For an advanced-beginner level ESL class.

1. Three Sentence Types
Level 1 Composition
Fall 2013
Jessica Montgomerie

3. 1. Simple Sentence
A simple sentence – or independent clause—
contains at least one subject and one verb.
Copy these examples:
 She is a teacher.
 After lunch, she plans her lessons for the
next day.
Find the subject and the verb.

4. 1. Simple Sentence
A simple sentence – or independent clause—
contains at least one subject and one verb.
• She is a teacher.
• After lunch, she plans her lessons for the next
day.

5. Compound subjects, verbs, or objects:
Copy these examples:
• My husband and I drink coffee in the
afternoon.
• My husband and I drink coffee and eat dates in
the afternoon.
• Do you prefer coffee or tea?

6. Compound subjects, verbs, or objects:
• My husband and I drink coffee in the
afternoon.
• My husband and I drink coffee and eat dates in
the afternoon.
• Do you prefer coffee or tea?

7. 2. Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is two simple
sentences (independent clauses) combined
with a conjunction.
Which words are conjunctions?

9. 3. Complex Sentence
A complex sentence contains two
clauses: the main, independent
clause and a weaker, dependent
clause.

10. Independent Clause
• This is the main part of the sentence.
• It can stand by itself– it is a complete idea.

11. Dependent Clause
• Begins with a subordinator (because, when,
before, after)
• Gives me more information about the main
clause
• Tells me the time or reason

12. Complex Sentences
Copy these examples:
 When I wake up, I eat breakfast first.
 Then I like to sit and drink coffee while I
check Facebook.
Underline the
dependent clause.

13. Complex Sentences
Underline the
dependent clause.
• When I wake up, I eat breakfast first.
• Then I like to sit and drink coffee while I
check Facebook.

14. Complex Sentences
Copy these examples:
After I finish my coffee, I take a shower and
get dressed.
 I usually hurry to get ready because I waste
too much time on the internet.
Underline the
dependent clause.

15. Complex Sentences
Underline the
dependent clause.
• After I finish my coffee, I take a shower and
get dressed.
• I usually hurry to get ready because I waste
too much time on the internet.

16. Practice
1. Complete the sentences with because:
– You need to buy a warm coat…
– She can’t buy a car…
– I came to the U.S. to study…
2. Write your own sentences using because.