Complex Sentences and Paragraphs

Name:

Date:

📝 Part 1: Building Complex Sentences

Remember: A complex sentence has a main clause AND a subordinate clause joined by words like: because, although, when, if, since, while, after, before

1. Circle the connecting word in each complex sentence:

a) I stayed inside because it was raining heavily.

b) Although she was tired, Sarah finished her homework.

c) We'll go to the park when the weather improves.

2. Complete these complex sentences by adding a subordinate clause:

a) The dog barked loudly because _________________________________

b) Although it was expensive, ___________________________________

c) I will help you with your project when _________________________

3. Join these simple sentences using the connecting word in brackets:

a) The match was cancelled. It was snowing. (because)

b) Tom studied hard. He was worried about the exam. (although)

4. Which sentence is a complex sentence? Circle your answer:

The cat sat on the mat and purred loudly.

Since it was getting dark, we decided to go home.

Sarah likes football but prefers tennis.

📖 Part 2: Paragraph Structure

Remember: A good paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and stays focused on one main idea.

5. Read this paragraph and answer the questions:

Our school trip to the Natural History Museum was absolutely brilliant. When we first arrived, the enormous dinosaur skeleton in the main hall took our breath away. Although the museum was crowded, we managed to see all the exhibits because our teacher had planned our route carefully. The highlight was definitely the earthquake simulator, which made us feel like we were experiencing a real earthquake.

a) What is the main topic of this paragraph? ________________________

b) Circle the topic sentence in the paragraph above.

c) How many complex sentences can you find? ______

6. Write a paragraph about your favourite hobby using the structure below. Include at least TWO complex sentences.

Topic sentence: My favourite hobby is _________________ because _________________

✍️ Part 3: Creative Writing Challenge

7. Write two paragraphs about "A Day I'll Never Forget" using the sentence starters provided. Each paragraph should contain at least one complex sentence.

Paragraph 1 - What happened:

Sentence starter: It all began when...

Paragraph 2 - How you felt:

Sentence starter: Although I was nervous at first...

8. Self-check: Tick the boxes when you've checked your writing:

I have used at least two complex sentences

Each paragraph focuses on one main idea

I have checked my spelling and punctuation

My writing makes sense and flows well