Exploring Writing - Gary Robert Muschla 2011

Exercise 2.1 Types of Sentences
Sentences: The Foundation of the Draft
Part 2. Writing the Draft

Writing the draft is the part of the writing process in which ideas are put into words. It is the real work of writing.

Expressing ideas is a big step beyond coming up with ideas. A first draft is only the first attempt of what may turn out to be many attempts at completing a piece. Few writers get a draft “right” the first time, or the second, or the third. Professional authors may work through a dozen or more drafts. Even then they may not be satisfied that they expressed their ideas in the best way possible. A draft should be considered as but one step forward in finishing a piece.

For many writers the draft is a time of discovery. Some drafts closely follow the ideas that the writer has already formulated. Others lead the writer to new ideas. Some are written quickly with high energy and emotion. Others are written in a series of starts and stops because the writer has trouble finding his way. Some surprise the writer with unexpected insights. Others are disappointing and force the writer to return to his original ideas to figure out what is wrong. Throughout all this, it is the writer’s decisions that guide the development of the draft.

You should look at a draft as a testing ground where you can examine your ideas and decide if you are writing exactly what you wish to say. You should see each draft as an opportunity that leads you closer to the clear expression of ideas.

Writing a draft is hard work. Writing becomes easier when you understand the fundamentals of sentences, paragraphs, and good technique.

Sentences: The Foundation of the Draft

To write well, you must have a basic knowledge and understanding of sentences. This understanding must include the four types of sentences—declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory—as well as simple, compound, and complex sentence structures. Understanding sentence types and structures will help you to write clearly.

Exercise 2.1 Types of Sentences

Study the following sentences:

✵ Rashad walked to school. (declarative)

✵ Did Susan finish her homework? (interrogative)

✵ Close the window. (imperative)

✵ Watch out! (exclamatory)

A declarative sentence is a statement and requires a period. An interrogative sentence is a question and requires a question mark. An imperative sentence is a command or request and requires a period. An exclamatory sentence expresses great emotion and requires an exclamation point.

A sentence must contain a subject and a predicate to express a complete thought. In the declarative sentence, Rashad is the subject and walked is the predicate. In the interrogative sentence, Susan is the subject and did finish is the predicate. In the imperative sentence, close is the predicate and the subject is understood to be you, the person to whom the command is directed. You (understood) is also the subject of the exclamatory sentence, in which watch is the predicate. Write examples of your own and identify the subjects and predicates.