Song Presentations:
Sentence Fluency:  Balancing Sentence Length

What do short sentences do?
In the academic writing or any type of professional writing, it is usually good to stick to a happy medium. Too short sentences sound as if the writer of the paper has insufficient level of language usage and lacks the ability to provide proper linkage words in clause sentences. On the other hand, too long sentences also decrease the quality of the paper. It is difficult to follow the logic and, thus, the flaw of the paper is disrupted. Therefore, the suggestion for academic papers is to use the middle-lengths sentences that reflect the clear logic and do not look deficient.

Nonetheless, when it comes to writing the artistic literature stories, fairy tales, ghost stories or detective stories, the effects of short sentences are hard to overestimate.

So, why do writers use short sentences?

  • To create tension (fast, tense, angry, urgent)
When author starts using short phrases, usually it is a sign that something might happen. So it is a way to create the tension. For example, if the writer depicts the robbery that took place at night, he may write: “It is a deep night. No noises. No sounds. Just a light shade of the moon is seen. No one expects the drama… ” Those short sentences are used to express the tension that is present in the air at the moment preceding the event.
  • To grab the attention of the reader to some detail
When a normal pace of the writing is abrupt by the short sentences, it may be a sign of a significant detail. For instance, “She was walking down the straight pedestrian walk in Manhattan. She was tall, fashionably dressed girl in her twenties. The only detail that could tell about her status was her watch. Chopard L.U.C Tourbillon Baguette. Limited edition. Tourbillon mechanics. 25 carats of diamond.” Here short sentences are used to depict the special features of the detail – the expensive and exclusive watch.
  • To present the sudden events
Another important usage of the short sentences is associated with the out-of-the-blue events or acts. For example, the story tells about the girl who is lost in the forest late at night:
The girl is scared. She rushes without proper direction and tries to keep her tears away. She hopes to find the right way and get out of this terrifying place. Suddenly, she hears the strange noise. Bang! Here I am! She is not alone! Not anymore! It’s a savior! She smiles and cries! She will get out!
  • To summarize the ideas presented in the long paragraph or sentences.
For example, consider this instruction:
Work with us is easy and comfortable. Our ordering system requires the customers only to fill out the form CS1 that could be found at the upper right side of our homepage. As soon as we receive your form, our manager processes it and evaluates your chances. If you are qualified for the services, we issue the form CS2 which is sent to your e-mail. In case you are not eligible, we will send you a regret-letter. So remember: Go to our website. Fill CS1. Wait for a response.
The short sentences at the end are used to summarize the key points of the whole instruction material.

The effect of long sentences in creative writing:
  • To develop tension.
  • To give vivid descriptions.
(above from:  https://writology.com/blog/writing-effective-sentences-long-vs-short-sentences.html)
  • To move the story along.
  • Slow, calm, thoughtful. 
  • Character's regular life.
Writing inspired by artwork
Hunters in the Snow, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, 1565 (above)
The Old Guitarist, Picasso, 1903 (right)
HOMEWORK:  Due March 10
  • 5th & 7th Graders:  Song analysis presentations
  • 9th/10th:  Journal of your choice