Kernel Sentence: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Kernel sentences are a type of sentence structure that are used to summarize the main ideas of a text. They are an essential part of text comprehension and are increasingly being used in educational settings to help students better understand complex texts. This article will provide a definition of kernel sentences, discuss their history, and examine their characteristics.
Definition
Kernel sentences are defined as short, concise sentences that summarize the main ideas of a text. They are generally written in the present tense and focus on the key points of the text. Kernel sentences are not complete sentences, but rather, they are phrases that highlight the most important aspects of the material.
History
The concept of kernel sentences has been around since the early 1900s when it was first introduced by linguist Otto Jespersen in his book “Growth and Structure of the English Language”. The technique was further developed by linguist Leonard Bloomfield in the 1930s and has since become an important part of language education.
Characteristics
Kernel sentences are typically used to help students understand complex texts by summarizing the main ideas. They are usually written in the present tense and are short and concise. Kernel sentences are most effective when they are written in a direct and clear manner. Additionally, kernel sentences should include key terms and phrases that are relevant to the text.
Conclusion
Kernel sentences are an important part of text comprehension and are increasingly being used in educational settings to help students better understand complex texts. They are typically used to summarize the main ideas of a text and are written in present tense. Kernel sentences should be written in a direct and clear manner and should include relevant terms and phrases.
References
Jespersen, O. (1922). Growth and structure of the English language. London: Allen & Unwin.
Bloomfield, L. (1933). Language. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Brown, H. D., & Lee, H. (2008). Teaching by principles: An interactive approach to language pedagogy. White Plains, NY: Pearson.
Farr, C. (2013). The use of kernel sentences in the classroom. ELT Journal, 67(2), 224-231. doi:10.1093/elt/ccs081