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Five sentence types
I can say and write five different sentence structures for text cohesion.
Lesson 2 of 4
New
New
- Year 6
Five sentence types
I can say and write five different sentence structures for text cohesion.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A sentence composed of one main clause is a simple sentence.
- A sentence composed of at least two main clauses joined by a co-ordinating conjunction is a compound sentence.
- There are three complex sentence structures: the adverbial complex, the relative complex and the non-finite complex.
- Different sentence types allow writers to write cohesively across a paragraph and a whole text.
- Text cohesion ensures text maintains the interest of the reader.
Keywords
Simple sentence - a sentence about one idea that makes complete sense
Compound sentence - a sentence formed of two main clauses and a co-ordinating conjunction
Complex sentence - a sentence formed of at least one main clause and a subordinate clause
Text cohesion - how a text flows to maintain the interest of the reader and achieve text purpose
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that longer sentences are always preferable to short ones.
Emphasise that text cohesion is best served by variety and that short sentences have a significant role in writing.
Make your own checklist of the five sentence types to use whenever you prepare a piece of shared or modelled writing - and don't forget to use a range of different simple sentences as well!
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword to the example.
Match each keyword to the example.
Q2.Which of the following are true for a main clause?
Which of the following are true for a main clause?
It needs a subordinate clause to make complete sense.
Q3.Match the types of subordinate clause to the examples.
Match the types of subordinate clause to the examples.
Q4.Which of the following subordinate clauses are adverbial clauses?
Which of the following subordinate clauses are adverbial clauses?
which was very difficult to understand
feeling very small
Q5.Which of these sentences contain a non-finite (-ing) clause?
Which of these sentences contain a non-finite (-ing) clause?
The park, which had very little equipment, was deserted.
As Jun stomped in, he slammed the door behind him.
Q6.Which of these sentences uses a non-finite (-ing) clause correctly?
Which of these sentences uses a non-finite (-ing) clause correctly?
Looking through the window, elves were working hard.
Looking through the window, I looked behind me.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each type of sentence to its definition.
Match each type of sentence to its definition.
Q2.Match the types of simple sentence to the examples.
Match the types of simple sentence to the examples.
Q3.Which of the following are correctly formed compound sentences?
Which of the following are correctly formed compound sentences?
We could have dinner now or later.
We can go to the cinema and the shops.
Q4.Which of the following are complex sentences?
Which of the following are complex sentences?
We listened carefully to Miss O'Neill.
Mr Martinez was walking down the corridor and he was singing.
Q5.Which of the following are non-finite complex sentences?
Which of the following are non-finite complex sentences?
Sam, who didn't enjoy Science, sighed heavily.
Miss O'Neill frowned as she listened to my question.
Q6.How can we improve text cohesion in our writing?
How can we improve text cohesion in our writing?
use only short words
use only simple sentences
use more compound sentences
