Name __________________________
Sentence Variation Worksheet
DIRECTIONS: Each of the passages below can use some variety in their form. Change the
following sentences to make them more interesting and compelling. You can combine sentences,
change their structure, and use your knowledge of The Odyssey to make the sentences fit together
better.
Example:
Unvaried sentences: Odysseus has been gone for almost 20 years. He fought in the
Trojan War for 10 years. He has been stuck with Calypso for 7 years. He wants to get
home to Ithaca.
Varied sentences: Even though he has been gone for almost 20 years, Odysseus still
wants to return home to Ithaca. The 10-year Trojan War and the 7 years with Calypso on
her island delayed Odysseus’ return to his queen and his home.
1. Unvaried Sentences:
Athena wanted to help Odysseus get home. She wanted to help him because she thought he was
very smart and clever. She begged her father, Zeus, for help. He sent Hermes to help convince
Calypso to let Odysseus go.
Varied Sentences:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Unvaried Sentences:
The clever Odysseus tricked Calypso when he was leaving. It didn’t seem like she wanted him to
go. It was Odysseus’ good speaking abilities that helped him.
Varied Sentences:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Unvaried Sentences:
I think Odysseus is a hero. He is a hero because he tried to get home for so long. I think he is a
good example of a hero because he does a good job of leading his men, too.
Varied Sentences:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Unvaried Sentences:
A king named Alconious lets Odysseus in his house. They eat a nice meal together. Then, they listen
to Odysseus tell the story of his journey.
Varied Sentences:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Unvaried Sentences: (Calypso speaking)
How can I be less desirable than she is? How can mortals be more graceful than goddesses?
Varied Sentences:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. Unvaried Sentences: (Odysseus speaking)
I know Penelope is not immortal like you. I know you are angry. But, I want to go home.
Varied Sentences:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
7. Unvaried Sentences: (Calypso speaking)
You do not need to be sad anymore. You don’t need to spend your life here. You need to go
home.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
8. Unvaried Sentences:
Athena let Odysseus sleep. She thought his stress would end soon. She made sure to hide him.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________