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Grammar Exercise Five
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Sentence Purposes

Sentences can be used for four different purposes.

  1. Declarative sentences make statements.
    • Alana Jefferson impressed the audience with her speech.

  2. Interrogative sentences ask questions.
    • Did Alana Jefferson impress the audience with her speech?

  3. Imperative sentences utter a command.
    • Be seated. Ms. Jefferson is about to speak.

  4. Exclamatory sentences utter strong emotion (usually avoided in journalism).
    • Alana Jefferson's speech was excellent!
Wrap Up

Correct sentences are complete sentences. Complete sentences express complete thoughts. They have two parts: a subject and a predicate. Check to see that your sentences answer the questions who or what with a noun or pronoun and have a verb that answers the question what about the subject?

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R.L. Chambers


Educator Urges Teaching of Skills

Identify the following sentences by choosing (a) Declarative, (b) Interrogative, (c) Imperative or (d) Exclamatory

1
Charles Thorne, president of the Freeport Board of Education, told a state teachers conference today that "there is a growing disrespect for those who work with their hands."
A)declarative
B)interrogative
C)imperative
D)exclamatory
2
"We have neglected to teach our students the importance of all skills," he told the annual meeting at The Plaza Hotel.
A)declarative
B)interrogative
C)imperative
D)exclamatory
3
"Why?"
A)declarative
B)interrogative
C)imperative
D)exclamatory
4
"Because we think we are doing students a favor by stressing what we believe are the essentials of a good education, which means academic subjects."
A)declarative
B)interrogative
C)imperative
D)exclamatory
5
"Wrong."
A)declarative
B)interrogative
C)imperative
D)exclamatory
6
Thorne said educators best serve their students when they "blend hands, heart and head."
A)declarative
B)interrogative
C)imperative
D)exclamatory
7
"Why can't we understand that such an educational mix also serves society best?"
A)declarative
B)interrogative
C)imperative
D)exclamatory
8
Thorne suggested that every student in the state's high schools be required to take at least one course that blends and emphasizes "hand-eye coordination, and the application of such subjects as mathematics, skilled reading and communication."
A)declarative
B)interrogative
C)imperative
D)exclamatory
9
Such a course, he said, would be consistent with the teaching mission, "to prepare students for the realities of the 21st century."
A)declarative
B)interrogative
C)imperative
D)exclamatory
10
"Let's do it."
A)declarative
B)interrogative
C)imperative
D)exclamatory







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