Eal Grammar
Uploaded by
Chiara Irene Thea CappellinaEal Grammar
Uploaded by
Chiara Irene Thea CappellinaKey Stage 3
National Strategy
Grammar for writing:
supporting pupils learning EAL
Department for Education and Skills
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
Westminster
London
SW1P 3BT
Ref: DfES 0581/2002
Crown copyright 2002
Produced by the Department for Education and Skills
Extracts from this document may be reproduced
for non-commercial or training purposes on the
condition that the source is acknowledged
CPM 10/02
www.dfes.gov.uk
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/keystage3
Key Stage 3
National Strategy
Grammar for writing:
supporting pupils
learning EAL
Guidance
Curriculum, Examination
& Assessment
English Consultants
and EAL Coordinators
Status: Recommended
Date of issue: 11/02
Ref: DfES 0581/2002
Grammar for writing: supporting
pupils learning EAL
All contents of this folder are available on the DfES Key Stage 3 website:
http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/keystage3/
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
Contents
Acknowledgements
Aims
Pre-course task
Suggested timings
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
Session 6
Appendix
Introduction
OHTs 1.11.14
16
Handout 1.1
30
Text cohesion
31
OHTs 2.12.9
40
Handouts 2.12.5
49
Sentence construction and subordination
55
OHTs 3.13.7
61
Handouts 3.13.3
68
Word choice and modification
71
OHTs 4.14.11
77
Handouts 4.14.3
88
Assessing pupils writing and teaching grammar in context
91
OHT 5.1
93
Handouts 5.15.6
94
Post-course tasks and evaluation
103
OHTs 6.16.2
104
Handouts 6.16.2
106
Key grammatical terms with examples
109
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the following for their helpful advice and use of materials:
Professor Richard Hudson
Dr Lynne Cameron (University of Leeds)
NALDIC Committee members
Pupils learning EAL and their teachers from schools in the following LEAs: Barking and
Dagenham, Camden, Greenwich, Rotherham and Tower Hamlets.
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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Aims
To update Ethnic Minority Achievement (EMA) teachers on the approaches to
teaching grammar in Key Stage 3, including current terminology.
To consider how focused teaching of grammar can improve the writing of pupils
learning English as an additional language (EAL).
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
Pre-course task
Estimated time to complete task:
30 minutes
Participants will need to gather the following information in preparation for the course and
to bring it with them, as it will be used during the training (session 5).
Six to eight samples of extended writing from pupils learning EAL who are working
at NC Levels 3 and 4, in Years 7, 8 and 9.
Several medium-term plans for English, mapped against the Framework
objectives.
Note to tutors
This pre-course task will need to be sent to course participants approximately two weeks
prior to the training.
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
Suggested timings
Pre-course task:
30 minutes
9:00
Coffee/arrival
9:15
Session 1
Introduction
10:00
Session 2
Text cohesion
11:00
Coffee
11:30
Session 3
Sentence construction and subordination
12:10
Session 4
Word choice and modification
12:45
Lunch
1:45
Session 5
2:45
Tea
3:00
Session 6
3:30
Close of day
Assessing pupils writing and teaching grammar
in context
Post-course task and evaluation
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
Introduction
45 minutes
Resources
OHTs 1.11.14
Handout 1.1
One whiteboard per participant
Timing
1.1
Grammar: a focus on pupils learning EAL
10 minutes
1.2
Grammars: what is distinctive about the writing of
pupils learning EAL?
10 minutes
1.3
A shared terminology: word classes in English
20 minutes
1.4
So why teach grammar? A summary
5 minutes
1.1 Grammar: a focus on pupils learning EAL
10 minutes
Begin the session by displaying OHT 1.1, which states the aims of session 1.
OHT 1.1
Aims
To consider how pupils learning EAL may benefit from a focus on
English grammar.
To make a case for use of a common terminology.
To explain the structure and organisation of the following sessions.
Next show OHT 1.2.
OHT 1.2
Why teach grammar?
freedom
control
choice
focused critical reading
effective speaking and listening
Make the following points:
An understanding of English grammar will support pupils as readers and writers.
Draw attention to how writers (and speakers) use language to influence us as
readers, and that this is vital for critical reading of texts.
Point out that it will help pupils to create the effects they want as writers and
speakers.
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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OHT 1.3
State that these notions are not new. Display OHT 1.3 and ask participants whether they
recognise the following extract. Make sure that the source, at the bottom of the OHT, is
covered at first.
Grammar is a means of enabling pupils to devote more control and choice in
their use of language. The more we know about grammar, the better equipped
we are to:
draw attention to how writers use language to influence us as speakers
and readers
help pupils use language to create the effects they want in speaking and
writing.
We all have knowledge about grammar, but it is useful to review our
knowledge and understanding to establish consistency and to fill in gaps.
At Key Stage 3, grammar is primarily a means of ensuring that pupils become
more skilful and confident in their use of language, and particularly in writing.
The end should be writing which is committed, vigorous, honest and
interesting ... All good classroom practice will be geared to encouraging and
fostering these vital qualities.
English for ages 516 (Cox Report), 1989
Additional points to make
Learning grammar will:
help pupils to transfer and compare their understanding of grammars from their
other languages, when learning how grammar works in writing in English
extend pupils choices and freedom to express themselves powerfully as writers
develop use of English for academic purposes to raise attainment of able pupils
learning EAL who may be otherwise hindered by their lack of English grammatical
knowledge
develop pupils written repertoire beyond social everyday informal retelling, into
curriculum genres of explanation, argument and critical analysis.
1.2 Grammars: what is distinctive about
the writing of pupils learning EAL?
10 minutes
Now refer to the samples of pupils written work brought by participants as part of the
pre-course task. Say they will use them later in the day, in session 5.
Acknowledge that the writing of pupils learning EAL will show many of the same problems
as that of native English-speaking pupils. For example, both groups may demonstrate
limited use of paragraphs and poor punctuation or spelling.
Explain that the challenge for teachers is to acknowledge important differences in the
nature of problems with sentence grammar, in order to help pupils learning EAL to
demonstrate their capabilities and reflect their thinking and ideas effectively.
State that not every single aspect of grammar is covered in this training: the focus is on
the teaching points that are likely to move pupils writing forwards.
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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Display OHT 1.4.
OHT 1.4
Common weaknesses and errors in writing by EAL learners
Text cohesion
verb tense forms
pronoun ambiguity
use of connectives
Sentence construction (subordination)
subject-verb agreement
word order
lack of subordination
Word choice
modification
use of prepositions
use of determiners
Additional points to make
Compared to native English users, pupils learning EAL lack extensive experience
of using and hearing English.
However, they bring previous language learning and experience to the process of
learning English.
The particular rate and sequence of learning will depend on many factors:
prior knowledge
explicit teaching
the context and motivation to learn
opportunities to practise.
Now display OHT 1.5, which outlines the knowledge and expertise that pupils learning
EAL have.
OHT 1.5
What pupils learning EAL bring to the process
They will bring:
knowledge of fluent talk in their first language(s)
commitment and purpose
openness to all kinds of new input
understanding that languages and grammars differ
sometimes, written knowledge of other languages.
In addition, pupils learning EAL are likely to develop a greater knowledge and
understanding of grammars and how they work than their monolingual peers.
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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Task: Supportive features of the KS3 Strategy
Ask participants to discuss briefly in pairs what features of the KS3 Strategy are already
supportive to pupils learning EAL. Allow 1 or 2 minutes, then take brief feedback. Display
OHT 1.6 which lists the features.
OHT 1.6
Common features in all strands of the KS3 Strategy
Structured lessons draw in pupils from the start.
Active and engaging tasks which encourage all pupils to participate.
Teaching and learning strategies that are active and oral.
An emphasis on short-term planning includes planning for input and
support from other adults in the classroom to ensure learning
opportunities are maximised.
Subject-specific language skills and conventions of particular forms of
writing are made explicit and demonstrated by the teacher.
Planned opportunities for oral rehearsal in pairs and small groups.
A requirement that pupils apply learning, supported by group work,
before moving to independent activity.
Additional points to make
Teachers can:
use modelling to point out existing or new patterns in grammar and to explain the
conventions of texts
use guided sessions to:
check understanding
encourage use and experimentation with conventions
correct errors and praise success
use assessment for learning to set clear and shared targets for improvement.
1.3 A shared terminology: word classes in English
20 minutes
Begin the session by pointing out the following:
A shared terminology supports conversations between teachers and pupils about
the ways in which the English language works across the key stages.
It engages pupils in discussion about similarities and differences between English
and other languages.
Talking about languages, and their patterns and features, explicitly helps pupils to
a more conscious awareness of how they work.
Pupils will be better able to use features of English as tools for thinking, expressing
and demonstrating their ideas at a personal and academic level.
At this point, refer to the glossary in the Appendix, taken from the English training file
(2001). Explain that the terminology included is used in Key Stages 1 and 2 (and was
introduced in the Grammar for Writing Module), and has also been shared with Key Stage
3 English teachers who have participated in Module 10 of the English training: Sentence
level: grammar for writing.
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Next distribute Handout 1.1 and display OHT 1.7.
OHT 1.7
word
Handout 1.1
noun
N
pronoun
p
determiner
d
adjective preposition
A
p
verb
V
adverb conjunction
Av
c
he
the
big
of
quickly
himself
a/an
sensible
in
soon
his
which
fatal
after
probably
who
this
despite
common
proper
auxiliary
full
hat
John
be
see
coordinating subordinating
and
if
invitation
London
have
start
or
because
hour
Saturday
will
hit
but
after
Give participants a few moments to read the chart and then make the following points:
There are eight word classes (used because it gives a more accurate definition
than parts of speech, as speech also contains phrases and sentences).
Most of the terms used will be familiar; determiner may be known by other labels,
e.g. article (articles are included in determiners, even though they do not serve the
same function).
Most importantly, pupils who have attended primary schools will already be familiar
with some of the terms.
Task: identifying word classes in sentences
Write the sentence below on an OHT/flipchart and ask participants to identify:
two prepositions
a subordinating conjunction
four determiners (the, a, their, the).
The pupils rushed around a corner, as their teacher
appeared in the playground.
Now, distribute whiteboards to participants and ask them to work in pairs. Explain that
their task is to write two or more sentences, each of which contains: a preposition, a
conjunction, a pronoun and an adverb.
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Next, ask participants to underline and label the words using the notation on
Handout 1.1. Allow 5 minutes for the task, and then display OHT 1.8.
OHT 1.8
How did you generate your examples?
How did you decide which class a word belongs to?
How could this knowledge help pupils learning EAL improve their reading
and writing?
How might this be taught?
Take brief feedback, and then display OHT 1.9 to summarise the task.
OHT 1.9
In English, each word class is defined by:
meaning (semantics)
syntax
morphology
word families.
Additional points to make
Each word class is defined by different characteristics:
meaning (semantics): e.g. tie could mean to bind up or an item of clothing
worn at the neck of a shirt
syntax: how a word combines with others; word order in English differs from that
in other languages
morphology: how words are built up of smaller meaningful parts (morphemes):
un-faith-ful; in-fidel-ity
word families: how words link from their etymology (derivation) to make lexical
patterns and different word classes, e.g. word webs: family, familiar, familiarise.
Now display OHT 1.10.
OHT 1.10
Therefore, for each word, we have to decide:
What does it mean?
How does it link with other words?
What job does it do?
Where can it go in a sentence?
12 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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Next, explain that languages do not all have the same structure, for example Finnish does
not have prepositions, and French and Bengali do not have the same word order. This
may present additional problems for pupils learning EAL. Display OHT 1.11, and ask
participants to consider the examples.
OHT 1.11
Some examples of syntax in other languages
Spanish
Diana ha escrito hoy una carta larga
(Diana has written today a letter long)
Diana has written a long letter today (English)
Turkish
Ahmad bu askam lakanta-de ban-a kurmizi kitab-i Verdi
(Ahmad this evening restaurant-in me-to red book-the gave)
Ahmad gave the red book to me at the restaurant this evening (English)
Bengali
Se e-le ami misti am taratari kha-i
(he come-when I sweet mango quickly eat)
When he comes I quickly eat a sweet mango (English)
Additional points to make
Even young pupils already implicitly know word classes because they apply them in
speech, for example, the rules of pluralisation in English. Errors sometimes reflect an
over-generalisation of the rules, for example runned (ran).
Native English-speaking Key Stage 3 pupils are expert users of grammar and rarely use
words of the wrong class, except where this relates to dialect. They may not be sufficiently
explicitly aware to exploit a wider range of language effects in their writing.
Pupils learning EAL need to understand how English grammar works in order to become
effective readers and writers in the target language for learning in the curriculum. Their
writing in English reflects misunderstandings, which in some cases reflect the patterns of
their first languages. Explicit teaching of English grammar will help them to understand it
better.
Many English words can belong to different word classes without a change in form, for
example book (verb or noun).
Words in English are slippery, and their meanings and classes always need to be
considered in the context of their semantic relationships. Words also often have other
subject-specific meanings that differ from their everyday meanings within the Key Stage 3
curriculum. For example bias in history, and bias in textiles, DT.
Task: creating sentences
Finally, divide the participants into two groups. Explain that, working in pairs, group A are
quickly going to compose three sentences using the word bank in three different ways
and, similarly, group B are going to compose three sentences using the word green.
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After a minute or two, take brief feedback, sharing sentences that have been created.
Draw participants attention to the fact that the activity underlines that word meaning is
dependent on context: simply generating words in sentences has limitations.
Therefore, an important teaching strategy is to identify word classes by annotating and
discussing them in the context of a piece of text as well as encouraging pupils to apply
their knowledge in meaningful writing activities.
1.4 So why teach grammar? A summary
5 minutes
OHT 1.12
Begin the session by displaying OHT 1.12.
Grammar is what gives sense to language sentences make words yield up
their meanings. Sentences actively create sense in language and the business
of the study of sentences is the study of grammar.
David Crystal
Point out that a working knowledge of English grammar is important in supporting the
ability to control and vary writing at text, sentence and word level.
Next, explain these categories, stating why they are important:
text: the ability to read and write cohesive chronological and non-chronological
texts (the glue that holds the whole piece together)
sentence: the ability to notice, construct, control, punctuate and vary sentence
types
word: the ability to control, select, spell and vary vocabulary to create impact in
relation to purpose and audience.
To reinforce this, display OHT 1.13, stating that the following three sessions will focus on
these particular areas.
OHT 1.13
The following three sessions focus on:
text cohesion
clause construction and subordination
word modification.
Point out that, since these aspects of writing are particularly problematic for EAL learners,
they will form the focus for the rest of the training session.
Tell participants that examples of the work of pupils learning EAL are given together with
some consideration of what the pupils know and need to learn.
Tell participants that they will have the opportunity to analyse the work they brought, and
to plan specific activities to help pupils learning EAL improve their writing in context
through a better understanding of how aspects of grammar work in English.
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Summarise this session with a reminder of why grammar is important: display OHT 1.14.
OHT 1.14
Tools not rules.
Reading as a writer (increasing critical awareness).
Writing as a reader (awareness of the audience).
Extending pupils authorial choices and freedom as writers.
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OHT 1.1
Aims
To consider how pupils learning EAL may
benefit from a focus on English grammar.
To make a case for use of a common
terminology.
To explain the structure and organisation of
the following sessions.
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OHT 1.2
Why teach grammar?
freedom
control
choice
focused critical reading
effective speaking and listening
17 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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OHT 1.3
Grammar is a means of enabling pupils to devote
more control and choice in their use of language.
The more we know about grammar, the better
equipped we are to:
draw attention to how writers use language to
influence us as speakers and readers
help pupils use language to create the effects
they want in speaking and writing.
We all have knowledge about grammar, but it is
useful to review our knowledge and understanding
to establish consistency and to fill in gaps.
At Key Stage 3, grammar is primarily a means of
ensuring that pupils become more skilful and
confident in their use of language, and particularly
in writing. The end should be writing which is
committed, vigorous, honest and interesting ...
All good classroom practice will be geared to
encouraging and fostering these vital qualities.
English for ages 516 (Cox Report), 1989
18 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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OHT 1.4
Common weaknesses and errors
in writing by EAL learners
Text cohesion
verb tense forms
pronoun ambiguity
use of connectives
Sentence construction (subordination)
subject-verb agreement
word order
lack of subordination
Word choice
modification
use of prepositions
use of determiners
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OHT 1.5
What pupils learning EAL bring
to the process
They will bring:
knowledge of fluent talk in their first
language(s)
commitment and purpose
openness to all kinds of new input
understanding that languages and
grammars differ
sometimes, written knowledge of other
languages.
In addition, pupils learning EAL are likely to develop
a greater knowledge and understanding of
grammars and how they work than their
monolingual peers.
20 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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OHT 1.6
Common features in all strands
of the KS3 Strategy
Structured lessons draw in pupils from
the start.
Active and engaging tasks which encourage all
pupils to participate.
Teaching and learning strategies that are active
and oral.
An emphasis on short-term planning includes
planning for input and support from other
adults in the classroom to ensure learning
opportunities are maximised.
Subject-specific language skills and
conventions of particular forms of writing
are made explicit and demonstrated by
the teacher.
Planned opportunities for oral rehearsal in
pairs and small groups.
A requirement that pupils apply learning,
supported by group work, before moving
to independent activity.
21 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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22 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
John
London
Saturday
hat
invitation
hour
the
a/an
which
this
he
himself
his
who
proper
determiner
d
pronoun
p
common
noun
N
big
sensible
fatal
adjective
A
be
have
will
auxiliary
of
in
after
despite
see
start
hit
full
preposition
p
word
verb
V
and
or
but
coordinating
quickly
soon
probably
adverb
Av
if
because
after
subordinating
conjunction
c
OHT 1.7
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OHT 1.8
How did you generate your examples?
How did you decide which class a word
belongs to?
How could this knowledge help pupils learning
EAL improve their reading and writing?
How might this be taught?
23 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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OHT 1.9
In English, each word class is defined by:
meaning (semantics)
syntax
morphology
word families.
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OHT 1.10
Therefore, for each word, we have to decide:
What does it mean?
How does it link with other words?
What job does it do?
Where can it go in a sentence?
25 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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OHT 1.11
Some examples of syntax in
other languages
Spanish
Diana ha escrito hoy una carta larga
(Diana has written today a letter long)
Diana has written a long letter today (English)
Turkish
Ahmad bu askam lakanta-de ban-a kurmizi
kitab-i Verdi
(Ahmad this evening restaurant-in me-to red bookthe gave)
Ahmad gave the red book to me at the restaurant
this evening (English)
Bengali
Se e-le ami misti am taratari kha-i
(he come-when I sweet mango quickly eat)
When he comes I quickly eat a sweet mango
(English)
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OHT 1.12
Grammar is what gives sense to language
sentences make words yield up their meanings.
Sentences actively create sense in language and
the business of the study of sentences is the study
of grammar.
David Crystal
27 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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OHT 1.13
The following three sessions focus on:
text cohesion
clause construction and subordination
word modification.
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OHT 1.14
Tools not rules.
Reading as a writer (increasing critical
awareness).
Writing as a reader (awareness of the
audience).
Extending pupils authorial choices and
freedom as writers.
29 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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30 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
John
London
Saturday
hat
invitation
hour
the
a/an
which
this
he
himself
his
who
proper
determiner
d
pronoun
p
common
noun
N
big
sensible
fatal
adjective
A
be
have
will
auxiliary
of
in
after
despite
see
start
hit
full
preposition
p
word
verb
V
and
or
but
coordinating
quickly
soon
probably
adverb
Av
if
because
after
subordinating
conjunction
c
Handout 1.1
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Text cohesion
60 minutes
Resources
OHTs 2.12.9
Handouts 2.12.5
Timing
2.1
Talk to writing
10 minutes
2.2
What do good writers do?
10 minutes
2.3
Text cohesion: Asaf
10 minutes
2.4
Cohesion: connectives
10 minutes
2.5
Cohesion: tense
10 minutes
2.6
Reference and ambiguity: use of pronouns
10 minutes
2.1 Talk to writing
10 minutes
Begin the session by displaying OHT 2.1, which states the aims of session 2.
OHT 2.1
Aims
To investigate the differences between spoken and written grammar.
To focus upon the features of cohesion that pupils learning EAL may
find difficult.
Make the following points:
In reading and writing, the grammatical features that require more attention tend to
be those that differ from the patterns occurring in talk. This is true for all pupils.
Spoken and written registers have different conventions and it is helpful to be
aware of these differences and to be explicit about them in teaching English.
It is likely that small inaccuracies in talk will not matter, but these may become
more noticeable in writing as significant errors.
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Next display OHT 2.2 and obscure the text on the right-hand side of the OHT
(When we write).
Handout 2.1
OHT 2.2
Some differences between talk and writing
When we talk
When we write
We make simple links between
ideas by using coordination: and,
but, so.
We use more formal connectives
to structure writing: therefore, as a
consequence, moreover.
Coordination can be overused and
repetitive in writing, becoming the
and then phenomenon.
We shift between tenses, e.g.
using the historic present for
vividness then slipping back to
the past tense.
Shifts of tense have to be skilfully
managed in writing to maintain
consistency and so that the reader
is clear when the action is
occurring.
Shifts in meaning are often
portrayed by gesture, tone of
voice, emphasis, facial expression.
Subordination is used to pack
more pieces of information in and
reorder clauses to make subtle
shifts in meaning clear.
Single adjectives used with nouns.
Modification produces more
elaborate sentences through a
range of devices, giving pupils a
richer writing repertoire from which
to select.
We rely on a shared context
between speaker and listener.
We use more content words and
devices to put ideas together for
conciseness. Texts become
lexically dense.
Sentence and word boundaries
do not always matter.
We organise ideas into words,
sentences and paragraphs. Text
structure and punctuation help to
order ideas and readability.
Task: When we write
Distribute Handout 2.1.
Ask participants to work in pairs and to list what should be in the writing column of the
Handout in comparison with speaking and listening.
Take very brief feedback, and debrief by revealing the whole of OHT 2.2.
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2.2 What do good writers do?
10 minutes
Begin this session by displaying OHT 2.3.
OHT 2.3
What do good writers do?
Hear a voice in their head relating to the audience, purpose and register of
the writing.
Gather ideas relating to purpose, audience and genre.
Rehearse sentences out loud before committing them to paper.
Reread what they have written to cue into the next sentence.
Reread to check flow and continuity.
Read back sentences to see if they sound right.
Try alternatives.
Punctuate while writing.
State that we need to make these processes explicit to pupils by talking them through the
in the head processes. In order to help with this, the following sequence is suggested:
display OHT 2.4.
OHT 2.4
A teaching sequence for writing
Explore the objective: use good examples of texts.
Define the conventions.
Demonstrate how it is written.
Share the composition: develop an explicit dialogue with the class about
the choices a writer can make but which are usually silent and hidden.
Scaffold first attempts.
Additional points to make
Freedom through use of structures and techniques gives a writer choices with
which to be creative.
This is also a learning sequence it is active and investigative.
It moves from dependence to independence through support and investigation.
The sequence will need to be repeated many times before pupils are able to apply
it independently.
Writing should bridge from reading: explicit teaching needs to be linked to texts
and effects.
Use the agreed terminology and build on pupils prior experience and knowledge
of their other languages. Pupils learning EAL will need to hear examples and use
the new language in oral rehearsal.
The pupils will be able to watch and contribute to the process while you write or
annotate: mistakes and experimentation can be shown as part of the
development.
Scaffolds should be appropriate for the purpose and be removed as early
as possible.
33 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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2.3 Text cohesion: Asaf
10 minutes
Display OHT 2.5 and distribute Handout 2.2. The following story, entitled The ice planet
Hoth, was written by Asaf in Year 7 as part of an English assignment on fantasy fiction.
Asaf has been learning in English for five years and was assessed as an overall level 4 at
the end of Year 6 in national tests, although his writing is still at level 3. He speaks Sylheti
but does not read or write in Bengali.
Handout 2.2
OHT 2.5
Asaf, Year 7
The cave is scary and dark. In the cave there
is a monster starving in hunger. He decided to
go and look for food so he went outside and
he saw a boy with an animals. he went behind
the boy and bang! he was lying on the ice cold
floor. The monster dragged the boy and his
animal along the floor and he took him into
the cave and hung the boy upside down.
Working in pairs, ask participants to spend 2 minutes considering this piece of writing, and
discussing what Asaf already knows and can do.
2.4 Cohesion: connectives
10 minutes
Take feedback, ensuring the following points are covered.
What Asaf already knows
how to make longer compound sentences which have two or more clauses and
are joined together
how to make writing more varied and interesting by starting a sentence with a
preposition.
What Asaf may not know
how to use connectives
how to create complex and subordinate sentences.
Additional points to make
Connectives:
are words or phrases whose main function is to link clauses semantically
are vital in organising written texts and allow relationships between ideas to be
expressed
act as an important signal to the reader as texts become more complex
depend on the purpose for the piece of writing.
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For example, writing might be linked by:
time (first, next, then, after, finally)
cause (because, as a result of, in order to, if, unless, so, therefore)
contrast (on the other hand, whereas).
There are two types: conjunctions and connecting adverbs.
Next display OHT 2.6, which explains the differences.
OHT 2.6
Connectives
Conjunctions
I had tea and then I did my homework.
coordination
I had tea before I did my homework.
subordination
After I had tea I did my homework.
subordination
Connecting adverbs
I had tea. Finally I did my homework.
Additional points to make
English has a large number of adverbials (the term used for all connecting adverbs
and phrases). Their use and meaning vary according to the purpose and context
for writing. Explicit teaching of these to pupils in particular contexts for writing is
likely to be very helpful to clarify differences in meaning.
Conjunctions link clauses by coordination and subordination to make them part of
the same sentence.
They are used to show semantic relationships or to link to information given in
earlier clauses and sentences.
Connecting adverbs include some phrases introduced by prepositions, e.g. as a
result, at first, in fact.
Connectives are particularly important in signalling non-chronological writing
where there are no obvious ordering principles.
Finally, ask participants to look at Handout 2.3, which is from Module 3, Writing Style, in
the Literacy across the curriculum training file (2001).
35 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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Handout 2.3
Connectives as signposts
Adding
Cause and effect
and
because
also
so
as well as
therefore
moreover
thus
too
consequently
Sequencing
Qualifying
next
however
then
although
first, second, third ...
unless
finally
except
meanwhile
if
after
as long as
apart from
yet
Emphasising
Illustrating
above all
for example
in particular
such as
especially
for instance
significantly
as revealed by
indeed
in the case of
notably
Comparing
Contrasting
equally
whereas
in the same way
instead of
similarly
alternatively
likewise
otherwise
as with
unlike
like
on the other hand
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2.5 Cohesion: tense
10 minutes
Display OHT 2.7. This piece of writing, entitled If my dog disappeared ..., was written by
Meena in Year 7, as part of an English assignment called What if .... Meena has been
learning English for three years.
Handout 2.4
OHT 2.7
Meena, Year 7
If my dog disappeared I ran to the police if I didnt
have an telephone box to find. And would had
searched with them all day long. If I still didnt find
the dog I would had wrote an advertisement about
the dog. Saying a Labrador has been missing and
have to be found. But the main thing is I am really worried about the dog ...
I was calling his name were I could not see him no
longer
... when they heard there dog is in a crash they
were really scared and worried ... Maybe also they
think that he crash because it was there fault. But
they feel depressing.
Distribute Handout 2.4. Ask participants to underline the verbs in the text, in pairs, and to
discuss how well tense is used. Remind participants that one of the most important
functions of the verb in English is to indicate the relationships between the time of different
actions and situations in the text. Allow a few minutes for this.
What Meena already knows about tense
that tense can be used in differing ways to construct a consistent meaning
a bit about modal verbs she uses the subordinator if and modal would
appropriately
that grammatical features should be related to function, effect and meaning.
Her implicit knowledge should be acknowledged and used as a positive base from which
to develop more explicit awareness and control of English. Some individual explicit
feedback may be helpful in highlighting over-generalisations.
What Meena may not know about tense
it usually has some consistency
that in the hypothetical past tense, the auxiliary verb have is used with the modal
would (If I would have ) but does not change form.
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Getting modality right is a sophisticated task, i.e. it does not change to had:
I would have gone running
I would have searched
I would have written
I would have been worried
Next display OHT 2.8, which explains what EAL learners need to know about verbs.
OHT 2.8
Verbs
An EAL learner needs to know:
what verb inflections there are (finite, non-finite and finer distinctions)
how to form them
how to combine auxiliary verbs with others to form verb chains
how to use inflected verbs and verb chains to express different meanings.
2.6 Reference and ambiguity: use of pronouns
10 minutes
Display OHT 2.5 again. Highlight the pronouns in the following sentence.
from Handout 2.2/OHT 2.5
so he went outside and he saw a boy with an
animals. he went behind the boy and bang! he
was lying on the ice cold floor.
Ask participants to consider, for a few moments, what Asaf already knows about
pronouns. After a few moments, take feedback, stating that:
Asaf knows that he is singular, masculine and needs to be used instead of
repeating the subject nouns boy and monster.
However, what Asaf may not yet know, is that:
ambiguity is created when two similar pronouns in this case he are used
closely together. There are two males here the monster and boy. In Asafs last
sentence, the reader is not clear who is being referred to.
Now distribute Handout 2.5 and ask participants to skim read the review, and then to
spend 5 minutes underlining all the reference words (it, his, him, this, etc.) and track them
to the words to which each belongs. Ask them to consider:
how the writer avoids overuse of nouns such as film
how this sort of activity could be used to draw pupils attention to the ways in
which referencing works.
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Handout 2.5
Film review: The Lord of the Rings
Since it was released just before Christmas, many have claimed that Peter
Jacksons The Fellowship of the Ring is the best fantasy epic in motion
picture history. This is an ambitious claim, especially as it is only the first
instalment of a trilogy that will not see its final part released until just before
Christmas 2003.
Despite the fact that the opening part of Tolkiens epic quest is over three
hours long, this will not deter the fantasy addict who will be likely to leave the
cinema eagerly awaiting the next episode.
Jackson is a filmmaker with an extraordinary ability to mix computer-generated
images from his vivid imagination with brilliant acting from a fine ensemble
of star names. There are moments of sheer brilliance like the one where the
city of Isengard is transformed into a Hieronymus Bosch-like factory of evil
and the traumatic encounter with Balrog deep in the caves of Moria. His
screenplay remains true enough to the original text to satisfy Tolkien purists
whilst managing to correct some of the weaknesses in the original story. In
fact, this version manages to convey the great sweep of the mammoth journey
undertaken by the Fellowship (with New Zealands stunning scenery another
star performer) as well as interesting us in the personal relationships that
develop among the disparate band of intrepid explorers.
Take very brief feedback. Points to bring out:
Use of pronoun reference is varied and avoids repetition.
Shared and/or guided reading of a text such as this could help pupils learning EAL
understand how to avoid ambiguity in their writing.
Explain that participants will have the opportunity to reflect upon this and other strategies
for teaching grammar during the afternoon planning session.
End the session by displaying OHT 2.9, which offers some teaching tips for improving
pupils text cohesion. Explain that these should always be taught in context and that there
will be more on teaching strategies and when to use them in session 5.
OHT 2.9
Tips for teaching cohesion
Design a card sort activity involving grouping connectives for meaning,
then using them in sentences.
Use a timeline to demonstrate positioning of verb tenses.
Lead a shared reading of a text with inconsistent tense usage, to foster a
does it sound right? approach.
Use ambiguous sentences from pupils writing in a shared writing
session.
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OHT 2.1
Aims
To investigate the differences between spoken
and written grammar.
To focus upon the features of cohesion that
pupils learning EAL may find difficult.
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OHT 2.2
Some differences between talk
and writing
When we talk
When we write
We make simple links between
We use more formal connectives
ideas by using coordination: and,
to structure writing: therefore, as a
but, so.
consequence, moreover.
Coordination can be overused and
repetitive in writing, becoming the
and then phenomenon.
We shift between tenses, e.g.
Shifts of tense have to be skilfully
using the historic present for
managed in writing to maintain
vividness then slipping back to
consistency and so that the reader
the past tense.
is clear when the action is
occurring.
Shifts in meaning are often
Subordination is used to pack
portrayed by gesture, tone of
more pieces of information in and
voice, emphasis, facial expression.
reorder clauses to make subtle
shifts in meaning clear.
Single adjectives used with nouns.
Modification produces more
elaborate sentences through a
range of devices, giving pupils a
richer writing repertoire from which
to select.
We rely on a shared context
We use more content words and
between speaker and listener.
devices to put ideas together for
conciseness. Texts become
lexically dense.
Sentence and word boundaries
We organise ideas into words,
do not always matter.
sentences and paragraphs. Text
structure and punctuation help to
order ideas and readability.
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OHT 2.3
What do good writers do?
Hear a voice in their head relating to the
audience, purpose and register of the writing.
Gather ideas relating to purpose, audience
and genre.
Rehearse sentences out loud before
committing them to paper.
Reread what they have written to cue into
the next sentence.
Reread to check flow and continuity.
Read back sentences to see if they
sound right.
Try alternatives.
Punctuate while writing.
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OHT 2.4
A teaching sequence for writing
Explore the objective: use good examples
of texts.
Define the conventions.
Demonstrate how it is written.
Share the composition: develop an explicit
dialogue with the class about the choices a
writer can make but which are usually silent
and hidden.
Scaffold first attempts.
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OHT 2.5
Asaf, Year 7
The cave is scary and dark. In the cave there
is a monster starving in hunger. He decided
to go and look for food so he went outside
and he saw a boy with an animals. he went
behind the boy and bang! he was lying on
the ice cold floor. The monster dragged the
boy and his animal along the floor and he
took him into the cave and hung the boy
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OHT 2.6
Connectives
Conjunctions
I had tea and then
I did my homework.
coordination
I had tea before
I did my homework.
subordination
After I had tea
I did my homework.
subordination
Connecting adverbs
I had tea. Finally I did my homework.
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OHT 2.7
Meena, Year 7
If my dog disappeared I ran to the police if I
didnt have an telephone box to find. And
would had searched with them all day long. If
I still didnt find the dog I would had wrote
an advertisement about the dog. Saying a
Labrador has been missing and have to be
found. But the main thing is I am -really
worried about the dog ...
I was calling his name were I could not see
him no longer
... when they heard there dog is in a crash
they were really scared and worried ... Maybe
also they think that he crash because it was
there fault. But they feel depressing.
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OHT 2.8
Verbs
An EAL learner needs to know:
what verb inflections there are (finite, non-finite
and finer distinctions)
how to form them
how to combine auxiliary verbs with others to
form verb chains
how to use inflected verbs and verb chains to
express different meanings.
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OHT 2.9
Tips for teaching cohesion
Design a card sort activity involving grouping
connectives for meaning, then using them in
sentences.
Use a timeline to demonstrate positioning of
verb tenses.
Lead a shared reading of a text with
inconsistent tense usage, to foster a
does it sound right? approach.
Use ambiguous sentences from pupils
writing in a shared writing session.
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Handout 2.1
Some differences between talk and writing
When we talk
When we write
We make simple links between
ideas by using coordination: and,
but, so.
We use more formal connectives
to structure writing: therefore, as a
consequence, moreover.
Coordination can be overused and
repetitive in writing, becoming the
and then phenomenon.
We shift between tenses, e.g.
using the historic present for
vividness then slipping back to
the past tense.
Shifts in meaning are often
portrayed by gesture, tone of
voice, emphasis, facial expression.
Single adjectives used with nouns.
We rely on a shared context
between speaker and listener.
Sentence and word boundaries
do not always matter.
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Handout 2.2
Asaf, Year 7
The cave is scary and dark. In the cave there
is a monster starving in hunger. He decided
to go and look for food so he went outside
and he saw a boy with an animals. he went
behind the boy and bang! he was lying on
the ice cold floor. The monster dragged the
boy and his animal along the floor and he
took him into the cave and hung the boy
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Handout 2.3
Connectives as signposts
Adding
and
also
as well as
moreover
too
Cause and effect
because
so
therefore
thus
consequently
Sequencing
next
then
first, second, third ...
finally
meanwhile
after
Qualifying
however
although
unless
except
if
as long as
apart from
yet
Emphasising
above all
in particular
especially
significantly
indeed
notably
Illustrating
for example
such as
for instance
as revealed by
in the case of
Comparing
equally
in the same way
similarly
likewise
as with
like
Contrasting
whereas
instead of
alternatively
otherwise
unlike
on the other hand
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Handout 2.4
Meena, Year 7
If my dog disappeared I ran to the police if I
didnt have an telephone box to find. And
would had searched with them all day long. If
I still didnt find the dog I would had wrote
an advertisement about the dog. Saying a
Labrador has been missing and have to be
found. But the main thing is I am -really
worried about the dog ...
I was calling his name were I could not see
him no longer
... when they heard there dog is in a crash
they were really scared and worried ... Maybe
also they think that he crash because it was
there fault. But they feel depressing.
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Handout 2.5
Film review:
The Lord of the Rings
Since it was released just before Christmas, many have
claimed that Peter Jacksons The Fellowship of the Ring
is the best fantasy epic in motion picture history. This is an
ambitious claim, especially as it is only the first instalment
of a trilogy that will not see its final part released until just
before Christmas 2003.
Despite the fact that the opening part of Tolkiens epic
quest is over three hours long, this will not deter the
fantasy addict who will be likely to leave the cinema
eagerly awaiting the next episode.
Jackson is a filmmaker with an extraordinary ability to mix
computer-generated images from his vivid imagination with
brilliant acting from a fine ensemble of star names. There
are moments of sheer brilliance like the one where the city
of Isengard is transformed into a Hieronymus Bosch-like
factory of evil and the traumatic encounter with Balrog
deep in the caves of Moria. His screenplay remains true
enough to the original text to satisfy Tolkien purists whilst
managing to correct some of the weaknesses in the
original story. In fact, this version manages to convey the
great sweep of the mammoth journey undertaken by the
Fellowship (with New Zealands stunning scenery another
star performer) as well as interesting us in the personal
relationships that develop among the disparate band of
intrepid explorers.
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54 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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Sentence construction and subordination
40 minutes
Resources
OHTs 3.13.7
Handouts 3.13.3
OHT 2.5/Handout 2.2 from previous session
Timing
3.1
Coordination and EAL learners
10 minutes
3.2
Subordinate clauses and EAL learners
15 minutes
3.3
Subject, object and complement
15 minutes
3.1 Coordination and EAL learners
10 minutes
Begin the session by displaying OHT 3.1, which states the aims of session 3.
OHT 3.1
Aims
To develop knowledge of sentence coordination and subordination.
To apply this knowledge to teaching pupils learning EAL.
Point out that, as we have seen, good writers need a rich repertoire of sentence structures
to call upon in writing powerfully for effect. They are able to control a variety of ways to
express their ideas coherently for different purposes and audiences.
Refer participants to Handout 2.2 and display OHT 2.5 again, this time highlighting the
words underlined.
Handout 2.2
OHT 2.5
Asaf, Year 7
The cave is scary and dark. In the cave there is a
monster starving in hunger. He decided to go and
look for food so he went outside and he saw a boy
with an animals. he went behind the boy and bang!
he was lying on the ice cold floor. The monster
dragged the boy and his animal along the floor and
he took him into the cave and hung the boy
55 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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Additional points to make
Coordination makes simple links between ideas. It can be overused, ineffectively handled,
poorly punctuated and repetitious in pupils writing.
Asafs writing is typical of many pupils learning EAL, in that coordinating conjunctions and,
then, but tend to be overused to join pieces of information of equal weight.
OHT 3.2
Now display OHT 3.2.
Coordination is possible between nouns; it allows more than one noun to
share a verb.
Clause
Conjunction
Part clause
The girl screamed at
the boy
and
his friends
Coordination is also possible between verbs; it allows more than one verb to
share a noun.
Clause
Conjunction
Clause
She ran into the shop
and
hid behind the
newspaper stand
Task: coordination
Handout 3.1
Distribute Handout 3.1. Ask the participants to find two sentences in Asafs writing that fit
these patterns and write them into the blank grid on Handout 3.1.
Coordination
Clause
Conjunction
Clause (part clause)
The two sentences are:
The monster dragged the boy and his animal.
[He] took him into the cave and hung the boy upside down.
Make the following point:
Speakers tend to use chained clauses (a series of ands). This knowledge is reflected in
Asafs writing. Pupils learning EAL need support to develop subordination to move
towards more writerly constructions and to develop complex sentences in their writing.
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3.2 Subordinate clauses and EAL learners
15 minutes
One of the clearest research findings is that better writers handle subordination more
effectively, reducing the number of coordinated clauses. Use of subordinate non-finite
clauses will move pupils writing to a higher level in English. Display OHT 3.3, which
quotes QCAs findings on this issue.
OHT 3.3
Clauses and word classes
As last year, the number of finite verbs generally increases at lower levels as
do the number of coordinated clauses. Also like last year, the number of
subordinators increases with level, as do the number of lexical words (nouns,
adjectives and adverbs). All this is consistent with the pattern identified last
year that sees a tendency in the higher scoring pupils to use fewer finite
clauses, spreading information among well-chosen lexical words, complex
noun phrases and non-finite clauses.
Standards at Key Stage 3 English (2001): QCA
Make the following points:
The English syntax of pupils learning EAL can sometimes break down.
Explicit teaching of different ways of subordination in sentences is vital, over a
sustained period of time.
Guided experimentation with various patterns of subordination will develop
increased security and control.
Now display OHT 3.4. Give participants a few moments to reflect on the key points, which
can be significant in the development of EAL learners language proficiency.
OHT 3.4
Subordination and non-finite clauses
Subordination can use:
subordinating conjunctions: because, before, if, although
wh pronouns: which, who, when, while
that
non-finite verbs: travelling home, arriving at school.
Non-finite clauses move writing on because they:
are economical and flexible
are built around a verb
can be positioned in different parts of a sentence
can modify nouns as well as verbs.
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Next display OHT 3.5, which gives examples of subordination and how it can be used
in writing.
OHT 3.5
As he entered the crowded train, he turned back.
subordinate clause
main clause
He turned back as he entered the crowded train.
The man, entering the crowded train, turned back.
Sweating profusely, the man strode on.
The man, sweating profusely, strode on.
The man strode on, sweating profusely.
Again, allow a few moments for participants to consider the sentences, the effect of
moving the clauses within them, and how punctuation is affected.
Then, make the following points.
Subordination produces complex sentences.
The use of commas within sentences will need explicit teaching. (If a subordinate
clause comes at the front or middle of a sentence, commas act as a buffer
between it and the main clause.)
Complex sentences are not necessarily always better than simple or compound
sentences.
Writing choices will depend on its purpose and audience. It may aim for clarity,
variety, economy or richness. A writer needs a repertoire to choose appropriately.
Subordination will allow writers to express the relationship between things more
explicitly and precisely. As a result it is a tool for expressing thinking in all areas of
the curriculum.
3.3 Subject, object and complement
15 minutes
Handout 3.2
Distribute Handout 3.2. This is Razia writing about her sister. She has been learning
English for two years and is a Sylheti speaker, who does not read or write in Bengali.
Razia, Year 7
As she is now at 18 years she look more nice. She
has a brown shiny small eye. she got long black
hair like a snack tidy up at the back. My sister
when she talk so softly you can understand
anythink she says. she is not that tall not that
small She lives at home with my family. My sister
the way she walks is so fast that the first minute
she is there the second minute she just venisht
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Display OHT 3.6. Point out that each verb chain is the centre of a clause. The other parts
of a clause are:
subject: usually a noun or pronoun and usually before the verb
object: also usually a noun or a pronoun and usually after the verb
verb or verb chain: usually the centre part of a clause or sentence. The first verb
in the chain is usually finite, all other verbs are always non-finite
complement: often an adjective
adverbials.
Adverbial Subject
Verb
(chain)
Object
as, now
she
is
at 18 years
she
lives
at home
she
look
nice(r)
more
she
is
tall
not that
small
she
venisht
Handout 3.3
OHT 3.6
A usual order in English sentences is:
Complement Adverbial
with my
family
the second
minute
Task: Razias writing
Invite the participants to look at Razias writing, in twos or threes, and to decide:
what she already knows about grammar
what you would plan to teach.
Allow 5 minutes for the task, and then take brief feedback. Make the following points:
Razia knows
that a simple sentence usually has the pattern of subject, verb, object and
adverbial, e.g. She lives at home with my family
that she needs to vary her sentences, in order to make her writing interesting.
Razia needs to be taught
how to combine ideas in her writing by using subordination
how to use connectives effectively.
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End the session by displaying OHT 3.7, which offers some teaching tips for improving
pupils sentence construction and subordination. Explain that these should always be
taught in context and that there will be more advice on teaching strategies and when to
use them in session 5.
OHT 3.7
Tips for teaching sentence construction and subordination
Lead a shared writing session, involving moving subordinate clauses within
sentences for effect.
Design starter activities in which pupils improve selected sentences from
their work by adding or moving subordinate clauses.
Plan a guided writing session, using a word order grid (e.g. Handout 3.3)
to improve pupils writing.
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OHT 3.1
Aims
To develop knowledge of sentence
coordination and subordination.
To apply this knowledge to teaching pupils
learning EAL.
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OHT 3.2
Coordination is possible between nouns; it allows
more than one noun to share a verb.
Clause
Conjunction
Part clause
The girl
screamed at
the boy
and
his friends
Coordination is also possible between verbs; it
allows more than one verb to share a noun.
Clause
Conjunction
Part clause
She ran into
the shop
and
hid behind the
newspaper
stand
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OHT 3.3
Clauses and word classes
As last year, the number of finite verbs generally
increases at lower levels as do the number of
coordinated clauses. Also like last year, the
number of subordinators increases with level,
as do the number of lexical words (nouns,
adjectives and adverbs). All this is consistent
with the pattern identified last year that sees
a tendency in the higher scoring pupils to use
fewer finite clauses, spreading information among
well-chosen lexical words, complex noun phrases
and non-finite clauses.
Standards at Key Stage 3 English (2001): QCA
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OHT 3.4
Subordination and non-finite
clauses
Subordination can use:
subordinating conjunctions: because, before,
if, although
wh pronouns: which, who, when, while
that
non-finite verbs: travelling home, arriving
at school.
Non-finite clauses move writing on because they:
are economical and flexible
are built around a verb
can be positioned in different parts of a
sentence
can modify nouns as well as verbs.
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OHT 3.5
As he entered the crowded train, he turned back.
subordinate clause
main clause
He turned back as he entered the crowded train.
The man, entering the crowded train, turned back.
Sweating profusely, the man strode on.
The man, sweating profusely, strode on.
The man strode on, sweating profusely.
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is
lives
look
is
venisht
she
she
she
she
she
as, now
Verb
(chain)
Subject
Adverbial
at home
at 18 years
Object
tall
nice(r)
Complement
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the second
minute
not that
small
more
with my
family
Adverbial
OHT 3.6
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OHT 3.7
Tips for teaching sentence
construction and subordination
Lead a shared writing session, involving
moving subordinate clauses within sentences
for effect.
Design starter activities in which pupils
improve selected sentences from their work by
adding or moving subordinate clauses.
Plan a guided writing session, using a word
order grid (e.g. Handout 3.3) to improve
pupilswriting.
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Handout 3.1
Clause
Conjunction
Clause (part clause)
Coordination
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Handout 3.2
Razia, Year 7
As she is now at 18 years she look more
nice. She has a brown shiny small eye. she
got long black hair like a snack tidy up at the
back.
My sister when she talk so softly you can
understand anythink she says. she is not
that tall not that small She lives at home
with my family. My sister the way she walks
is so fast that the first minute she is there
the second minute she just venisht
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is
lives
look
is
venisht
she
she
she
she
she
as, now
Verb
(chain)
Subject
Adverbial
at home
at 18 years
Object
tall
nice(r)
Complement
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the second
minute
not that
small
more
with my
family
Adverbial
Handout 3.3
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Word choice and modification
35 minutes
Resources
OHTs 4.14.11
Handouts 4.14.3
Timing
4.1
Nouns and modifiers
20 minutes
4.2
Adverbs and adjectives
10 minutes
4.3
Prepositions
4.1 Nouns and modifiers
5 minutes
20 minutes
Begin the session by displaying OHT 4.1, which states the aims of session 4.
OHT 4.1
Aims
To develop knowledge of word choice and modification.
To consider how this knowledge may inform the teaching of pupils
learning EAL.
Next ask participants to consider the pupils writing on OHT 4.2/Handout 4.1, for a few
moments. Explain that Si-Yoo (Year 7) comes from China, speaks Cantonese and can read
and write in Mandarin. She has been learning in English for less than two years.
Handout 4.1
OHT 4.2
Si-Yoo book review
The story about is Sugar is sweet. she is pretty.
She has nice clothes and nice hair. People like
Sugar. But Candy comes to town. Candy is sweet.
She is pretty. She has beauful hair and new
clothes. She has any money and she has new ice
skates which she bouht. People like Candy.
Because Sugar doesnt have ice- skates so she
doesnt like Candys. Her friends ...
Si-Yoo uses a basic range of nouns and limited modifiers.
So how could we help?
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Display OHT 4.3.
OHT 4.3
Pre-modifiers
Other nouns
desk light
Adjectives
harsh light
Adverbs
glaring light
Determiners
that desk light
Make the following points:
A noun may be modified by three kinds of words which stand before it (premodification).
When we can add other words to a noun to modify its basic meaning the result is
a noun phrase. For example that harsh, glaring desk light.
Next display OHT 4.4.
OHT 4.4
Post-modifiers
Words can also be added after the noun, using:
prepositions
on the table, near the bookcase
relative clauses
(which is) in the office
Additional points to make
Prepositions provide a way for writers to increase the length, complexity,
specificity and interest of their noun phrases. For example:
that harsh, glaring desk light on the table near the bookcase in the office
But note that prepositional errors are particularly numerous in the writing of pupils
learning EAL.
Relative clauses must follow the noun. They are an important development since
they can also include verbs in the additional information.
Note that the post-modifying clause could be non-finite using a participle, who,
which, that, which is usually implied.
Pronouns cannot usually be modified.
Activity/task: Si-Yoos nouns
Now invite participants to look back at the writing sample from Si-Yoo (Handout 4.1)
where all the nouns have been underlined.
Draw their attention to the fact that many of the nouns are modified by another word
which adds more detail to its meaning. State that various kinds of words can be used in
this way: display OHT 4.5 to exemplify this.
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OHT 4.5
Determiners
the story; her friends
Adjectives
nice clothes; beauful hair
Nouns
ice skates
Prepositions
about Sugar
Relative clauses
which she bouht
Handout 4.2
Next, distribute Handout 4.2 and explain its structure.
Modification
Pre-modifiers
Determiner
Adjective
Noun
Modified
head
Post-modifiers
Noun
Preposition
phrase
Relative
clause
Now ask participants to work in pairs to fill in the grid using some sentences from Si-Yoos
writing (5 minutes).
Use OHT 4.6 to debrief.
OHT 4.6
Si-Yoo modification
Pre-modifiers
Determiner
Adjective
Noun
Modified
head
Post-modifiers
Noun
Preposition
phrase
her
friends
the
story
new
ice
Relative
clause
about Sugar
skates
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which she
bouht
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Additional points to make
EAL learners learn how to combine modifiers quite easily but often have problems
in selecting determiners, particularly when to use a and when to use the.
(Si-Yoo seems to have avoided this problem; this is possibly because she is not
clear how they work.)
Omitting necessary determiners is one of the most common errors made by EAL
learners.
English is different from many other languages where the noun can be used alone.
Now display OHT 4.7.
OHT 4.7
When does a noun demand a determiner?
When it is:
singular
I saw a child (contrast: I saw children)
countable
I grew a plant (contrast: I grew fruit)
a common noun
I left the city (contrast: I left London)
Other determiners include: this, my, her, their, that
Allow participants a few moments to read/reflect on OHT 4.7, then make the
following point.
The choice of determiners answers the question: which one do you mean?
For example:
definite:
the book
you know which one I mean
indefinite:
a book
you dont know which one I mean
Therefore, this is an essential teaching point for all pupils learning EAL, if they are to be
able to communicate precise meaning in their writing.
4.2 Adverbs and adjectives
10 minutes
Once again, briefly direct participants attention to Si-Yoos writing, in particular the limited
choice of adjectives. Next, display OHT 4.8 and ask them to consider Farzhanas writing.
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Handout 4.3
OHT 4.8
Farzhana, Year 8 Fiction writing short story
In the bright shiny golden light of December
morning the strong, white men faced the gloomy
dark building. The reason they were heading for the
building is because out of the 3 strong white men
one of them is the son of an old lady who is trapped
in the dark, gloomy building. To face this adventure
they wore thick clothing and old woolly hats with
flaps to cover their ears. one man took a large,
metal bunch of keys from his pocket and unlocked a
dirty narrow padlock from its chain
Distribute Handout 4.3 and ask participants to underline all the adjectives. Allow 2/3
minutes for this.
Now ask participants to group themselves into threes, and to discuss the limitations of
Farzhanas modification. Allow 5 minutes for this.
Take brief feedback.
Make the following points.
She is overusing pre-modification.
The pattern of two adjectives per noun is repetitive.
Where she breaks this pattern (in sentence 3) her writing becomes more
interesting to read.
4.3 Prepositions
5 minutes
Begin the session by making the following points:
Prepositions are very common in English and important because they are often
required to make the grammar and meaning clear.
In general, if a noun is used as an adverbial modifying a verb, you will need to use
a preposition, e.g. went along/down/up the street.
Go used with the destination noun also requires a preposition go to
Manchester.
Prepositions often have to be learned in semantic relationships with nouns, with a
focus on how their choice can subtly shift meaning, e.g. along the street, down
the street.
Some prepositions are linked to specific verbs, e.g. borrow from, lend to.
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OHT 4.9
Next, display OHT 4.9, which shows some extracts from a piece of writing in history by a
Year 8 pupil, Ferdousa.
Extracts from writing on Elizabeths problems
by Ferdousa, in Year 8
He proposed me ...
There is a plot for me ...
... have a plot on me
... married with ...
Allow 1 or 2 minutes for participants to discuss her writing. Take very brief feedback.
Ensure that the following is covered.
How prepositions work:
A preposition is preposed to one noun or pronoun which is called its object.
It links the object to another verb or noun in the sentence.
OHT 4.10
Display OHT 4.10, which offers some teaching tips for improving pupils word choice and
modification. Explain that these should be always taught in context and that there will be
more on teaching strategies and when to use them in session 5.
Tips for teaching sentence construction and word
modification
Display simple sentences on a washing line, ask pupils to place modifiers
appropriately and discuss the effect.
Lead a shared reading of a text containing modified sentences,
emphasising their effect.
As a starter give pupils three or four simple sentences to modify by adding
prepositions or relative clauses to be shared on OHT.
Focus a shared writing session on improving sentence construction and
word modification.
End the session by displaying OHT 4.11.
OHT 4.11
This is the end
of the section
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on prepositions.
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OHT 4.1
Aims
To develop knowledge of word choice and
modification.
To consider how this knowledge may inform
the teaching of pupils learning EAL.
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OHT 4.2
Si-Yoo book review
The story about is Sugar is sweet. she is pretty.
She has nice clothes and nice hair. People like
Sugar. But Candy comes to town. Candy is sweet.
She is pretty. She has beauful hair and new
clothes. She has any money and she has new
ice skates which she bouht. People like Candy.
Because Sugar doesnt have ice- skates so she
doesnt like Candys. Her friends ...
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OHT 4.3
Pre-modifiers
Other nouns
desk light
Adjectives
harsh light
Adverbs
glaring light
Determiners
that desk light
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OHT 4.4
Post-modifiers
Words can also be added after the noun, using:
prepositions
on the table, near
the bookcase
relative clauses
(which is) in the office
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OHT 4.5
Determiners
the story; her friends
Adjectives
nice clothes;
beauful hair
Nouns
ice skates
Prepositions
about Sugar
Relative clauses
which she bouht
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ice
skates
story
the
new
friends
her
Noun
Noun
Determiner
Adjective
Modified
head
Pre-modifiers
about Sugar
Preposition
phrase
which she
bouht
Relative
clause
Post-modifiers
OHT 4.6
Si-Yoo modification
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OHT 4.7
When does a noun demand a
determiner?
When it is:
singular
I saw a child
(contrast: I saw children)
countable
I grew a plant
(contrast: I grew fruit)
a common noun
I left the city
(contrast: I left London)
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OHT 4.8
Farzhana, Year 8
Fiction writing short story
In the bright shiny golden light of December
morning the strong, white men faced the
gloomy dark building. The reason they were
heading for the building is because out of the
3 strong white men one of them is the son of
an old lady who is trapped in the dark, gloomy
building. To face this adventure they wore
thick clothing and old woolly hats with flaps to
cover their ears. one man took a large, metal
bunch of keys from his pocket and unlocked a
dirty narrow padlock from its chain
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OHT 4.9
Extracts from writing on Elizabeths
problems by Ferdousa, in Year 8
He proposed me ...
There is a plot for me ...
... have a plot on me
... married with ...
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OHT 4.10
Tips for teaching sentence
construction and word modification
Display simple sentences on a washing
line, ask pupils to place modifiers appropriately
and discuss the effect.
Lead a shared reading of a text containing
modified sentences emphasising their effect.
As a starter give pupils three or four simple
sentences to modify by adding prepositions or
relative clauses to be shared on OHT.
Focus a shared writing session on improving
sentence construction and word modification.
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OHT 4.11
This is the end
of the section
on prepositions.
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Handout 4.1
Si-Yoo book review
The story about is Sugar is sweet. she is pretty.
She has nice clothes and nice hair. People like
Sugar. But Candy comes to town. Candy is sweet.
She is pretty. She has beauful hair and new
clothes. She has any money and she has new
ice skates which she bouht. People like Candy.
Because Sugar doesnt have ice- skates so she
doesnt like Candys. Her friends ...
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Handout 4.2
Relative
clause
Preposition
phrase
Noun
Determiner
Adjective
Noun
Modified
head
Pre-modifiers
Post-modifiers
Modification
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Handout 4.3
Farzhana, Year 8
Fiction writing short story
In the bright shiny golden light of December
morning the strong, white men faced the
gloomy dark building. The reason they were
heading for the building is because out of the
3 strong white men one of them is the son of
an old lady who is trapped in the dark, gloomy
building. To face this adventure they wore
thick clothing and old woolly hats with flaps to
cover their ears. one man took a large, metal
bunch of keys from his pocket and unlocked a
dirty narrow padlock from its chain
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Assessing pupils writing and teaching
grammar in context
60 minutes
Resources
Pre-course task: Pupils written work and KS3 medium- and short-term plans
OHT 5.1
Handouts 5.15.6
Handout 2.4 from session 2
Timing
5.1
Assessing pupils writing
20 minutes
5.2
Teaching grammar in context
40 minutes
5.1 Assessing pupils writing
20 minutes
Begin the session by displaying OHT 5.1, which states the aims of session 5.
OHT 5.1
Aims
To assess pupils writing and identify grammatical features to be taught.
To build opportunities for the teaching of key grammar points into
planning at KS3.
Explain that participants are now going to have the opportunity to review and discuss the
pupils work that they selected as part of the pre-course task.
Ask participants to spend 5 minutes individually reviewing their pupils writing, and to
decide which aspects of grammar, covered in the morning sessions, they need to be
taught. Explain that two models of analysis are given on Handouts 5.1 and 5.3, and that
Handout 5.2 shows a worked example using the work of Meena previously seen on
Handout 2.4.
Now group participants into fours and ask them to share their findings with the group. The
aim is to establish areas of common concern, so that participants can plan for teaching
these grammatical features together, during the second half of the session. Allow 10
minutes for this.
Take brief feedback, asking participants to state the most common areas of concern.
Unless the schools represented have very different pupil populations, it is likely that similar
areas will be identified.
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5.2 Teaching grammar in context
40 minutes
Explain that participants are now going to have the opportunity to integrate some specific
grammar teaching into their short- and medium-term plans.
Distribute Handouts 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6.
Explain that Handout 5.4 maps some grammatical features to Framework objectives.
State that Handout 5.5 explains how effective grammar teaching may be integrated into
the KS3 lesson structure; emphasise the importance of teaching grammar in context, so
that learning is transferred. Explain that Handout 5.6 gives some examples of suitable
lesson starters, but, again, it is important to stress that these will only be effective if
followed up in the context of the main English teaching.
Allow participants a few minutes to familiarise themselves with these handouts.
Next, explain that they now have 30 minutes to begin planning opportunities for teaching
grammar. State that they should refer to the medium- and short-term plans that they have
brought, and, where possible, work with a colleague from another school.
State that there will be no formal feedback at the end of this session, but that the last
session of the day will focus on future plans.
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OHT 5.1
Aims
To assess pupils writing and identify
grammatical features to be taught.
To build opportunities for the teaching of key
grammar points into planning at KS3.
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Class:
94 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Coordinator
Adverbial
Diagnosis: strengths and weaknesses
Subordinator
Context for writing:
Pupil:
Verb phrase
Complement
(object noun
phrases)
Adverbial
Planning for explicit teaching to develop writing
Subject noun
phrase
Date of writing:
Handout 5.1
Analysis grid
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95 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
it
they
the main thing
I
I
I
they
I
I
my dog
I
Subject noun
phrase
because
Adverbial
they
and
and
But
And
Coordinator
Maybe
were (where)
when
If
If
if
Subordinator
Class:
Writing in response to a what ... if? test question
Meena (see Handout 2.4)
Context for writing:
Pupil:
Saying
has been missing
have to be found.
is
am really worried
was calling
could not see
heard
is
were
worried
think
crash
was
disappeared
didnt have
to find.
would had
searched
still didnt find
would had wrote
Verb phrase
there fault
he
about the dog
his name
him
there dog
in a crash
really scared
a Labrador
with them
the dog
an advertisement
an telephone box
Complement
(object noun
phrases)
no longer
about the
dog
all day long
Adverbial
Date of writing:
Handout 5.2
(1 of 2)
Exemplar analysis grid worked
example
Crown copyright 2002
Use adjectives to build noun phrases
Subjects are usually single pronouns
or very short phrases
Complements/objects column shows
most vocabulary choice but some repetition
Subordination basic, using if, because,
when, maybe
Very few adverbial phrases used,
three at the end of clauses only
Include more advanced subordination
teach non-finite clauses
Reasonable range of verbs used
(not all forms used accurately)
Use adverbials at the start of clauses to
make them longer, more varied and
interesting
Different and varied use of subjects
including further use of passive verbs
Planning for explicit teaching to develop writing
Diagnosis: strengths and weaknesses
Handout 5.2
(2 of 2)
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Handout 5.3
Checklist for analysis
A Texts
Check for pupils understanding of overall organisation for writing purpose (is writing
appropriate for genre?) and understanding of audience (are reader/writer relationship
and register appropriate?).
Cohesion
Use of connectives?
Type of connectives?
B Sentences
Use analysis grid in Handout 5.1 to deconstruct sentence level grammar in pupils
writing.
Clause structure
Agreement noun-pronoun? plural forms?
Articles used? used correctly?
Verbs finite verbs overused? use of modals? tenses endings? subject-verb
agreement?
Adverbial phrases use and length?
Adverbial clauses use and length?
Use of subordination non-finite clauses? subject relative clauses?
C Words
Check word classes (are any of these under-represented or overused?) and use of
vocabulary (is vocabulary varied? are word families used?).
Modification
Nouns are they modified well?
Powerful verbs used well?
Prepositions correctly used?
Coordination used successfully or overused?
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Handout 5.4
Some opportunities for focused
grammar teaching within
Framework objectives
Grammatical
features
English Framework objectives (short form tags)
Text cohesion
S6
grouping
sentences
Yr 7
Yr 8
Yr 9
Wr3 formal
essay
Pronouns and
ambiguity
S6
resolve ambiguity
S7
cohesion and
coherence
Tense
S4
tense management
S4
tense shifts
Connectives
S10 paragraph structure
W20 connectives
Wr10 organise texts
appropriately
S7
cohesion and
coherence
W10 prepositions
and connectives
W8 connectives
for developing
thought
Sentence
construction
S5
S10 informal to
formal
S3
degrees of
formality
Subject/verb
agreement
S17 standard English
S11 standard
English & dialect
S9
sustained
standard
English
Word order
S11 sentence variety
W19 lexical patterns
R9 link reading and
writing
S14 compare
languages
S10 attitudes to
standard
English
Subordination
and complex
sentences
S1
S3
subordinate clauses
boundary
punctuation
R14 language choices
Wr6 characterisation
R9 link reading and
writing
S1
S1
Word choice
and
modification
W13 word classes
R12 character, mood
and setting
W8
Adjectives
S2 noun phrases
Wr14 evocative
description
Modification
S2 noun phrases
Wr14 evocative
description
Determiners
S14 subject conventions
active or passive
voice
S2
complex
sentences
variety of
sentence
structures
use linguistic
terms
S5 conditionals
and modal verbs
W12 formality and
word choice
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complex
sentences
W8 connectives
for developing
thought
W6 terminology
for analysis
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Handout 5.5
Teaching grammar to EAL
learners
When and how?
The most appropriate part of the lesson is during guided work, as this allows the
teacher to:
relate the grammar teaching to the main part of the lesson, and to the mediumterm plans
teach the grammar points, wherever possible, within the context of the pupils own
writing
focus on the specific needs of the group, or individuals
assess the understanding of pupils, at the point of teaching
ensure that the pupils are given the opportunity to discuss the grammar being
taught and to rehearse orally the appropriate language, which will help them to
remember key teaching points.
Key grammatical features can also be taught during the independent part of the
lesson by:
observing pupils ability to transfer the grammatical knowledge into their
own writing
encouraging pupils to reread/read aloud work in progress, in order to encourage
them to self-check, and to develop models of writing in their head
providing individuals with checklists/reminders of grammatical points that have
been taught, e.g. during the guided part of the lesson (see Appendix, page 109,
for some useful examples of these)
helping pupils to articulate the decisions that they make when writing.
On occasions, it may be appropriate to teach these grammatical features during the
shared part of the lesson, as this enables the teacher to explain how and why s/he
makes grammatical decisions, when writing. However, this will be only when:
the assessment of all the pupils writing indicates that the majority would benefit
from the teaching of this feature
the grammatical features to be taught would be relevant to the short-term plan.
Starter activities can provide a good opportunity for teaching grammar, because they
are short and focused, and key points can be revisited a number of times. However,
teaching grammar through starter activities will only be successful if:
the grammatical feature is taught to the whole class OR a differentiated task can
be set
the teaching is followed up, immediately, during the main part of the lesson
pupils understanding and transference of the learning is assessed within the
context of their writing.
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Handout 5.6
(1 of 2)
Suggestions for starter activities
Text cohesion
Pronouns and ambiguity
Teacher displays ambiguous sentences on the OHP, preferably from pupils own
writing, and pupils rewrite them on whiteboards.
Tense
Again, pupils could correct inconsistencies in tense usage in a piece of writing
displayed on an OHT. Shared reading can help pupils to develop the skill of does
it sound right?
The use of a timeline could be modelled to aid understanding of subtleties in
tenses: this can also be done as a washing-line activity, or a human timeline,
with pupils representing the verbs. (Completed versions can then be given to
pupils, for them to refer to when writing.)
Connectives
Card sort activities, involving grouping connectives into categories (see the Writing
style module in the Literacy across the curriculum folder).
This can also be done as a physical activity where pupils, representing various
connectives, can be grouped together. This activity should be followed by pupils
using the connectives in sentences.
Once again, where appropriate, pupils can be provided with a checklist to use
when writing.
Sentence construction and subordination
Subject/verb agreement
A card sort activity, where pupils match the subject to the verb and then read the
sentence aloud. Could have a physical activity where pupils represent the subjects
and the verbs.
Word order
A washing-line activity where the words are jumbled, and the class/groups have to
reorder them. (A group activity would allow for the sentences to be differentiated.)
A card sort activity using a grid similar to the one introduced in session 3
(OHT 3.6), but enlarged to A4 for group use. Pupils can then be given words to
sort into the various parts of the clause. Again, pupils can be given a range of
clauses, in order to ensure differentiation. They could also go on to making up
their own sentences for sorting.
Complex sentences/subordination
A washing-line activity, where pupils are invited to move the subordinate clauses
within a sentence.
A whiteboard activity in which pupils change sentences given by the teacher, and
then show them to the rest of the class.
A card sort activity, in which pupils are invited to discover how many ways they
can reorder the clauses in the sentence without altering the meaning.
100 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
Handout 5.6
(2 of 2)
Word choice and modification
Adjectives
Pupils could be given a card sort activity in which they move the adjectives around,
and check for sense and meaning.
They could be provided with a grid, similar to the one below (possibly enlarged to
A4), and some sentences to sort into the various categories. They could then go
on to write their own sentences to use in their writing.
Determiner
Adjective
Describing
or expressing
a feeling
Size
Age
beautiful
tall
old
small
Colour
golden
an
elegant
tall
modern
the
frightened
small
young
brown
Defining
Noun
oak
tree
metal
plate
metal
sculpture
rabbit
Modification
Pupils could be given three or four simple sentences which they would then modify
by adding prepositions, relative clauses, adjectives, etc., as appropriate. Again, this
could be differentiated by pupils being given sentences of varying complexity, or by
having to write their own.
Simple sentences could be displayed as a washing-line and individual pupils
invited to place their modifiers appropriately; again, some pupils could be asked to
invent their own.
Determiners
Pupils could be shown a sentence with the determiners deleted, and they could
write the appropriate determiner on a whiteboard for a show me activity. (Please
note this is unlikely to be appropriate for a whole class.)
Similarly pupils could be asked to complete sentences on their whiteboards,
adding the correct determiner.
101 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
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102 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
Post-course tasks and evaluation
30 minutes
Resources
OHTs 6.16.2
Handouts 6.16.2
Timing
6.1
Post-course tasks
20 minutes
6.2
Evaluation
10 minutes
6.1 Post-course tasks
20 minutes
Begin the session by displaying OHT 6.1, which states the aims of session 6.
OHT 6.1
Aims
For participants to consider the post-course tasks, and to identify the
support needed to complete them.
For participants to evaluate the training.
Display OHT 6.2 and ask participants to reflect on the tasks for a minute or two.
OHT 6.2
Post-course tasks
Complete a scrutiny of the written work of KS3 pupils who are learning
EAL and who are not making sufficient progress.
Establish which particular aspects of grammar need to be taught.
Integrate the teaching of appropriate grammatical features into the KS3
medium- and short-term plans.
Now ask participants to complete Handout 6.1, and then to discuss their plans with a
partner. Allow 10 minutes for this.
Explain that copies of completed handouts will be kept by the consultant, to facilitate
networking and support.
End the session by asking each participant to state the main area of grammar teaching
that they feel needs to be addressed within their school.
6.2 Evaluation
10 minutes
Close the day by asking participants to complete an evaluation sheet (Handout 6.2).
Explain that evaluations are collated centrally, and are used to adjust/inform future training:
their views are appreciated and noted.
103 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
OHT 6.1
Aims
For participants to consider the post-course
tasks, and to identify the support needed to
complete them.
For participants to evaluate the training.
104 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
OHT 6.2
Post-course tasks
Complete a scrutiny of the written work of KS3
pupils who are learning EAL and who are not
making sufficient progress.
Establish which particular aspects of grammar
need to be taught.
Integrate the teaching of appropriate
grammatical features into the KS3 mediumand short-term plans.
105 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
Handout 6.1
Post-course tasks
Name ................................................. School .........................................
Task
Personnel
(including other
colleagues)
Consultant
support
Feedback
arrangements:
a) in school
b) across the
LEA
Work scrutiny
Please specify which
aspects of grammar
need to be taught:
Other planned follow-up
(please specify):
106 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
Handout 6.2
Evaluation sheet for participants
Key Stage 3 National Strategy
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning EAL
What were the most successful aspects of todays sessions?
What changes would you suggest if todays sessions were repeated?
Please grade each session for usefulness and clarity.
Session
Grade
Comment
Very
useful
Poor
1 Introduction
2 Text cohesion
3 Sentence construction
and subordination
4 Word choice and
modification
5 Assessing pupils writing
and teaching grammar
in context
6 Post-course task and
evaluation
Overall grade for the day
1 very useful
2 useful
3 limited use
4 poor
School/agency ...........................................................
107 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
Crown copyright 2002
Handout 6.2
continued
Evaluation sheet for
course tutors
Key Stage 3 National Strategy
Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning EAL
What were the most successful aspects of the course?
What changes would you suggest might be made to improve
the course?
Please grade each session for usefulness and clarity.
Session
Grade
Comment
Very
useful
Poor
1 Introduction
2 Text cohesion
3 Sentence construction
and subordination
4 Word choice and
modification
5 Assessing pupils writing
and teaching grammar
in context
6 Post-course task and
evaluation
Overall grade for the day
1 very useful
2 useful
3 limited use
108 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
4 poor
Crown copyright 2002
Appendix
Key grammatical terms with examples
Nouns
are classified as
singular
or plural
bare N
N-s (or irreg)
a dog
two dogs/mice
Nouns
are classified as
common
or proper
(most nouns)
names
dog, day, mud
May, London
Common nouns
may be (among
others)
collective
+ plural verb
Our team are
winning
Common nouns
may be in a word
family based on
a verb
adjective
or noun
V-ing, etc.
Aj-ness, etc.
N-hood, etc.
rowing
nearness
childhood
Determiners
combine with
common nouns
to make
noun phrases
Np = D N
a, the, this, any,
my, which, one
the dog
Common nouns
may be modified
by preceding
or following
adjectives
or nouns
prepositions
or relative clauses
AN
NN
NP
N clause
big dog
sausage dog
dog with a bone
dog that barked
Common nouns
agree with
their determiner
sing D sing N
plur D plur N
this dog
these dogs
Pronouns
may replace
noun phrases
Np Pronoun
My friend said he
was sad.
Phrases
are classified as
noun phrases
or
prepositional phrases
or
adjectival phrases
or
adverbial phrases
Np,
built round N
Pp,
built round P
built round Aj
a big dog that
barked
in the garden
built round Av
or functioning
like Av
very soon
left quickly/in
a hurry
a common noun
D Aj N N P clause
or a proper noun
a small sausage
dog behind me
that barked
John
as subject of a verb
or as object of a verb
or as
complement of a verb
or after a preposition
or as possessor
SV
VO
A dog barked.
I saw a dog.
VC
P Np
Np + s
It became a dog.
with a dog
a dogs
complement of a verb
or as
an adjectival modifier
of a noun
or as an adverbial
modifier of:
a verb
VC
It was in a mess
N Pp
a dog with attitude
Pp V Pp
In London it rains
for hours.
keen on grammar
Noun phrases
are built round
Noun phrases
or pronouns
may function
Prepositional
phrases
may function as
or an adjective
Verbs
are classified as
finite:
present
or past
or imperative
or non-finite:
Aj Pp
One per main clause.
V-s or bare V
V-ed (or irreg)
bare V, no subject
in verb chains and
subordinate clauses
109 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
as big as you
He/they rows/row.
He rowed/swam.
Row hard!
continued
Crown copyright 2002
Verbs
continued
infinitive
or participle:
past
bare V, often to
He wants to row.
V-ed (or irreg)
or present
V-ing (or irreg)
He has rowed/
swum.
He is rowing.
Verbs
are classified as
active
or passive
(most verbs)
past participle
active object =
passive subject,
active subject = by
He likes her.
She is liked by him.
Verbs
are classified as
main
or auxiliary:
ordinary
or modal
(most verbs)
14 per verb chain,
have, be, do
will, would, shall,
should, can, could,
may, might, must,
ought; no -s
He rows.
He has rowed.
He can row.
Auxiliary verbs
combine with
each other and main
verbs to make
verb chains:
modal - have - be - V
I must have been
dreaming.
Verbs
need
a subject
noun phrase
I, he, she, we, they
SV
or V S ?
The baby cried.
I cried.
He was crying.
Was he crying?
Some verbs
need
an object
or complement
noun phrase
VOC
adjective
or noun phrase
I like her.
I got (her) angry.
I became a teacher.
Verbs
may be modified
by
adverbials
ASAVOCA
Actually, she
already knows it
well.
Present verbs
agree with
their subject
singular S V-s
plural S V
She likes him.
They like him.
Clauses
are classified as
main
May be a whole
sentence.
Built round a
finite verb.
Must combine with
a main clause.
He came in.
Come in!
SV
VS
Wh V S
V
Wh S V
He is kind.
Is he kind?
Why is he kind?
Be kind!
How kind he is!
a subordinating
conjunction
or a wh-pronoun
or that
or a non-finite verb
CSV
If he comes in
Wh
that
V
who did it
that he did it
doing it
adverbial clauses
modifying a verb
or as relative clauses
or as noun clauses
modifying a noun
as S or O
When humming,
he felt happy.
The man humming it.
I enjoyed humming it.
coordinating
In X C Y:
X and Y equal
or subordinating
Y subordinate to X
or
subordinate
Main clauses
are classified as
declarative
or interrogative
or imperative
or exclamative
are marked by
Subordinate
clauses
may function as
Subordinate
clauses
Conjunctions
are classified as
110 Grammar for writing: supporting pupils learning English as an additional language
If he asks,
help him.
Tom and Dick sang
and danced.
Tom sang while
Dick danced.
Crown copyright 2002
Key Stage 3
National Strategy
Grammar for writing:
supporting pupils learning EAL
Department for Education and Skills
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
Westminster
London
SW1P 3BT
Ref: DfES 0581/2002
Crown copyright 2002
Produced by the Department for Education and Skills
Extracts from this document may be reproduced
for non-commercial or training purposes on the
condition that the source is acknowledged
CPM 10/02
www.dfes.gov.uk
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/keystage3
Key Stage 3
National Strategy
Grammar for writing:
supporting pupils
learning EAL
Guidance
Curriculum, Examination
& Assessment
English Consultants
and EAL Coordinators
Status: Recommended
Date of issue: 11/02
Ref: DfES 0581/2002
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