Rachel's younger brother is in fourth grade. She is trying to explain to him how to do a household task. She is going to read the explanation aloud and post it on the refrigerator for him to refer to later. What kind of sentences do you recommend Rachel use: simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex? Identify two sentence types and explain why you think they would effectively communicate Rachel's message.

Answer 1

For Rachel's explanation to her younger brother, using simple and compound sentences would be the most effective way to communicate the task clearly. Simple sentences are short, straightforward, and easy to understand, making them ideal for instructional purposes. They can help break down the steps of the task into smaller, manageable parts for her brother to follow.

Compound sentences can be useful in providing additional information or explaining the reasons behind the steps of the task. By combining two related ideas in a single sentence, Rachel can expand on the explanation without overwhelming her brother with too much information at once.

Here are examples of simple and compound sentences that Rachel could use in her explanation:

Simple Sentence: "First, fill the sink with warm, soapy water."

Compound Sentence: "After you finish washing the dishes, make sure to dry them with a clean towel before putting them away."

By using a combination of simple and compound sentences in her explanation, Rachel can effectively communicate the steps of the household task to her younger brother in a clear and easy-to-follow manner.