English·Grammar & Punctuation·procedural
Varying Sentence Structure
Expand, combine, and reduce sentences for meaning, reader interest, and style, using techniques such as embedding clauses, using appositives, and varying sentence length
Suggested ages 10–11
Learning journey
Your child is learning advanced grammar and punctuation skills — mastering complex sentence structures, sophisticated punctuation like colons and semi-colons, and formal writing techniques that will prepare them for secondary school and beyond.
Evidence of understanding
- Combine two simple sentences into one complex sentence using subordination
- Expand a simple sentence by adding descriptive phrases and clauses
- Reduce wordy sentences by removing redundant words while preserving meaning
Assessment prompt
When Varying Sentence Structure revises their writing, can they take a very long sentence and split it up, or take three short choppy sentences and combine them into one — choosing the version that reads best for the audience?
Standards alignment
L.5.3aUS · ccss-ela
L.5.3a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 5