Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) Practice Test

What does sentence structure refer to?

1. The use of punctuation in writing

2. The grammatical arrangement of words in sentences

3. The overall theme of a text

4. The choice of words used in a paragraph

The correct answer is: The grammatical arrangement of words in sentences

Sentence structure pertains to the grammatical arrangement of words within sentences. It encompasses how words are organized to create meaning. A well-structured sentence enhances clarity, ensures effective communication, and facilitates the reader's understanding. Understanding sentence structure involves knowledge of subjects, verbs, objects, clauses, and phrases, and how these elements can be combined to form complex or simple sentences. This foundational aspect of grammar is essential for effective writing and helps convey the intended message accurately. The other choices touch on different aspects of writing but do not accurately capture the essence of sentence structure. Punctuation is indeed important for clarity but does not define sentence structure itself. The overall theme of a text relates to its main ideas or messages rather than specific sentence formation. Finally, the choice of words pertains to diction or vocabulary rather than the arrangement of those words into proper grammatical forms.