Complete The Table

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is an educational resource aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of how different elements of syntax can be manipulated to achieve specific effects in writing. It prompts students to consult authoritative texts on English language usage, such as “Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English Usage,” to find examples of syntactic variation. The worksheet features a table where students must list aspects of syntax—like sentence length, repetition, and punctuation—and describe the desired effect of varying these elements, accompanied by examples from the reference texts.

The worksheet teaches students the importance of deliberate syntactic choices in crafting effective sentences. By researching authoritative sources, students learn to identify and apply syntactic techniques to enhance their writing, whether to create emphasis, establish a rhythm, or convey clarity. This exercise encourages close reading and critical thinking about language use. It aims to develop students’ skills in editing and refining their writing by considering how different syntactic structures can affect the reader’s interpretation and response.