4. SENTENCE STRUCTURE

SLP 3 writing should demonstrate a range of sentence structures.

SIMPLE SENTENCES

Subject + verb + complement

The operation was successful.

Simple sentences are useful for clarity and emphasis.

COMPOUND SENTENCES

Connect two related ideas.

The operation was successful, but several logistical problems emerged.

Common conjunctions include:

and – but – or – so – yet

COMPLEX SENTENCES

Use subordinate clauses to show relationships between ideas.

Although the operation was successful, several logistical problems emerged.

Because the original route was blocked, the convoy arrived late.

If governments increase military expenditure, they may have to reduce spending elsewhere.

While technology can improve efficiency, it can also create new vulnerabilities.

VARY YOUR SENTENCE OPENINGS

Avoid:

The government should…
The government also…
The government needs…
The government can…

Try:

In the short term, the government should…

Although the proposal has advantages, the government must…

Given the current security environment, additional investment may…

Unless sufficient funding is provided, the government may struggle to…

Relative clauses

Use who, which, that, whose, where.

Personnel who receive regular training are generally better prepared.

The equipment, which was purchased several years ago, now requires replacement.

Participle structures

Used carefully, these can make Level 3 writing more sophisticated.

Faced with increasing costs, governments must establish clear priorities.

Having completed the exercise, commanders identified several areas for improvement.

The objective

Don’t make every sentence complicated.

Good Level 3 writing contains a controlled mixture of simple, compound and complex sentences.