Grade: Grade 1 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Sentence Structure & Punctuation Lesson: 4 of 6 SAT: StandardEnglishConventions ACT: English

Writing Application

Learn

Now it is time to write your own sentences! In this lesson, you will use what you learned about complete sentences and punctuation to write different types of sentences.

Steps for Writing a Good Sentence

  1. Think about what you want to say.
  2. Start with a capital letter.
  3. Include a subject (who or what).
  4. Add a predicate (what happens).
  5. End with the right punctuation mark.
  6. Read your sentence out loud to check it.

Choosing the Right End Mark

Before you write, think about what kind of sentence you want:

  • Telling something? Use a period. (The cat is soft.)
  • Asking something? Use a question mark. (Is the cat soft?)
  • Showing excitement? Use an exclamation point. (The cat is so soft!)

Writing Tip: Read your sentence out loud. Does it sound complete? Does it make sense? If you can answer "who or what" and "did what," you have a complete sentence!

Examples

Here are examples of how to write different types of sentences.

Example 1: Writing a Statement

Topic: My pet

Subject: My dog

What happens: runs in the yard

Complete sentence: My dog runs in the yard.

Example 2: Writing a Question

Topic: Snack time

What I want to know: if I can have a cookie

Complete sentence: Can I have a cookie?

Example 3: Writing an Exclamation

Topic: My birthday

Strong feeling: I am excited

Complete sentence: I love my birthday!

Example 4: Fixing an Incomplete Sentence

Incomplete: The big red ball

Problem: No predicate (what happens?)

Fixed: The big red ball bounces high.

Practice

Complete each writing task below. Remember to use capital letters and end marks!

1. Write a sentence about your favorite food. Use a period at the end.

_________________________________________________

2. Write a question you would ask a friend. Use a question mark.

_________________________________________________

3. Write a sentence that shows you are excited. Use an exclamation point.

_________________________________________________

4. Look at the words: "my sister" - Add a predicate to make a complete sentence.

My sister _______________________________________

5. Look at the words: "plays outside" - Add a subject to make a complete sentence.

__________________ plays outside.

6. Write a sentence about the weather today.

_________________________________________________

7. Write a question about an animal.

_________________________________________________

8. Write a sentence about something you can do. Use the word "I" as the subject.

_________________________________________________

9. Write two sentences about your family. Make sure each sentence is complete.

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

10. Write a short text with three sentences about your favorite toy or game. Use at least one question or exclamation.

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Check Your Understanding

Look at the sentences you wrote. Ask yourself these questions:

For each sentence, check:

  • Does it start with a capital letter?
  • Does it have a subject (who or what)?
  • Does it have a predicate (what happens)?
  • Does it end with the right punctuation mark?
  • Does it make sense when I read it out loud?

I can:

  • Write complete sentences on my own
  • Use capital letters at the start of sentences
  • Choose the right end mark (period, question mark, or exclamation point)
  • Write different types of sentences (statements, questions, exclamations)

Next Steps

  • Keep practicing writing complete sentences every day
  • Try writing sentences about things you see, do, or feel
  • Ask an adult to check your sentences
  • Move on to the next lesson when ready