Composition, Sentence Combining & Paragraph Organization

Composition, Sentence Combining & Paragraph Organization

The Composition and Paragraph Organization section of the HSPT evaluates your ability to evaluate writing at both the sentence and paragraph levels. Questions in this domain test whether you can identify structural errors (fragments, run-ons, comma splices), combine choppy sentences into smooth compound/complex structures, select effective topic sentences, logically sequence paragraph sentences, and eliminate off-topic information.

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1. Correcting Sentence Structure Flaws

Every complete sentence in standard English requires three elements: a subject, a predicate (verb), and a complete thought. Failing to meet these requirements results in structural sentence faults.

1. Sentence Fragments

A fragment is an incomplete sentence punctuated as if it were a complete sentence. Fragments usually lack a main verb, lack a subject, or begin with a subordinating word that leaves the thought unfinished.

• Fragment (Missing Verb): The students working diligently in the library until late afternoon.
• Correction: The students were working diligently in the library until late afternoon.
• Fragment (Dependent Clause): Because the thunderstorm knocked out the electricity across the city.
• Correction: Because the thunderstorm knocked out the electricity across the city**, the game was canceled.**

2. Run-On (Fused) Sentences

A run-on occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together with no punctuation between them.

• Run-on: The bell rang students rushed into the hallway.
• Correction: The bell rang**, and** students rushed into the hallway. OR The bell rang**;** students rushed into the hallway.

3. Comma Splices

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma without a coordinating conjunction. This is one of the most common errors tested on the HSPT.

• Comma Splice: Julia studied for three hours, she passed the mathematics exam easily.
• Four Ways to Fix a Comma Splice:

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2. Sentence Combining Techniques

HSPT sentence-combining questions require candidates to merge two or three short, choppy sentences into a single concise, grammatically correct sentence that retains the original meaning.

Coordination vs. Subordination

• Coordination: Connects two equally important ideas using coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so).
  • Choppy: The rain was falling heavily. We decided to stay indoors.
  • Combined (Coordination): The rain was falling heavily**, so** we decided to stay indoors.
• Subordination: Connects a main idea with a supporting idea using subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since, while, after, unless). Subordination shows clear logical relationships like cause-and-effect or contrast.
  • Combined (Subordination): Because the rain was falling heavily, we decided to stay indoors.

Integrating Appositives and Participial Phrases

To make combined sentences concise, convert one of the choppy sentences into an appositive phrase or participial phrase modifier.

• Choppy: Dr. Ramirez is a renowned biologist. She delivered the keynote address.
• Combined (Appositive): Dr. Ramirez, a renowned biologist, delivered the keynote address.
• Choppy: The athlete sprinted across the finish line. He broke the school record.
• Combined (Participial Phrase): Sprinting across the finish line, the athlete broke the school record.

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3. Topic Sentences & Paragraph Unity

A well-constructed paragraph revolves around a single central theme.

Identifying the Ideal Topic Sentence

The topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph. On the HSPT, an effective topic sentence must be:

1. Broad enough to cover all the supporting details in the paragraph.
2. Specific enough to provide clear direction without introducing vague generalities.
3. Relevant to the overall theme of the passage.

Eliminating Irrelevant Sentences

Paragraph unity requires every sentence to support the main idea expressed in the topic sentence. HSPT questions often present a short draft paragraph and ask: "Which sentence should be removed from the paragraph?"

• Strategy: State the paragraph's core topic in 3-4 words. Read each sentence individually. Any sentence that introduces a new topic, tangential history, or personal opinion that deviates from the core theme must be removed.

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4. Logical Paragraph Sequencing & Transitions

Paragraph organization questions require you to arrange jumbled sentences into a logical sequence.

Common Organizational Patterns:

1. Chronological Order: Arranging events in time sequence (used in narratives, historical accounts, step-by-step procedures). Look for time signposts (first, next, subsequently, finally, in 1945).
2. Logical / Cause-and-Effect Order: Presenting a condition followed by its consequences or causes. Look for transitional words (therefore, consequently, as a result, because).
3. Order of Importance / Contrast: Moving from general claims to specific evidence, or presenting opposing views. Look for contrast signposts (however, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast).

Transitional Conjunction Quick Reference