ACT Compass Writing

ACT Compass Writing focuses on developing essential writing skills for standardized testing and academic success.

Basic Concepts

Understanding Sentence Structure

Building Blocks of Sentences

Every great piece of writing starts with a strong sentence. Sentences are made up of subjects, verbs, and sometimes objects. Understanding how these parts work together is key to writing clearly and effectively.

Types of Sentences

  • Simple sentences have one subject and one verb.
  • Compound sentences join two simple sentences with a conjunction like "and" or "but."
  • Complex sentences use clauses to add detail and depth.

Why Sentence Structure Matters

Using a variety of sentence structures keeps your writing interesting and helps you express ideas more clearly.

Common Pitfalls

  • Run-ons: Two sentences joined without proper punctuation.
  • Fragments: Incomplete sentences missing a subject or verb.

Real-World Connection

Whether you're writing an email, a story, or a report, knowing how to build strong sentences helps you communicate your ideas clearly.

Examples

  • I like pizza. (Simple sentence)

  • She studied hard, and she passed the test. (Compound sentence)

In a Nutshell

Strong sentence structure is the foundation of clear writing.

Key Terms

Subject
The person or thing that performs the action in a sentence.
Verb
The action or state of being in a sentence.
Clause
A group of words with a subject and a verb.