UNIT 2.
1
SENTENCE STRUCTURES
Year 9 EFL
30/9 - 1/10
WHAT IS A SENTENCE?
A sentence is a group of words that expresses
a complete thought and contains a subject
and a verb.
For example: The dog barked.
In the sentence above, “The dog” is the subject
and “barked” is the verb. It communicates a
complete thought as well. We will explore
more advanced sentence structures to utilise
in your writing.
COMMON SENTENCE STRUCTURES
The following sentence structures are great building blocks to
stronger, more varied writing.
Compound Sentence
Complex Sentence
Sentence beginning with a Gerund
Sentence beginning with a Participial Phrase
Compound Sentence with an Adverbial Conjunction
COMPOUND SENTENCE
A compound sentence is when two complete sentences are
connected by a comma/semi-colon and a conjunction.
Common conjunctions include:
FOR, AND, BUT, OR, NOR, SO, YET
EXAMPLE COMPOUND SENTENCES
Markus tripped on the steps, and his friends laughed loudly.
Mia likes cooking dinner for the family, but she doesn’t clean.
Manny overslept, yet he got to school on time.
We could go to lunch, or we could see a movie.
I cannot sing, so I danced in the show instead.
COMPOUND SENTENCE PRACTICE
Practice writing the following sentences:
1. A compound sentence using the conjunction “and”
2. A compound sentence using the conjunction “but”
3. A compound sentence using the conjunction “or”
Write them in your notebook!
COMPLEX SENTENCES
A complex sentence is a sentence that starts
with a dependent clause followed by a comma
and a complete sentence.
Some complex sentence starters include:
AFTER, AS, BEFORE, IF, SINCE, AND WHEN
Dependent clause:
a group of words containing a subject and a verb, but it does not
express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence
EXAMPLE COMPLEX SENTENCES
After school, I have to go to soccer practice.
As I thought about the big game, I got nervous.
Before I go shopping, I must stop at the bank.
Since he returned, he has reconsidered things.
When she said that, I was confused and upset.
COMPLEX SENTENCE PRACTICE
Practice writing the following sentences:
1. A complex sentence starting with “After”
2. A complex sentence starting with “During”
3. A complex sentence starting with “Since”
Write them down in your notebook!
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE
A compound-complex sentence
contains two or more independent
clauses and at least one dependent
clause.
To identify:
[Link] least two independent clauses (complete thoughts)
[Link] least one dependent clause (an incomplete thought
that starts with a subordinating conjunction).
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE EXAMPLES
After I finished my dinner, my mom and dad asked me
to wash the dishes, but I said I would do it after I
completed my homework"
Because you asked for it, the report is now on your desk,
and I hope it meets all your expectations
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE EXAMPLES
After I finished my dinner, my mom and dad asked me
to wash the dishes, but I said I would do it after I
completed my homework.
Because you asked for it, the report is now on your desk,
and I hope it meets all your expectations
COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE EXAMPLES
Dependent Clause Independent Clause
After I finished my dinner, my mom and dad asked me
to wash the dishes, but I said I would do it after I
completed my homework. Independent Clause
Dependent Clause Independent Clause
Because you asked for it, the report is now on your desk,
and I hope it meets all your expectations
Independent Clause
Compound sentence, followed by a complex sentence:
Compound-complex sentence followed by a simple sentence:
So, we can conclude that writers use different sentence structures
because it affects the way the reader experiences the text.
Sentence Type Example Effect / Purpose
Simple Sentence (1 independent Clear and direct. Creates impact,
“The train stopped.”
clause) urgency, or emphasis.
Compound Sentence (2
“The train stopped, and the doors Links equal ideas. Adds rhythm
independent clauses joined by and,
opened.” and balance.
but, or, so)
Shows cause, effect, contrast, or
Complex Sentence (1 independent “The train stopped because a
conditions. Adds depth and
clause + 1+ dependent clause) passenger had fainted.”
explanation.
Compound–Complex Sentence (2+ “The train stopped, and the doors Combines detail and balance.
independent clauses + 1+ opened because a passenger had Good for showing relationships
dependent clause) fainted.” while moving the action along.
✅ Key Tip: Writers mix these sentence types to control pace, keep the reader engaged, and emphasize different ideas.
Too many simple sentences = choppy. Too many complex = heavy. A balance makes writing flow.
Writers mix these sentence types to control pace, keep the
reader engaged, and emphasise different ideas.
Too many simple sentences = choppy (short and broken).
Too many complex sentences = heavy (too long and overloaded).
A balance makes writing flow!!!
PAGE 34 & 35
1. Read the extract “The Importance of Conscience”
2. highlight/underline important ideas/information.
3. Answer question 1, page 35
PAGE 34 & 35 - SAMPLE ANSWERS
PAGE 36
In your notebooks, answer the following:
PAGE 36
Minor sentences make texts
less formal and more
punchier!
PAGE 36-37
Understanding and utilising
sentence structures empowers
you to write more clearly,
effectively, and engagingly.
