S. O. S.

(sentence opening scrutiny)

first four words # of verbs other

words
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What do you notice about your writing?

What will you do to improve your writing?

SENTENCE OPENING SCRUTINY Teacher’s Instructions:

This exercise is excellent for revision. Students examine their sentences one by one.

Note: You may have to discuss the definition of scrutiny. Wonderful mini-vocabulary
lesson!

Begin with a piece of student writing such as a paragraph.

1. Write the first four words of each sentence.

This step will show the writer whether the sentences have varied beginnings.
It will also show whether transitional elements have been included.

2. Write the number of words in each sentence.

This step will show whether the sentences vary in length.
It will also be a cue to non-sentences. A sentence of six words my be a fragment; a
sentence of 43 words my be a run-on.

3. Write all the verbs used in each sentence.

This step will show whether a variety of verbs is being used.
It will also show whether the tense is consistent.

4. Other: instruct the students to write down some other element you are working on in class.
For example, have them write all the coordinating conjunctions they’ve used. They will
see very quickly if they are using multiple ands.

The questions at the bottom of the page encourage the students to reflect about the strengths
and weaknesses of their writing and to make decisions about how to improve it.