1. Writing COMPLEX Sentences
for Ms. Davis’s 5th-Grade Language Arts Classes

2. Types of Sentences There are 4 types of
sentences we will explore this year:
Simple (S) sentences (independent clauses),
Complex (CX) sentences,
Compound (CD) sentences, and
complex-compound (CX-CD) sentences.
This presentation will focus on COMPLEX sentences.

3. What Is a Complex Sentence?
A complex sentence is a sentence that combines a DEPENDENT clause with an INDEPENDENT clause. Remember, an INDEPENDENT clause is just a complete sentence. A DEPENDENT clause is a group of words that includes a marker, a subject, and a predicate, but it does not make sense on its own.

4. Do You Remember Our Markers?
Just remember WASABI! while after since although because if

5. Punctuating Dependent Clauses
Remember that a dependent clause needs a comma when the clause is at the beginning of the sentence: Since it is dark, let’s put our costumes on. A dependent clause does not need a comma when it is at the end of the sentence: Let’s put our costumes on since it is dark.

6. Writing Complex Sentences
To create a complex sentence, just add a dependent clause to an independent clause. Just treat your independent clause like a target sentence for a Brush Stroke.

7. Writing Complex Sentences
Independent clause (IC): I will get a lot of candy. Now I need to put a dependent clause before or after it. Dependent clause (DC): if my costume is awesome

8. Writing Complex Sentences
IC: I will get a lot of candy. + DC: if my costume is awesome = COMPLEX sentence: I will get a lot of candy if my costume is awesome.

9. Writing Complex Sentences
Independent clause: Zombie costumes are cool. Now I need to put a dependent clause before or after it. Dependent clause: although they scare me

10. Writing Complex Sentences
IC: Zombie costumes are cool. + DC: although they scare me = COMPLEX sentence: Although they scare me, zombie costumes are cool.

11. Ghosts roamed the cemetery grounds. The witch cackled and screeched.
You Try A Couple!
Add a DEPENDENT CLAUSE BEFORE the INDEPENDENT CLAUSE to make a COMPLEX sentence.
Ghosts roamed the cemetery grounds.
Add a DEPENDENT CLAUSE AFTER the INDEPENDENT CLAUSE to make a COMPLEX sentence.
The witch cackled and screeched.

12. because the moon was full while the vampire chased a werewolf
Try A Couple More!
Add an INDEPENDENT CLAUSE BEFORE the DEPENDENT CLAUSE to make a COMPLEX sentence.
because the moon was full
Add an INDEPENDENT CLAUSE AFTER the DEPENDENT CLAUSE to make a COMPLEX sentence.
while the vampire chased a werewolf

13. Can You Write Your Own?
Write 2 Halloween-themed COMPLEX sentences. Put a dependent clause at the beginning of one sentence and at the end of the other. Be sure each sentence has proper capitalization and punctuation!

14. Great Job, Goblins!