long
time. Windmills are relatively new.
Corrected Both wind and water are enduring source of power. Dams have produced
hydraulic power for a long time, but windmills are relatively new.
2. If the sentences express unequal ideas, that is, if one sentence expresses a less
important idea than the other, use subordination to combine them.
Choppy We must find new sources of energy. Natural sources of energy are
sentences decreasing. Solar energy is a promising new source of energy. Solar
energy is energy from the sun.
Corrected We must find new sources of energy because natural sources of energy
are decreasing. Solar energy, which is energy from the sun, is a
promising new source.

+ Practice 6
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 Improve the following choppy sentences by combining them to make either compound,
complex, or compound-complex sentences.
1. Gasoline became expensive. Automobile manufactures began to produce smaller cars.
Smaller cars use less gasoline.
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2. The computer has undoubtedly benefited humanity. The computer has also created
problems for humanity.
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3. Government and private agencies have spent billions of dollars advertising the
dangers of smoking. The number of smokers is still increasing.
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4. Some students go to a vocational school to learn a trade. Some students go to college
to get a degree.
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5. The grading system at our college should be abolished. The students don’t like getting
grades. The instructors don’t enjoy giving grades.

3. Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

A run-on sentence is a sentence in which two or more independent clauses are written one
after another with no punctuation.
A similar error happens when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by a comma
without a coordinating conjunction. This kind of error is called a comma splice.

Run-on My family went to Australia then they emigrated to Canada.

Comma splice My family went to Australia, then they emigrated to Canada.
The ways to correct these two sentence errors are the same.
1. Add a My family went to Australia. Then they emigrated to Canada.
period
2. Add a My family went to Australia; then they emigrated to Canada.
semicolon
3. Add a My family went to Australia, and then they emigrated to Canada.
coordinator
4. Add a My family went to Australia before they emigrated to Canada.
subordinator After my family went to Australia, they emigrated to Canada.

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+ Practice 7
Correct the following run-on/ comma splice sentences using the method indicated.
1. A newly arrived international student faces many problems, for example, he has to cope with a
new culture.
a. (add a period) ..................................................................................................
b. (add a semicolon) ............................................................................................
2. New York city is very cosmopolitan, there are people from many cultures and ethnic groups
living there.
a. (add a subordinator) ........................................................................................
b. (add a period) ..................................................................................................
c. (add a semicolon) .............................................................................................
d. (add a coordinator)..........................................................................................
3. Learning a new language is like learning to swim it takes a lot of practice.
a. (add a coordinator)..........................................................................................
4. Ask for assistance at the reference desk in the library, there is always a librarian on duty.
a. (add a semicolon).............................................................................................
5. Skiing is a dangerous sport you can easily break your leg or your neck.
a. (add a subordinator) ........................................................................................

4. Stringy Sentences
A stringy sentence is a sentence with too many independent clauses, usually connected with
and, but, so and because. It often results from writing the way you speak, going on and on like a
string without and end.
There is no rule limiting the number of independent clauses allowed in one sentence, but two
is a good maximum. To correct a stringy sentence, divide it and/or recombine the clauses,
remembering to subordinate when appropriate.

Stringy Many students attend classes all morning, and then they work all
sentence afternoon, and they also have to study at night, so they are usually
exhausted by the weekend.
Corrected Many students attend classes all morning and work all afternoon. Since
they also have to study at night, they are usually exhausted by the
weekend.
Many students attend classes all morning and work all afternoon.
Because they also have to study at night, they are usually exhausted by
the weekend.

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+ Practice 8
Improve the stringy sentences.
1. He enrolled in an advanced calculus class, but he found it too difficult, so he dropped it.
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2. The tidal wave ruined the crops, and it destroyed several villages, and it caused many deaths,
so it was a real disaster.
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3. The analysts worked many hours on the computer program, but they couldn’t find the cause
of the problem, so they finally gave up, and they went home.
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4. Junk food is bad for your health, and it also contains no vitamins, and it damages your
stomach, so people shouldn’t eat it.
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5. The lack of rainfall has caused a severe water shortage, so people have to conserve water
every day, and they have to think of new ways to reuse water, but the situation is improving.
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+ Homework.
Writing Practice (self-study)
Write 10 sentences about the following topic.
Topic: What do you think is the most important invention in history?
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 REVISION
I. Identify the sentence problems and correct them.
1. The students who do well attend class, they do their homework, and practice speaking in English.
Name of the sentence problem:…………………………….………………………
Correction:………………..…………………………………………..………………
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2. The desire of all humankind to live in peace and freedom, for example.
Name of the sentence problem:…………………………….……………………….
Correction:………………..…………………………………………..………………
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3. My family went to Australia then they emigrated to Canada.
Name of the sentence problem:…………………………….……………………….
Correction:………………..…………………………………………..………………
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4. The computer has undoubtedly benefited humanity. The computer has also created problems for
humanity.
Name of the sentence problem:…………………………….…………………………
Correction:………………..…………………………………………..………………..
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II. Write sentences following the instructions.

1. Write one simple sentence with one subject and two verbs.
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2. Write one compound sentence.
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3. Write one complex sentence.
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4. Write one compound-complex sentence.
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III. Complete the sentences using adverbial, relative, or noun clauses.

1. Please tell me………………………………………………………………….
2. Because I had to look for a part time job ………………………………………
3. The teacher whom …………………………………………………………….
4. ………………………………………………if I want to get to school on time.
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+ Homework.
Writing Practice.
Topic: Tell a story from your childhood (choose one of the story types below, 100-150 words)
+ a funny story
+ a happy story
+ a sad story
+ an embarrassing story
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 REFERENCES

1. Alice Oshima, Ann Hogue, Writing Academic English, Longman, 2002.

2. Betty Schrampfer Azar, English Grammar, First News, 2001.
3. Elaine Walker, Steve Elsworth, Grammar Practice, First News, 2002.
4. Tim Falla, Paul A Davies, Solutions, Oxford University Press, 2008.
5. Phạm Tấn Quyền, 120 English Sentence-Building Exercises Intermediate and Advanced
levels, Hồ Chí Minh General Publising House, 2004.

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 CONTENTS
PREFACE ................................................................................................................. 2
UNIT 1: CLAUSES................................................................................................. 3
1. INDEPENDENT CLAUSES ................................................................................ 3
2. DEPENDENT CLAUSES .................................................................................... 5
3. CLAUSES CONNECTORS ................................................................................. 6
UNIT 2: SIMPLE SENTENCES ........................................................................... 8
1. SIMPLE SENTENCES WITH ONE SUBJECT AND ONE VERB ................... 8
2. SIMPLE SENTENCES WITH ONE SUBJECT AND TWO VERBS ................ 8
3. SIMPLE SENTENCES WITH TWO SUBJECTS AND ONE VERB ................ 8
4. SIMPLE SENTENCES WITH TWO SUBJECTS AND TWO VERBS ............. 9
UNIT 3: COMPOUND SENTENCES .................................................................. 12
1. COMPOUND SENTENCES WITH COORDINATORS .................................... 12
2. COMPOUND SENTENCES WITH CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS .................... 14
3. COMPOUND SENTENCES WITH SEMICOLONS .......................................... 16
UNIT 4: COMPLEX SENTENCES ...................................................................... 19
1. COMPLEX SENTENCES ................................................................................... 19
2. DEPENDENT CLAUSES .................................................................................... 19
2.1. Adverb Clauses ................................................................................................ 19
2.2. Adjective Clauses ............................................................................................. 22
2.3. Noun Clauses ................................................................................................... 27
2.4. Participle clauses.............................................................................................. 31
UNIT 5: COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES ............................................ 36
UNIT 6: PARALLELISM AND SENTENCE PROBLEMS .............................. 41
1. PARALLELISM ................................................................................................... 41
1.1. Coordinator – And, Or, But ............................................................................. 42
1.2. Correlative Conjunctions ................................................................................ 42
2. SENTENCSE PROBLEMS ................................................................................. 45
2.1. Sentence Fragments ......................................................................................... 45
2.2. Choppy sentences............................................................................................. 47
2.3. Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices ............................................................ 48
2.4. Stringy Sentences ............................................................................................. 49
REVISION ......................................................................................................................... 52
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 55

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