Ws/L2.1

Construct complex sentences
(a) Understand that complex sentences have more variety of structure than simple and compound sentences, and that this stops the writing becoming boring
(b) Understand that complex sentences always have more than one part (i.e. clause), and the parts are more closely related to each other than two separate sentences
(c) Understand that simple or compound sentences are preferable for some types of writing, e.g. instructions or directions
(d) Understand that effective writing often uses a mixture of simple, compound and complex sentences

Conjunctive adverbs

This is a short explanation with examples of eight sorts of conjunctive adverb arranged by type. There is an activity to complete, as well as some stretch/research activities for differentiation.

Editor’s note
Fully mapped to L2 Functional English and GCSE English

Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE L2.20 Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation markers e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes, quotation marks
FE L2.28 Construct complex sentences consistently & accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate
Ws/L2.1
GCSE A6 Use a range of vocabulary & sentence structure - with accurate SPaG
GCSE A5

Halloween complex sentences

A series of tasks designed to help learners improve their sentences and hence their writing style. These tasks assume no previous knowledge of complex sentences or subordinating conjunctions. They do assume the learner is familiar with simple sentences (i.e. one clause, one verb) and compound sentences. (See my related Entry Level ‘Halloween Compound Sentences’ resource for more on compound sentences and coordinating conjunctions).

Aimed at L1-2 students but parts could be useful at Entry 3. All tasks have a Halloween theme.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
Ws/L2.1
Ws/L1.1
Context
Leisure, Hobbies, Travel & Tourism

Sentence Types in English Language

This handout describes the basic sentence types as used in the English language. It can be used to introduce or reinforce the concepts.

Editor’s note
This also makes a useful handout / reminder for vocational teachers who are embedding Functional English.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Ws/L2.1
Ws/L1.1
Ws/E3.1
Ws/E2.1
Ws/E1.1
ESOL
ESOL Ws/L2.1a
ESOL Ws/L1.1a Write using complex sentences
ESOL Ws/E3.1a Write using complex sentences
ESOL Ws/E2.1a Construct simple and compound sentences
ESOL Ws/E1.1a Construct a simple sentence, using basic word order & verb form

Sentence structure and conjunction cards

Correct structure and punctuation is a key feature of Functional English writing and these two sets of matching cards make a good introduction to the topic and will also prompt discussion.
The first set focuses on conjunctions (in compound and complex sentences) and each sentence is split into three (two clause, one conjunction). They can be matched back together in various combinations. (10 sentences)
The second set focuses on a variety of structures and each sentence is split into two. (12 sentences)

Level
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - writing
Ws/L2.1
Ws/L1.1
Ws/E3.1
Ws/E2.1

Clauses and complex sentences

Nice introduction to the tricky topic of complex sentences – followed by a matching exercise. Fully mapped to Functional English and adult literacy.[img_assist|nid=4640|title=|desc=|link=popup|align=left|width=67|height=100]

Level
Level 2
English
Ws/L2.1

Discovering sentences

Another amazing PowerPoint from Jennifer Baines.

Something here for all levels: information, examples and onscreen activities cover a host of topics inc: simple, compound and complex sentences; punctuation; question words; coordinating and subordinating conjunctions; formal letter writing; topic and concluding sentences; a handy ‘Is it a sentence?’ checklist, structuring an argument, linking paragraphs.

Also great for teacher reference.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Ws/E1.1
Ws/E2.1
Ws/E3.1
Ws/L1.1
Ws/L2.1
Ws/E3.4
Ws/L1.3
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
Wt/L1.3
Wt/L2.3
Wt/L1.4
Wt/L2.5
Wt/L2.6

Complex sentences

Use subordinating conjunctions to extend simple sentences, with extension activity.

Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Ws/E3.1
Ws/L1.1
Ws/L2.1
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