ESOL Ws/E3.1a Write using complex sentences
Writing > Sentence focus (Grammar & Punctuation) > Grammar > ESOL Ws/E3.1a Write using complex sentences
(i) Understand that the most basic form of complex sentence consists of a main clause and one subordinate clause, and use this kind of sentence, where appropriate, in learners' own writing Example: Dear Mr Allan, I am sorry, I can not attend the interview next Thursday because my English exam is on that day. I handed in my work, although it was not quite finished.
(ii) Use common conjunctions to introduce subordinate clauses, expressing time, reason, condition, concession (e.g. although) Example: I was walking along the street when I heard a loud noise behind me.
(iii) Use a pronoun such as who, which, where, when, to introduce a relative clause Example: The town where I was born is in the mountains. My brother, the one who works in the bakery, has a motorbike.
(iv) Understand that sentences can be amplified by expanding the information around the noun, and apply this, where appropriate, in learners' own writing Example: The older woman who lives down the road… A woman I used to work with… A smartly dressed woman in a black and white coat… A nice young man with a friendly smile…
(v) Develop awareness that sentences in more formal texts are likely to be constructed differently from those in less formal ones, e.g. informal texts are likely to use ellipses, and more formal texts are likely to have more complex sentences Example: Hi Sal, Sorry! Can't come to the meeting tomorrow - Les won't give me time off. She says she wants me to finish this job first. Probably see you Thursday. Hamid Dear Mr. Jones I am afraid I can not attend the meeting tomorrow, as I am very busy at work.I hope I will see you at the next meeting.
(vi) Develop the ability to use different linguistic features appropriately for a range of written genres, depending on learners' interests and need to write