Basic English Writing

Lecture 1: Introduction to Writing

 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

➢ Understand the meaning of the Word.
➢ Understand the meaning of the Sentence.
➢ Construct basic sentences with correct structure.
➢ Understand the writing process and its importance.
➢ Identify the purpose and audience for writing.
 Introduction to the Course
➢ Welcome and introductions.
➢ Overview of course objectives and weekly topics.
➢ Importance of writing in academic and professional
contexts.

Activity:
Icebreaker: Each student shares one sentence about why
they want to improve their writing.
Sentence: Definition & Types
 Word: The Definition & Criteria
❑ In traditional grammar, word is the basic unit of language.
❑ Words can be classified according to their action and meaning, but it is
challenging to define.

❑ A word refers to a speech sound, or a mixture of two or more speech

sounds in both written and verbal form of language.
❑ A word works as a symbol to represent/refer to something/someone in
language to communicate a specific meaning.

Example: ‘love’, ‘cricket’, ‘sky’ etc.

 Word: The Definition & Criteria
There are several criteria for a speech sound, or a combination of some
speech sounds to be called a word.
❑ There must be a potential pause in speech and a space in written form between two words.
❑ For instance, suppose ‘ball’ and ‘bat’ are two different words. So, if we use them in a sentence, we
must have a potential pause after pronouncing each of them. It cannot be like “Idonotplaywithbatball.”
If we take pause, these sounds can be regarded as seven distinct words which are ‘I,' ‘do,' ‘not,' ‘play,'
‘with,' ‘bat,' and ‘ball.'
❑ Every word must contain at least one root. If you break this root, it cannot be a word anymore.
❑ For example, the word ‘unfaithful’ has a root ‘faith.' If we break ‘faith’ into ‘fa’ and ‘ith,' these sounds
will not be regarded as words.
❑ Every word must have a meaning.
❑ For example, the sound ‘lakkanah’ has no meaning in the English language. So, it cannot be an English
word.
 Sentence
➢ A sentence is the largest unit of any language.
➢ In English, it begins with a capital letter and ends with a full-stop, or a
question mark, or an exclamation mark.
➢ The sentence is generally defined as a word or a group of words that
expresses a thorough idea by giving a statement/order, or asking a
question, or exclaiming.
Example:
o He is a good boy (statement),
o Is he a good boy? (question),
o What a nice weather! (exclaiming).
o Do it. (In this sentence, a subject ‘you’ is hidden but verb ‘do’ is visible)
❑ Ideally, a sentence requires at least one subject and one verb.
❑ Sometimes the subject of a sentence can be hidden, but the verb must be visible and present in the sentence.
❑ Verb is called the heart of a sentence.
 Sentence
A complete English sentence must have three characteristics:

➢ First, in written form, a sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a
period (i.e., a full stop) [.], a note of interrogation (i.e., a question mark) [?], or
a note of exclamation (i.e., an exclamation mark) [!].
➢ Second, it must express a complete thought, not fragmented.
➢ Third, it must contain at least one subject (hidden/visible) and one verb
comprising an independent clause. (An independent clause contains an
independent subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.)
 Types of Sentences
Structurally, sentences are of four types:

1. Simple sentence
2. Compound sentence
3. Complex sentence, and
4. Compound-complex sentence.
 Types of Sentences

1- Simple Sentence:
A simple sentence must have a single clause (a single verb)
which is independent, and it cannot take another clause.

Example:
I always wanted to become a writer. (One clause – one verb)
 Types of Sentences
2- Compound sentence:
A compound sentence must have more than one independent
clause with no dependent clauses. Some specific conjunctions,
punctuation, or both are used to join together these clauses.

Example:
I always wanted to become a writer, and she wanted to become
a doctor. (Two independent clauses – two verbs)
 Types of Sentences
3- Complex sentence:
A complex sentence also has more than one clause but of one them must
be an independent clause and the other/others must be (a) dependent
clause(es). There are also some particular connectors for the clauses of a
complex sentence to be connected.

Example:
I know that you always wanted to be a writer. (Here, a dependent clause is
followed by a connector and an independent clause. The other way around
is also possible.)
 Complex Sentence Examples
Complex sentences are constructed with at least one independent clause and one dependent
clause to make one complete sentence joined by subordinating conjunctions. Without being
attached to the independent clause, the dependent one does not convey a complete sense.
➢ When I woke up, the sun was yet to light the sky.
➢ The ambulance arrived after the accident had taken place.
➢ If you like the cake, we can pack an extra piece for later.
➢ Before you go to bed, finish doing the dishes.
➢ Even though it was raining, they started their trip.
➢ We would love to visit your family home, provided there is no heavy traffic.
➢ They did not move until the rain had stopped.
➢ My friend left the country because she needed a fresh start.
➢ Make hay while the sun shines.
➢ I went along with the plan although I did not have a good feeling about it.
➢ Since talking could not resolve the issue, there is no point going forward with the deal.
➢ Whenever the prices hike, the monthly sales drop.
➢ As I was crossing the road, a car slid right past me and crashed into a tree.
➢ Many enjoyed the puppet show; however, Alison did not.
➢ Being a gentleman, he held the door for his entire group.
➢ The entire planet is bound to suffer if the ozone layer collapses.
➢ We properly started enjoying the show when the Grammy-nominated actor graced the screen.
➢ I know who stole the necklace.
 Types of Sentences
4- Compound-complex sentence:
Or complex–compound sentence is a mixture of the features of compound and
complex sentences in one sentence. So, it must contain at least two independent
clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Example:
I know that you always wanted to become a writer, but I always wanted to
become a doctor. (Here, one dependent clause is followed by a complex
connector and two independent clauses with a compound conjunction between
them.)
 Types of Sentences

Functionally, sentences are of mainly four types:

1. Declarative sentence
2. Imperative sentence
3. Interrogative sentence, and
4. Exclamatory sentence
 Types of Sentences
1- Declarative sentence:
An assertive sentence (declarative sentence) simply expresses an
opinion/feeling, or makes a statement, or describes things. In
other words, it declares something. This type of sentence ends
with a period (i.e., a full-stop).

Examples:
I want to be a good cricketer. (a statement)
I am very happy today. (a feeling)
 Types of Sentences
2- Imperative sentence:
We use an imperative sentence to make a request or to give a
command. Imperative sentences usually end with a period (i.e., a full
stop), but under certain circumstances, it can end with a note of
exclamation (i.e., exclamation mark).
Examples:
Please sit down.
I need you to sit down now!
 Types of Sentences
3- Interrogative sentence:
An interrogative sentence asks a question. Interrogative sentences
must end with a note of interrogation (i.e., question mark)

Examples:
When are you going to submit your assignment?
Do you know him?
 Types of Sentences
4- Exclamatory sentence:
An exclamatory sentence expresses overflow of emotions. These
emotions can be of happiness, wonder, sorrow, anger, etc.

Examples:
What a day it was!
I cannot believe he would do that!
 The Writing Process
Stages of Writing: Writing is not a one-step process; it requires practice and revision.
➢ Prewriting: Brainstorming ideas, outlining, and organizing thoughts.
➢ Drafting: Writing the first version without focusing on perfection.
➢ Revising: Improving content, structure, and coherence.
➢ Editing: Correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
➢ Publishing: Sharing the final version (if applicable).

Key Point: Writing is not a one-step process; it requires practice and

revision.
Activity:
➢ Group Discussion: "What challenges do you face during writing?"
 Writing for Purpose and Audience
➢Understanding Purpose: Why are you writing? (e.g., inform,
persuade, entertain).
➢Knowing the Audience: Who will read your writing? Tailor your
tone and content accordingly.
Examples:
Writing a text to a friend vs. writing a formal email to a professor.
Discuss differences in tone, word choice, and structure.

Activity:
Compare two short writing samples: one informal and one
formal. Identify differences.
 Sentence Structure Basics
Parts of a Sentence:
➢ Subject: Who or what the sentence is about.
➢ Predicate: What the subject is doing or being.
➢ Object: What is affected by the action (optional).
Types of Sentences:
➢ Simple sentences (e.g., "The cat sleeps.")
➢ Compound sentences (e.g., "The cat sleeps, and the dog plays.")
➢ Complex sentences (e.g., "Although the cat sleeps, the dog plays.")

Activity:
Sentence building exercise: Students create
their own sentences using provided prompts
(e.g., "The student _____.").
Error correction practice: Identify and fix
mistakes in sample sentences.
 Diagnostic Writing Assignment
Prompt: Write a short paragraph introducing yourself.
Include:
➢ Your background.
➢ Your goals for improving your writing.
➢ A fun fact about yourself.
Purpose: Assess students’ current writing skills.

Submission: Collect paragraphs for review and provide

individual feedback in Week 2.
 Key Takeaways

➢ Writing is a multi-step process that improves with practice.

➢ Understanding the purpose and audience is essential for
effective communication.
➢ Mastering sentence structure is the foundation of good writing.
 Homework Assignment

Task:
Write a paragraph about a memorable experience.
Focus on: Using complete sentences.
Including a clear beginning, middle, and end.