3.4. Sentence: Description of Major Structural Types of Sentences

Topics for Discussion 1.   Main features of simple and composite sentences. 2.   Types of simple sentences. 3.   What is a semi-composite sentence? Enumerate its main types. 4.   What is the difference between sentence, clause and utterance? 5.   What is “clausalisation” and “phrasalisation” of simple sentences?

Practical Assignment: 1)   Write out from the Dictionary of Linguistics definitions of the following terms and give their Russian equivalents: predicative line, elementary sentences, one- and two-member sentences, one- and two-axis constructions, “free” and "fixed" one-axis sentences, composite sentence, clause, principal and subordinate clause, hypotaxis and parataxis, monolythic and segregative sentence structure, leading and sequential clause

2)   Find different structural types of sentences in the text: The atheist

The atheist An atheist was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat at least a hundred feet into the air. The monster then opened its mouth while waiting below to swallow man and boat. As the man sailed head over heels and started to fall towards the open jaws of the ferocious beast he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me!" Suddenly, the scene froze in place. As the atheist hung in midair, a booming voice came out of the clouds and said, "I thought you didn't believe in Me!" "God, come on, give me a break!" the man pleaded, "Just seconds ago I didn't believe in the Loch Ness monster either!" "Well," said God, "now that you are a believer you must understand that I won't work miracles to snatch you from certain death in the jaws of the monster, but I can change hearts. What would you have me do?" The atheist thinks for a minute and then says, "God, please have the Loch Ness Monster believe in You also." God replies, "So be it." The scene starts in motion again with the atheist falling towards the ravenous jaws of the ferocious beast. Then the Loch Ness Monster folds his claws together and says, "Lord, bless this food You have so graciously provided....."