Can anyone please explain to me the difference in topic sentences and thesis statements? And what is simple/compound/complex/compound-complex sentences? I have a test tomorrow and I still don't understand.

Question

anonymous · Answer

Okay, I'll try lol. =] A topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph, and it introduces the main idea of that paragraph. It usually makes a statement or asks a question to which the rest of paragraph explains/expands upon or gives examples. A thesis statement declares what you believe and intend to prove. It is the message/purpose of your paper and introduces the argument that you will base the entire essay on. It's usually located towards the end of your introduction, or in the second/third paragraph for longer papers. Sentence Types: -A simple sentence, also called an independent clause, contains a subject and a verb, and it expresses a complete thought. Ex. She studied for her test. -A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinator. The coordinators are as follows: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. (Helpful hint: The first letter of each of the coordinators spells FANBOYS.) Independent clauses can stand on their own, so it's basically two simple sentences joined by one of the coordinator listed above. Ex. She studied for her test, but he played video games. ("She studied for her test" is an independent clause/simple sentence and can stand on its own. The same with "he played video games". Since the coordinator "but" joins these two sentence, it becomes compound.) -A complex sentence has an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses. A complex sentence always has a subordinator such as because, since, after, although, or when or a relative pronoun such as that, who, or which. The dependent clause can be before or after the independent one. If it's placed before the independent clause, then a comma always follows it. However, if it's placed after an independent clause, there is no need for a comma. Ex. (dependent clause before independent clause) Because she studied for her test, she received an A. Ex. (dependent clause after independent clause) She received an A because she studied for her test. So don't let that trick you! Always check if the sentence has one of the subordinators or relative pronouns. Don't just look for a comma. -A compound-complex sentence consists of a combination of a compound sentence and a complex sentence. Ex. Because she studied for her test, she received an A, but he failed it. (The complex part is "Because she studied for her test, she received an A" and the compound part '..., but he failed it") I hope you understand it better now! =D If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Here's a site that should help: http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/sentence-structure-fab-four.html

anonymous · Answer

@Nahimana  thank you so much! You have been a great help! I had a test on this a few days back too but I think I failed it because I got many of the type of sentences wrong, I'll take a deeper look on the website, thank you once again for simplifying the type of sentences :) I feel much confident for tomorrow's test!

anonymous · Answer

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help =D Just go over them and do a few exercises, and I'm sure you'll be great! The website has some, so you can test yourself. Good luck =]

anonymous · Answer

Thank you :) Will do the exercises now!

anonymous · Answer

Great =D.. Haha, enjoy =P

anonymous · Answer

@Natshane @Nahimana Thank you for discussing this !!! i've got an exam today on this!!

anonymous · Answer

Lol, You're welcome =] Goood luck!!