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      Using a range of sentence types to describe dystopian settings

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use declarative, interrogative and exclamatory sentences in my dystopian descriptions.

      Key learning points

      1. Declarative sentences convey facts, explanations or information
      2. Exclamatory sentences express strong feelings in the form of an exclamation
      3. An interrogative sentence is a sentence that asks a question
      4. All three sentence forms should be used to create an interesting and varied description
      5. Exclamatory sentences are more likely to be simple; declarative sentences are more likely to be compound or complex

      Keywords

      • Declarative - A declarative sentence conveys facts, explanations or information.

      • Exclamatory - An exclamatory sentence expresses emotion.

      • Interrogative - An interrogative sentence poses a question.

      • Resentment - a bitter feeling after being treated unfairly

      • Ruin - the state something is in after being severely damaged or destroyed

      Common misconception

      Exclamatory sentences are the only sentences that express emotions

      Interrogative sentences can also effectively show some emotions e.g. confusion, despair, by the character asking themselves questions

      Teacher tip

      Show students how overusing a certain sentence type can obscure meaning

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
      What is a simple sentence?

      A sentence with a verb
      Two sentences joined by a conjunction
      Correct answer: A sentence with a subject and a verb
      A short sentence

      Q2.
      What is a compound sentence?

      A sentence with a subordinating conjunction
      A sentence with one subject and one verb
      A long sentence
      Correct answer: A sentence that combines two simple sentences with a conjunction

      Q3.
      What is a complex sentence?

      Two simple sentences joined by a conjunction.
      Correct answer: A sentence with a main clause and subordinate clause.
      A sentence with one subject and one verb.

      Q4.
      Which sentence below is a simple sentence?

      Correct answer: The city was in ruin.
      The violence had worsened and now the city was in ruin.
      Due to the ongoing violence, the city was in ruin.

      Q5.
      Which punctuation mark would be used at the end of a passionate sentence?

      Correct answer: !
      ?
      .

      Q6.
      Which punctuation mark would be used at the end of a question?

      Correct answer: ?
      !
      .

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a declarative sentence?

      A sentence that poses a question.
      Correct answer: A sentence that explains, informs or gives facts.
      A sentence that expresses emotion.

      Q2.
      Which of the following is an interrogative sentence?

      The sun sets beautifully over the horizon
      Correct answer: Are you joining us for dinner tonight?
      What a stunning view!

      Q3.
      What is an exclamatory sentence?

      Correct answer: A sentence that expresses emotion.
      A sentence that explains, informs or gives facts.
      A sentence that poses a question

      Q4.
      The name of the sentence that poses a question is:

      Correct Answer: interrogative, Interrogative, interrogative sentence, Interrogative sentence

      Q5.
      Which sentence type usually suits an exclamatory sentence?

      complex sentence
      compound sentence
      Correct answer: simple sentence

      Q6.
      Why are exclamatory sentences more effective as simple sentences?

      Correct answer: Simple sentences allow a sudden burst of emotion to be expressed
      Simple sentences explain the emotion one is feeling
      Simple sentences delay the immediacy of the emotion

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