Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain the difference between an independent clause, a dependent clause and a phrase. (Guide: “Sentences are made of clauses”; Practice question 1)
- I can explain why the end of a sentence is usually the most emphatic position. (Guide: “Why arrangement matters”; Practice question 3)
- I can explain how loose, periodic and balanced sentences differ in structure and effect. (Guide: “Three arrangements to recognise”; Practice question 4)
Skills
- I can classify a sentence as simple, compound, complex or compound-complex. (Guide: “Four sentence types”; Practice questions 2 and 5)
- I can mark the clauses in a sentence by finding verbs and their subjects. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice question 6)
- I can rearrange a sentence to put a chosen idea in the strongest position. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice question 7)
Reasoning
- I can explain what a writer’s arrangement of clauses emphasises and why, in relation to the writer’s purpose. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice question 8)
- I can use a short public-domain example, such as the Declaration’s opening sentence or a line from Gettysburg, to explain periodic or end-weighted structure. (Guide: “Real examples (public domain)”)
- I can avoid analysis that only labels a sentence’s type without stating its effect. (Guide: “Common misconceptions”)
All ticked? Move on to the Topic 7.5 study guide, Coordination and Subordination.