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!

Educator Urges Teaching of Skills

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