Punctuate an Embedded Clause

Worked classroom example

English

Worked example

“The student who revised the ending changed its effect” identifies which student; “Maya, who revised the ending, changed its effect” adds information about Maya.

Teaching sequence

1. Prepare a sentence contrasting a defining and non-defining relative clause. Introduce punctuate an embedded clause with one clear success criterion: decide whether a relative clause identifies a noun or adds extra information, then punctuate the sentence to make that relationship clear.
2. Model one short example from a sentence with extra information about a character. Think aloud about the language choice and the subject evidence; invite learners to test the example with a partner.
3. Learners apply the move to a new piece of English content. Use the prompt “Does this clause identify the person or add a detail about someone already named?” to check whether their language matches their evidence.
4. Collect one independent response. Check that punctuation matches the intended meaning and that the sentence remains complete. Record one next step and adjust the scaffold to what this response shows.

Try it tomorrow

Decide whether a relative clause identifies a noun or adds extra information, then punctuate the sentence to make that relationship clear.

Independent check

Check that punctuation matches the intended meaning and that the sentence remains complete.

Scaffold built into this activity: Less scaffold

Use two sentence cards with a visual bracket around the extra clause.

Teacher language

Ask learners to point to the evidence, wording or feature behind their answer. Give thinking time before inviting a revision.

Adjust the support

More support

Use two sentence cards with a visual bracket around the extra clause.

Greater independence

Ask learners to revise a passage where the punctuation changes which person is meant.

Use the response to choose the next step; the scaffold label describes this activity design, not the learner.