Using simple, compound and complex sentences in descriptive writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can vary sentence structures accurately in my descriptive writing.
Key learning points
- A simple sentence has one main clause.
- Compound sentences are two main clauses joined together with a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.
- Complex sentences are one main clause and at least one subordinate clause.
- The subordinate clause can go at the beginning, middle and end of a sentence.
Keywords
Clause - a group of words with a subject and a verb.
Subject - the person, place, or thing performing the action of the sentence.
Verb - a doing, being or having word.
Complete - having all the necessary or appropriate parts.
Subordinate - means to be lower in rank or position.
Common misconception
That the choice of sentence type isn't important as long as the grammar and punctuation is correct.
The choice of sentence type can impact the way that a reader responds to your writing.
Teacher tip
You could ask the students to peer-assess their work as well as reflecting on their own work to see whether they can spot the different sentence types in someone else's work.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What makes a complete sentence?
Q2.If something is complete then it .
Q3.Which of the following is a complete sentence?
Q4.A subordinate clause is .
Q5.A simple sentence is .
Q6.Which of the following sentences with a subordinate clause is punctuated correctly?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A compound sentence is .
Q2.Which piece of punctuation do you put before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence?
Q3.In a complex sentence, a subordinate clause can go .
Q4.You might use simple sentences in your writing to add .
Q5.What sentence type is the following sentence: 'Because of the glorious sunshine, the drooping flowers began to bloom again.'
Q6.Using complex sentences can help paint a more complete picture for the reader since the extra information adds more .
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using simple, compound and complex sentences in descriptive writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Using simple, compound and complex sentences in descriptive writing, 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 3 English lessons from the Step into the unknown: fiction reading and creative writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.