IV. Abridgment of Complex Sentences,

V. Abridgment of Complex Sentences (continued),

VI. Variety of Structure,

VII. Variety of Structure and Expression,

VIII. Complex Sentences,

IX. Amplification of Sentences,

X. Ideas suggested to form Sentences,

V.-ARRANGEMENT OF SENTENCES.

SECTION I. Variety of Arrangement,

Page

44

45

47

48

50

52

53

54

56

58

II. Variety of Arrangement (continued),

III. Variety of Arrangement (continued),

IV. Expression of Ideas,

V. Expression of Ideas (continued),

VI. Expression of Ideas (continued),

VII. Expression of Ideas (continued),

VIII. Expression of Ideas (continued),

IX. Expression of Ideas (continued),

ib.

VI. Unity in the Structure of Sentences,

VII. Strength in the Structure of Sentences,

VIII. Harmony in the Structure of Sentences,

IX. Critical Examination of Sentences (continued), 103

101

IX. Errors in the Use of Figurative Language,

X. Critical Examination of Passages,

115

117

PART III.

ORIGINAL COMPOSITION.

SECTION I. Narrative Essays,

II. Descriptive Essays,

III. Miscellaneous Essays,

IV. Miscellaneous Essays (continued),

V. Miscellaneous Essays (continued),

List of Subjects for Essays,

119

121

123

128

131

133

CALIFORNIA

RUDIMENTS

OF

ENGLISH COMPOSITION.

INTRODUCTION.

COMPOSITION is the art of expressing ideas in written language.

To compose correctly, it is necessary to have a practical knowledge of Spelling, Punctuation, the Use of Words, and the Structure and Arrangement of Sentences.

To compose with perspicuity and elegance, it is also necessary to have a practical knowledge of the various qualities of Style, and of the use of Figurative Language.

To be able to write with facility, it is further necessary to have considerable practice in Original Compo

sition.

PART I.

I. SPELLING.

SPELLING is the art of expressing words by their proper letters.

Letters are of two forms, capitals and small letters.

CAPITAL LETTERS are used in the following situations :

I. The first word of every sentence.

II. The first word of every line of poetry.

III. The first word of a quotation in a direct form.
IV. The names of the Supreme Being.

V. Proper names, and adjectives derived from
proper names.

VI. The names of the days of the week, and of the months of the year.

VII. Any very important word; as, the Reformation.

VIII. The pronoun I, and the interjection O.

IX. Generally the name of an object personified.

EXERCISES.

Correct the errors in the following passages:

I. The love of praise should be kept under proper subordination to the principle of duty. in itself, it is a useful motive to action; but when allowed to extend its influence too far, it corrupts the whole character. to be entirely destitute of it, is a defect. to be governed by it, is depravity.

How many clear marks of benevolent intention appear every where around us! what a profusion of beauty and ornament is poured forth in the face of nature! what a magnificent spectacle presented to the view of man! what a supply contrived for his wants!

On whom does time hang so heavily, as on the slothful and lazy? to whom are the hours so lingering? who are so often devoured with spleen, and obliged to fly to every expedient, which can help them to get rid of themselves?

II. Restless mortals toil for nought;
bliss in vain from earth is sought;
bliss, a native of the sky,

never wanders. mortals, try;
there you cannot seek in vain,

for to seek her is to gain.