Five sentence types
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can say and write five different sentence structures for text cohesion.
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.
Teacher tip
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!
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword to the example.
Q2.Which of the following are true for a main clause?
Q3.Match the types of subordinate clause to the examples.
Q4.Which of the following subordinate clauses are adverbial clauses?
Q5.Which of these sentences contain a non-finite (-ing) clause?
Q6.Which of these sentences uses a non-finite (-ing) clause correctly?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each type of sentence to its definition.
Q2.Match the types of simple sentence to the examples.
Q3.Which of the following are correctly formed compound sentences?
Q4.Which of the following are complex sentences?
Q5.Which of the following are non-finite complex sentences?
Q6.How can we improve text cohesion in our writing?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Five sentence types, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Five sentence types, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Using five sentence types unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.