Year 5

English
Lesson 5 – complex sentences

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 Handy tips for this lesson
View the lesson in slide show mode to use the buttons:
• Use the arrows in the top right corner to go to the next or previous
slide.

• Click the home button to go back to the first slide.

• Some slides have audio. Click on the speaker button to listen.

• Some slides may ask you a question. Have a go, then click the
answer button.
 

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 You will need
• Pen and paper or a device.
• The similes from lesson 3.
• The fantasy text from lessons 1 to 4.

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 Learning intention
To understand how to write a complex sentence to state a purpose.

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 Review learning

Plot – the main events in the narrative.

Setting – the time and place (or when or where) of the narrative.
Theme – the main idea or message of a text.

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 Complex sentences
A complex sentence has a main clause and a Clause – grammar
subordinate clause. term that refers to
a happening or
These clauses can be joined by a subordinating state. It usually
conjunction. contains a subject
and a verb group.

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 Complex sentences
The man fell down the stairs because he tripped over the cat.

Main clause Subordinate clause

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 Subordinating conjunctions
(words that can join the main clause and subordinate clause)
Subordinating conjunction examples
after before until
even if when
as since where
because unless while
whether although even though

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 Complex sentences
Complex sentences make connections between ideas by using
subordinating conjunctions that indicate:
• cause and effect (because, since, as, in order to)
   She could not go out to play since it rained.
• time (when, as soon as, before, after, while)
   I went to bed when the sun went down.
• conditions (if, even though, unless).
   You came to visit me even though I was ill.

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 Subordinate clause
The subordinate clause depends on the main clause to make
sense.

In other words…

The subordinate clause can’t stand alone as a sentence – it

needs the main clause to make meaning.

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 An example
We must always be ready for the Main clause – makes meaning on its
own – could be a simple sentence.
lightning strikes of deadly desert
snakes
Subordinating conjunction – links the
if clauses (this indicates a condition).

we are to successfully cross the Subordinate clause – depends on the

desert. main clause to make meaning.

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 Complex sentence check
We must always be ready for the lightning strikes of deadly desert
snakes if we are to successfully cross the desert.

or

If we are to successfully cross the desert, we must always be ready

for the lightning strikes of deadly desert snakes.

Does the sentence still have the same meaning?

 

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 Complex sentence check
We must always be ready for the lightning strikes of deadly desert
snakes if we are to successfully cross the desert. 

or

If we are to successfully cross the desert, we must always be ready

for the lightning strikes of deadly desert snakes. 

   
 

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 Now it’s your turn
Can you identify the main clause?
Main clause – makes meaning on its
Take care not to fall into the own – could be a simple sentence.
whispering abyss

Subordinating conjunction – when

unless changing the order of this complex
sentence you may need to choose a
different subordinating conjunction.

you want a fright of dracula bats Subordinate clause – depends on the

main clause to make meaning.
to drink you dry before you reach
the bottom.
 

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 Can you change the order of the clauses in this
complex sentence?
Take care not to fall into the
whispering abyss

unless

you want a fright of dracula bats

to drink you dry before you reach
the bottom.
 

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 Answer
Unless you want a fright of dracula
bats to drink you dry before you
reach the bottom, take care not to
fall into the whispering abyss.
Source: Pixabay

Note: the subordinate clause has moved

to the beginning of the sentence.
 

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 Now it’s your turn
Write 3 complex sentences about the characters in Remember to
the story. use a
Think about evidence from the book. subordinating
conjunction
The similes you wrote in lesson 3 could be used as
main clauses.

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 An example
Main clause – makes meaning on its
The boy was as brave as a lion own – could be a simple sentence.

even though Subordinating conjunction – links the

clauses.

he had to cross a whispering Subordinate clause – depends on the

main clause to make meaning.
abyss with vampire bats ready to
drink his blood.
 

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 Another example
The knight was determined to Main clause – makes meaning on its
own – could be a simple sentence.
complete the quest

Subordinating conjunction – links the

[although clauses.

he did not understand where the Subordinate clause – depends on the

last dragon was hiding. main clause to make meaning.

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 Writing complex sentences

The boy showed great bravery as … 

He was frightened even though …
The knight was strong and noble although …
The dragon seemed dangerous until …
The boy showed he is adventurous unless ...
We learn the boy is brave when ...
 

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 Writing complex sentences
Remember — complex sentences make connections between ideas.
Words which can begin the dependent clause include these subordinating
conjunctions.  
  Subordinating conjunction examples
after before until
in order to if when
as since where
because unless while
whether although even though

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 Daily reading routine

1. Choose something to read.

2. Find a quiet, comfortable space to read.
3. Read for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Have a chat about what you read with someone else.

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