Introduction to Syntax: Sentence Structure and Types
1. Introduction to Syntax
1.1. Definition of Syntax
Syntax is the branch of linguistics that studies the structure of sentences and their components (phrases).
1.2. Defining a Sentence
Defining a sentence precisely can be challenging. From a psychological perspective, a sentence is a meaningful set of words. From a prosodic viewpoint, it’s a set of words between two pauses. Logically, it’s the spoken expression of a thought.
In grammar, a sentence is defined as an ordered set of words related to a verb
Read MoreCoordinated & Subordinated Sentences in Spanish Grammar
Coordinated Sentences
1.1 Classification
1.1.1 Coordinated Copulative Sentences
Proposals that combine their meanings.
- Conjunctions: y (and), e (and), o (or)
- Example: Él llegó a casa temprano e hizo sus deberes. (He came home early and did his homework.)
1.1.2 Coordinated Disjunctive Sentences
Proposals that deny the claim of the other (mutually exclusive).
- Conjunctions: o (or), u (or), bien (either)
- Example: ¿Te gusta el Carnaval de Cádiz o prefieres el de Tenerife? (Do you like the Carnival of Cadiz
Formal Texts: Letters, Resumes, and Official Documents
Formal Texts
Letters and Resumes
1. The Letter
A letter is a brief communication from one person to another, typically sent in an envelope. There are various types of letters, depending on the subject, purpose, and relationship between the sender and recipient.
Types of Letters:
- Personal Letter: Uses a casual and informal tone, addresses family or friends, and focuses on personal matters.
- Formal Letter: Uses a respectful and formal tone, addresses professional, business, or administrative matters. Key
Effective Listening Skills Lesson Planning & Project-Based Learning
A Framework for Planning a Listening Skills Lesson
Developing strong listening skills empowers students to become more independent learners and improves their vocabulary and grammar. A structured approach to listening lessons includes three key phases:
Pre-Listening
Prepare students by motivating them with interesting text selections and engaging tasks. Arouse curiosity and provide context. Explain any specific vocabulary or expressions they may encounter.
While Listening
Focus student attention and
Read MoreCompetences in Education: National and Regional Perspectives
Competences in Education: A Comparative Analysis
National Competences
At the national level, eight core competences govern all curricula:
- Language and Communication
- Mathematics
- Knowledge of and Interaction with the Physical World
- Digital Competence and Information Processing
- Social and Civic Competences
- Artistic and Cultural Competence
- Learning to Learn
- Autonomy and Initiative
Regional Addition: Castile-La Mancha
In Castile-La Mancha, an additional competence is emphasized:
- Emotional Competence
Analysis of Information
Read MoreDiscussion Techniques and Sentence Parsing
Discussion Techniques
Dialogue or Conversation
Spontaneous: It is the most natural form of expression. Not prepared, hence using simple words, sentences are left unfinished, fillers are abused, and gestures are made.
Organized Dialogue: The Debate
Preparation: It is a dialogue prepared for a specific purpose, generally to analyze an issue and arrive at certain conclusions.
The Moderator
- Introduces the topic.
- Addresses the partners by giving them the floor.
- Focuses the discussion and summarizes the conclusions