Grammar 3.2 – clauses and sentence types You will: be able to distinguish between simple, compound and complex structures, and considered ways of developing these with students [ESOL and Literacy]

Simple, compound or complex? Clauses are easy. Clauses are hard, but they get easier. Clauses are easy if you practise. Clauses which have ‘if’ in them are easy to spot. It’s a poor show when teachers tell you that clauses are easy, and you know they aren’t.

Simple, compound or complex? Clauses are easy. [simple] Clauses are hard, but they get easier. [compound] Clauses are easy if you practise. [complex with ‘if’ clause]

Simple, compound or complex? Clauses are easy to spot. which have ‘if’ in them [complex: main clause + relative clause]

Simple, compound or complex? It’s a poor show when teachers tell you  and you know    that clauses are easy, they aren’t. [complex: main clause + time clause + ‘that’ clause + compound conjunction linking another time clause + ‘that’ clause] ]

Reflection Think about: What have I learnt about grammar? How can I use this with my students? What methods have we experienced? How could I use them with my students?

University of Central Lancashire This resource has been produced as a result of a grant awarded by LSIS.  The grant was made available through the Skills for Life Support Programme in 2010.  The resource has been developed by practitioners. The contents should not be compared with commercially produced resources, although in many cases it may have comparable or better learning outcomes.   Mary Osmaston University of Central Lancashire