8/6/18
AP English Language and Composition
Sentence Variety Analysis
Complete both parts of the assignment.
Part 1: Analyze a Published Author’s Sentence Variety
From the memoir you read for this module, select a paragraph or short passage of at least six sentences that you feel has effective syntax.
Complete the inventory chart and write a brief reflection. Use the samples in the lesson to guide you.
A. Inventory Chart
Sentence Beginnings Unique Features Type Shif
1. “I found employment, “I found” Semicolon Compound – Complex Long Sentence
the third day after my
arrival, in stowing a sloop Subject + verb
with a load of oil. It was
new, dirty, and hard work
for me; but I went at it
with a glad heart and a
willing hand.”
2. “I was now my own “I was” None Simple Short Sentence
master.
Subject + verb
3. “It was a happy “It was” None Complex Long Sentence
moment, the rapture of
which can be understood Subject + verb
only by those who have
been slaves.”
4. “It was the first work, “It was” None Complex Long Sentence
the reward of which was
to be entirely my own.” Subject + verb
, 8/6/18
AP English Language and Composition
5. “There was no Master “There was” None Complex Long Sentence
Hugh standing ready, the
moment I earned the Adverb + verb
money, to rob me of it.”
6. “I worked that day with “I worked” None Simple Short Sentence
a pleasure I had never
before experienced.” Subject + verb
B. Reflection
In a paragraph of at least five sentences, describe the sentence variety in the passage you selected and reflect on the choices the
author made to create effective syntax. What are the effects of each of those choices? What makes this author’s sentence structure
particularly effective? If the passage you selected does not demonstrate variety, what is the rhetorical purpose of the writer’s choice?
Frederick Douglass’s use of varying sentence structure created a sense of rhythm which highlighted his satisfaction. The first sentences
utilized many commas and semicolons to provide and signify breaks in his thoughts which gave more detail. All sentences despite
sentence number five had the same beginning structure to them, thus being subject plus verb which provided a sense of unity to the
paragraph. Douglass’s use of commas allow the audience to be able to digest and understand what he is saying in addition to appreciate
his sense of accomplishment from becoming his own person. The use of the long sentences in numbers 1, 3, 4, and 5 in addition to the
short sentences in numbers 2 and 6 provide contrast and break up the extensive descriptions. Douglass utilizes long sentences to depict
his surroundings at work and utilizes the short declarative sentences to describe his feelings and perceptions.
Part 2: Analyze Your Sentence Variety
Select a paragraph or short passage of at least six sentences from an essay that you have written in this course and paste it below.
A. Original paragraph or passage
Humorists have possessed the vital role of educating the public and saying the truth like it is. While others shy away from the truth and
stating controversial things, humorists dive straight into the controversial topics often causing great waves of resentment and enlarging
the controversy. During the Cold War, Senator McCarthy from Wisconsin accused numerous people and institutions including Hollywood,
the army and the state department of being communists or sympathizers, thus led to the renowned term McCarthyism. Most people
AP English Language and Composition
Sentence Variety Analysis
Complete both parts of the assignment.
Part 1: Analyze a Published Author’s Sentence Variety
From the memoir you read for this module, select a paragraph or short passage of at least six sentences that you feel has effective syntax.
Complete the inventory chart and write a brief reflection. Use the samples in the lesson to guide you.
A. Inventory Chart
Sentence Beginnings Unique Features Type Shif
1. “I found employment, “I found” Semicolon Compound – Complex Long Sentence
the third day after my
arrival, in stowing a sloop Subject + verb
with a load of oil. It was
new, dirty, and hard work
for me; but I went at it
with a glad heart and a
willing hand.”
2. “I was now my own “I was” None Simple Short Sentence
master.
Subject + verb
3. “It was a happy “It was” None Complex Long Sentence
moment, the rapture of
which can be understood Subject + verb
only by those who have
been slaves.”
4. “It was the first work, “It was” None Complex Long Sentence
the reward of which was
to be entirely my own.” Subject + verb
, 8/6/18
AP English Language and Composition
5. “There was no Master “There was” None Complex Long Sentence
Hugh standing ready, the
moment I earned the Adverb + verb
money, to rob me of it.”
6. “I worked that day with “I worked” None Simple Short Sentence
a pleasure I had never
before experienced.” Subject + verb
B. Reflection
In a paragraph of at least five sentences, describe the sentence variety in the passage you selected and reflect on the choices the
author made to create effective syntax. What are the effects of each of those choices? What makes this author’s sentence structure
particularly effective? If the passage you selected does not demonstrate variety, what is the rhetorical purpose of the writer’s choice?
Frederick Douglass’s use of varying sentence structure created a sense of rhythm which highlighted his satisfaction. The first sentences
utilized many commas and semicolons to provide and signify breaks in his thoughts which gave more detail. All sentences despite
sentence number five had the same beginning structure to them, thus being subject plus verb which provided a sense of unity to the
paragraph. Douglass’s use of commas allow the audience to be able to digest and understand what he is saying in addition to appreciate
his sense of accomplishment from becoming his own person. The use of the long sentences in numbers 1, 3, 4, and 5 in addition to the
short sentences in numbers 2 and 6 provide contrast and break up the extensive descriptions. Douglass utilizes long sentences to depict
his surroundings at work and utilizes the short declarative sentences to describe his feelings and perceptions.
Part 2: Analyze Your Sentence Variety
Select a paragraph or short passage of at least six sentences from an essay that you have written in this course and paste it below.
A. Original paragraph or passage
Humorists have possessed the vital role of educating the public and saying the truth like it is. While others shy away from the truth and
stating controversial things, humorists dive straight into the controversial topics often causing great waves of resentment and enlarging
the controversy. During the Cold War, Senator McCarthy from Wisconsin accused numerous people and institutions including Hollywood,
the army and the state department of being communists or sympathizers, thus led to the renowned term McCarthyism. Most people
