Types of Sentences
Choose among and construct simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to signal different relationships among ideas, varying sentence patterns deliberately for meaning, interest, and style
Suggested ages 11–14
Evidence of understanding
- Combine short sentences into a complex sentence using a subordinating conjunction for effect
- Rewrite a passage of monotonous simple sentences using a mix of sentence types for variety and flow
- Identify the sentence type (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex) of given examples and explain the effect of each
Assessment prompt
When Types of Sentences is writing for effect — like building tension in a story or structuring an argument — do they deliberately vary their sentence types, mixing short punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones?
Standards alignment
L.6.3a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 6
L.7.1b
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 7
Extend and apply grammatical knowledge
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3
Study effectiveness of grammatical features
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3