Sentence Combining
Combine short statements according to their real relationship without losing a fact or qualification.
Worked model: Sentence Combining
View the illustrated activity card
- 1Combine short statements according to their real relationship without losing a fact or qualification
- 2Identify whether the relationship is cause, contrast, sequence or qualification
- 3Combine using language that expresses that relationship accurately
- 4Read back and check that no fact or limitation was lost
Combine “The forward force increased. The opposing force stayed the same” as “The forward force increased while the opposing force stayed the same.” Do not turn a contrast into an unsupported causal claim.
Teach the move
Prepare · 5 minutes
Choose two or three short statements with a meaningful relationship.
- 1
Combine short statements according to their real relationship without losing a fact or qualification.
- 2
Identify whether the relationship is cause, contrast, sequence or qualification.
- 3
Combine using language that expresses that relationship accurately.
- 4
Read back and check that no fact or limitation was lost.
EAL upgrade
Remove suggested connectives and ask learners to explain their own choice.
Keep the subject challenge. Offer one model, visual or language prompt where needed, then check a fresh independent response.
Try it tomorrow
Choose two or three short statements with a meaningful relationship.
Combine short statements according to their real relationship without losing a fact or qualification. Identify whether the relationship is cause, contrast, sequence or qualification.
Offer a contrast rather than a cause and check whether the learner changes the connective.
Remove suggested connectives and ask learners to explain their own choice.
What to look for
Offer a contrast rather than a cause and check whether the learner changes the connective.
Teacher language
Adapt these prompts to the task and your learners.
Our purpose is: Combine short statements according to their real relationship without losing a fact or qualification.
Show the relationship and explain the choice you made.
Try the new case on your own. Show the detail or reasoning that supports your answer.
Which support do you still need, and which part can you now do independently?
Across subjects
Maths: join a result to its justification. Humanities: combine a claim with evidence and a qualification.
Adjust language support
Use a small word bank, visuals and partner rehearsal when needed. Extend with precise explanations and qualifications. Judge the support from the response to this task.