Period 7 – Complex Sentences

📘 Period 7 – Complex Sentences

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define a complex sentence.

2. Identify independent and dependent (subordinate) clauses.

3. Use subordinating conjunctions correctly.

4. Write grammatically correct complex sentences.

5. Differentiate complex sentences from simple and compound sentences.

6. Practice speaking and writing complex sentences fluently.

📖 Introduction: What is a Complex Sentence? (10–12 minutes)

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause.

Key Features:

• Independent clause expresses a complete thought.

• Dependent clause cannot stand alone and begins with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.

• Shows cause-effect, contrast, condition, time, reason, or purpose.

Subordinating Conjunctions: because, although, if, when, while, since, unless, after, before, until, as
Relative Pronouns: who, which, that, whom, whose

Examples:

• I stayed at home because it was raining.

• Although she was tired, she finished her homework.

• He didn’t come to school since he was sick.

Importance in Communication:

• Makes writing and speaking more precise and expressive.

• Used in essays, letters, stories, and reports.

• Connects ideas logically and shows relationships between actions or events.

🔎 Structure and Formation of Complex Sentences (10 minutes)

1. Subordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause + Dependent Clause

• Example: Because it was raining, I stayed at home.

2. Independent Clause + Subordinating Conjunction + Dependent Clause

• Example: I stayed at home because it was raining.

3. Using Relative Pronouns

• Example: The book that I bought is very interesting.

• Example: The girl who is singing is my sister.

✅ Examples of Complex Sentences (30 examples)

Using “Because” (1–5):

1. I couldn’t attend the party because I was sick.

2. She failed the exam because she didn’t study.

3. We stayed inside because it was raining.

4. He is late because he missed the bus.

5. They were happy because they passed the test.

Using “Although / Though / Even though” (6–10):
6. Although it was raining, we went out.
7. She smiled even though she was tired.
8. Although he is rich, he is humble.
9. I enjoyed the movie though it was long.
10. Though the task was difficult, he completed it.

Using “If / Unless” (11–15):
11. I will call you if I reach home early.
12. You cannot go outside unless you finish your homework.
13. If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic.
14. He will pass if he studies hard.
15. I will help you if you ask politely.

Using “When / While / After / Before / Until / Since” (16–25):
16. I was reading when the phone rang.
17. She cooked dinner while listening to music.
18. After he finished his work, he went to sleep.
19. Before you leave, please turn off the lights.
20. We waited until the bus arrived.
21. Since she moved here, she has been very happy.
22. I fell asleep while watching TV.
23. He called me after he reached home.
24. I was reading a book when he arrived.
25. Before she came, I had finished my homework.

Using Relative Pronouns (26–30):
26. The boy who is standing there is my brother.
27. The book that I borrowed is interesting.
28. The teacher whom I respect most is Mr. Rahman.
29. The house whose roof is red belongs to my uncle.
30. The movie which we watched yesterday was exciting.

🗣 Speaking Practice – Mini Activities (10 minutes)

Activity 1 – Clause Identification:

• Teacher reads a sentence; students identify independent and dependent clauses.

  • Example: Although it was raining, we went out. → Independent: we went out | Dependent: Although it was raining

Activity 2 – Subordinating Conjunction Drill:

• Students form sentences using given subordinating conjunctions:

  • because, although, if, when, while, after, before

Activity 3 – Pair Practice:

• Each student gives an idea; partner converts it into a complex sentence.

  • Ideas: “I was tired. I completed my homework.” → “Although I was tired, I completed my homework.”

📝 Class Exercises (10–15 minutes)

Task 1 – Identify Complex Sentences

Which of the following are complex sentences?

1. I went to school.

2. I went to school because I had an exam.

3. She is singing, and he is dancing.

4. Although he was tired, he continued working.

5. The dog barks.
   (Answer: 2, 4)

Task 2 – Combine Sentences Using Subordinating Conjunctions

1. I am hungry. I will eat. → “I will eat because I am hungry.”

2. She was tired. She cleaned her room. → “Although she was tired, she cleaned her room.”

3. He studies hard. He will pass the test. → “If he studies hard, he will pass the test.”

4. I missed the bus. I was late for school. → “Because I missed the bus, I was late for school.”

5. I cannot leave. You do not finish your work. → “You cannot leave until you finish your work.”

Task 3 – Speaking Practice

• In pairs, students create 5 complex sentences about their daily routine, using subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns.

📚 Board Work for Teacher

1. Definition of complex sentence.

2. Show independent vs dependent clauses.

3. List common subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns.

4. Provide 10 examples on board for reference.

5. Demonstrate difference between compound and complex sentences.

📘 Homework

1. Write 10 complex sentences using “because.”

2. Write 5 complex sentences using “although / though / even though.”

3. Write 5 complex sentences using relative pronouns.

4. Identify complex sentences in a newspaper, storybook, or textbook.

5. Practice reading 10 complex sentences aloud in class.

✅ Recap (5 minutes)

• Complex sentences combine one independent clause with one or more dependent clauses.

• Use subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns to connect clauses.

• Express cause-effect, contrast, time, condition, reason, or description.

• Regular practice improves writing, speaking, and comprehension.