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Sentence Structure and Variety

Learn about sentence construction, variety techniques, and how different sentence structures create different effects like action, suspense, and peacefulness in writing.

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Questions

Question 1 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

I had studied the chapter. I knew the answer. 

  1. Since I had studied the chapter, I knew the answer.
  2. I knew the answer and I had studied the chapter.
  3. The chapter had been studied by me and hence, I knew the answer.
  4. I had studied the chapter. I, therefore, knew the answer.
Question 2 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Identify the intended effect of the following based on its sentence structure/variety:

She was stunned. Her parents had elaborately, and quite silently, organized a party for her and made sure that she remain oblivious to their intentions till the day arrived.

  1. shock
  2. context to a statement
  3. laziness
  4. quick and dynamic
Question 3 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

Its population at the time of its demise was about 2 million.

  1. Its population was, at the time of its demise, about 2 million.
  2. 2 million was its population at the time of its demise.
  3. At the time of its demise, its population was about 2 million.
  4. 2 million, at the time of its demise, was its population.
Question 4 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Identify the intended effect of the following based on its sentence structure/variety:
She ran. She didn't know why. But she ran.

  1. Shock
  2. Pause
  3. Action
  4. Reflection
Question 5 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

The boat, sleek and efficient, won the competition.

  1. The boat, which was sleek and efficient, won the competition.
  2. Sleek and efficient, the boat won the competition.
  3. The boat won the competition as it was sleek and efficient.
  4. The boat was not only sleek and efficient but won the competition.
Question 6 Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers)

Select the option which best changes the following to provide sentence variety:
(Ensure that the meaning of the lines do not change)

Kendra waited for hours patiently for him to return.

  1. Patiently, Kendra waited for hours for him to return.
  2. Kendra patiently waited for hours for him to return.
  3. Kendra waited for hours for him to return patiently.
  4. Kendra waited for hours for him patiently to return.
Question 7 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Identify the intended effect of the following based on its sentence structure/variety:

The offing was barred by a black bank of clouds, and the tranquil waterway leading to the uttermost ends of the earth flowed sombre under an overcast sky - seemed to lead into the heart of an immense darkness.
(from Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness)

  1. Setting a scene
  2. Reflection of thought
  3. Action
  4. Adding context to a statement
Question 8 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Identify the intended effect of the following based on its sentence structure/variety:

She recoiled in her armchair, wrapping the grey, woolen shawl tighter around her, and gazed languidly through the frost-smitten window panes out into a dark, snowy night.

  1. Peacefulness
  2. Action
  3. Speed
  4. Reflection of thoughts
Question 9 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What effect is created by the structure and length of the following sentence:

The proverbial oracles of our parsimonious ancestors have informed us that the fatal waste of fortune is by small expenses, by the profusion of sums too little singly to alarm our caution, and which we never suffer ourselves to consider together.

  1. Time-dragging
  2. Action
  3. Descriptive
  4. Shock
Question 10 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Choose whether the statement is true or false:
One short sentence after another makes your prose sound choppy and childish.

  1. True
  2. False
Question 11 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
The following sentence is an example of an effective short sentence.
"A shot rang out."

  1. True
  2. False
Question 12 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
Long sentences work well for incorporating a lot of information, and short sentences can often maximize crucial points. 

  1. True
  2. False
Question 13 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
If too many sentences start with the same word, especially The, It, This, or I, prose can grow tedious for readers, so changing opening words and phrases can be refreshing.

  1. True
  2. False
Question 14 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
Several sentences of the same length can make for bland writing.

  1. True
  2. False
Question 15 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
The given sentences are examples of two long sentences.
1) I kicked the chair.
2) My foot hurt terribly.

  1. True
  2. False
Question 16 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select whether the statement is true or false:
The following sentence is an example of a short sentence-
Stacy likes reading.

  1. True
  2. False
Question 17 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
All long and lengthy sentences are easy to read and comprehend.

  1. True
  2. False
Question 18 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
Short sentences are more punchy, quick and dynamic, and are good for describing dramatic events or actions.

  1. True
  2. False
Question 19 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Choose whether the following statement is True or False:
Using long sentences can create a fluent style and rhythm.

  1. True
  2. False
Question 20 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
Long sentences can create a sense of time-dragging and relaxation.

  1. True
  2. False
Question 21 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

In the following questions some parts of the sentence have been jumbled up. You are required to rearrange these parts which are labelled as P, Q, R and S to produce the correct and meaningful sentence. Choose the sequence and mark the correct answer.
(1) Before presenting a paper it is advisable to choose a subject of your interest.
(P) When presenting your paper, speak distinctly and pleasantly.
(Q) Next, 'read up' about it, before you write the paper.
(R) Then prior to writing make a clear plan to ensure orderly presentation.
(S) While reading, you should make notes
(6) In this way, the interest of the listeners is enhanced and you are appreciated.

  1. RSQP
  2. PQRS
  3. QSRP
  4. SQRP.
Question 22 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

The Robertsons sold the country house even though they had spent hundreds of hours and thousands of pounds renovating it.

  1. The Robertsons sold the country house. They had spent hundreds of hours and thousands of pounds renovating it.
  2. The Robertsons sold the country house that they had spent hundreds of hours and thousands of pounds renovating.
  3. After having spent hundreds of hours and thousands of pounds renovating the country house, the Robertsons sold it.
  4. The Robertsons, despite having spent hundreds of hours and thousands of pounds renovating it, sold the country house.
Question 23 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentences remains the same)

The house seemed suddenly to lift for a second, and then it fell back into an awkward silence.

  1. Suddenly, the house seemed to lift for a second before falling back into an awkward silence.
  2. Suddenly, the house lifted and then fell into silence.
  3. The house seemed suddenly to lift for a second before it fell back into an awkward silence.
  4. The house seemed suddenly to lift for a second. It then fell back into an awkward silence.
Question 24 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentences remains the same)

The Blue Day has panoramic scenes, realistic characters, and universal implications. It is a typical M. K. Mark film.

  1. The Blue Day is a typical M. K. Mark film and has panoramic scenes, realistic characters, and universal implications.
  2. The Blue Day is a typical M. K. Mark film, with panoramic scenes and realistic characters. It also has universal implications.
  3. The Blue Day is a typical M. K. Mark film, with panoramic scenes, realistic characters, and universal implications.
  4. The Blue Day is a typical M. K. Mark film since it has the following three features: panoramic scenes, realistic characters, and universal implications.
Question 25 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

I walked to the shop. I bought a carton of milk and some eggs. I walked back home after that.

  1. I walked to the shop where I bought a carton of milk and some eggs. I walked back home after that.
  2. I walked to the shop, I bought a carton of milk and some eggs, and I walked back home after that.
  3. I walked to the shop and bought a carton of milk and some eggs. Then, I walked back home.
  4. I walked to the shop so as to buy a carton of milk, after which I walked home.
Question 26 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentences remains the same)

India is planning cautiously to introduce the digital system.

  1. India is planning cautiously to introduce the digital system.
  2. Cautiously, India is planning to introduce the digital system.
  3. India plans cautiously to introduce the digital system.
  4. To introduce the digital system, India is planning cautiously.
Question 27 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What effect is created by the structure and length of the following sentences:

It was cold, dark and silent. Something stirred in the corner. What was it?

  1. Peacefulness
  2. Time-dragging
  3. Action
  4. Suspense
Question 28 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

The given sentence has been re-written. Choose the option that has not changed in meaning from the original:
The amateur dancer accepted the generous compliments in a happy mood.

  1. Happily, the amateur dancer accepted the generous compliments.
  2. The amateur dancer accepted the generous compliments since she was in a happy mood.
  3. Having been happy, the amateur dancer accepted the generous compliments.
  4. The amateur dancer accepted the generous compliments and was in a happy mood.
Question 29 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

The book fell off the edge of the table. It was very heavy.

  1. The book fell off the edge of the table since it was very heavy.
  2. The book fell off the edge of the table being very heavy.
  3. The book fell off the edge of the table, which was very heavy.
  4. Too heavy, the book fell off the edge of the table.
Question 30 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

She was exhausted and decided to leave the party early.

  1. She was exhausted, so decided to leave the party early.
  2. She was exhausted deciding to leave the party early.
  3. Exhausted, she decided to leave the party early.
  4. She decided to leave the party early since she was exhausted.
Question 31 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

Sally's bike was greased yesterday, and now it runs perfectly.

  1. Sally's bike was greased yesterday, and that is the reason it now runs perfectly.
  2. Sally's bike was greased yesterday. Now it runs perfectly.
  3. Sally's bike was greased yesterday to enable it to run perfectly.
  4. Having been greased yesterday, Sally's bike now runs perfectly.
Question 32 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

The old man stomped his foot on the ground and demanded to see the manager in a fit of rage.

  1. In a fit of rage, the old man stomped his foot on the ground and demanded to see the manager.
  2. Demanding to see the manager, the foot of the old man stomped on the ground in a fit of rage.
  3. The old man stomped his foot on the ground and demanded to see the manager. He was in a fit of rage.
  4. The old man stomped his foot on the ground. He demanded to see the manager. He was in a fit of rage.
Question 33 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same.)

This obviously is not a standard procedure.

  1. This isn't obviously a standard procedure.
  2. Obviously, this is not a standard procedure.
  3. This obviously cannot be a standard procedure.
  4. A standard procedure this obviously is not.
Question 34 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

Wealthy Greeks, attracted by the beauty of the place and peacefulness of the atmosphere, built many houses there.

  1. Attracted by the beauty of the place and peacefulness of the atmosphere, Wealthy Greeks built many houses there.
  2. Wealthy Greeks, attracted by the beauty and peacefulness, built many houses there.
  3. Wealthy Greeks were attracted by the beauty of the place and peacefulness of the atmosphere, and, therefore, built many houses there.
  4. Attracted by the beauty of the place, wealthy Greeks built many houses there due to the peacefulness of the atmosphere.
Question 35 Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers)

Select the best version of the following to create sentence variation:
(Ensure the meaning of the sentence remains the same)

I ran as fast as I could. I was very scared. I thought I had seen a ghost.

  1. I ran as fast as I could as I was very scared. I thought I had seen a ghost.
  2. Being very scared, I ran as fast as I could. I thought I had seen a ghost.
  3. Being very scared, I ran as fast as I could. Had I seen a ghost?
  4. I ran as fast as I could. I was very scared since I thought I had seen a ghost.
Question 36 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What effect is created by the structure and length of the following sentences:

He ducked. The ball whizzed past him. It missed him by an inch.

  1. Suspense
  2. Action
  3. Time-dragging
  4. Peacefulness
Question 37 Multiple Choice (Multiple Answers)

What effect is created by the structure and length of the following sentences:

The cat prowled silently towards the unsuspecting mouse. It laid one paw carefully, cautiously, upon the ground, the whole while keeping a fixed, unwavering gaze on its next meal. Suddenly, it plunged forward and grabbed the creature between its canines.

  1. Suspense
  2. Action
  3. Time-dragging
  4. Laziness
Question 38 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
The following sentence is not an example of a truncated sentence:
I like reading more than Lyanna. 

  1. True
  2. False
Question 39 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
Truncated sentences are often referred to as short sentences.

  1. True
  2. False
Question 40 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

State whether true or false.
A truncated sentence has to have been cut short and there need to be words missing.

  1. True
  2. False

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