ENGLISH YEAR 8 - Conjunctions Learning Objective Students will be able to use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions to structure sentences and build arguments Success Criteria Students can: Identify coordinating conjunctions (‘and’, ‘but’, ‘or’) and explain their role in compound sentences. Identify subordinating conjunctions (‘although’, ‘while’, ‘despite’) and explain how they introduce contrast. Construct sentences using both types of conjunctions correctly. Which Sentence Sounds Stronger? A School uniforms are expensive. They create equality. School uniforms are expensive, but they create equality. B Students should exercise every day. They become healthier. Students should exercise every day because they become healthier. C Online learning is convenient. Some students struggle to concentrate. Although online learning is convenient, some students struggle to concentrate. Which sentence sounds clearer? Which sentence is more convincing? What words join the ideas together? What is a conjunction? A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses. Coordinating conjunctions Join two ideas of equal importance. T hese usually create compound sentences. Conjunction Purpose Example and adds information Homework develops responsibility and improves organisation. but shows contrast Homework is useful, but it should not be excessive. or shows choice Students can revise at home or attend extra classes. Subordinating conjunctions Introduce a dependent idea that supports or contrasts with the main idea. Conjunction Purpose Example although contrast Although homework is helpful, students also need free time. while comparison/contrast While some students enjoy homework, others find it stressful. because reason Students should revise because practice improves memory. since reason Since exams are approaching, revision is important. Despite D espite is not technically a conjunction. It is a preposition, but it serves a similar purpose by showing contrast. Examples: Despite the rain, the match continued. Despite being tired, Maya finished her project. D ifference: Although it was raining, they played football. Despite the rain, they played football. Spot the Conjunctio n Students enjoy sports, but some prefer music. Although the journey was long, everyone enjoyed the trip. Reading improves vocabulary and develops imagination. While technology is useful, books are still important. You may work alone or with a partner. Despite the difficult task, the class completed it successfully. Which word is the conjunction (or contrast word)? Does it add information, show contrast, give a reason, or offer a choice? Is it coordinating or subordinating? Build Better Arguments E xample Sentence 1: Use a coordinating conjunction. Example: School uniforms promote equality, but they can be uncomfortable. Sentence 2: Use a subordinating conjunction. Example: Although school uniforms can be uncomfortable, they help students feel included. W rite two sentences for each opinion Homework should be given every day. Mobile phones should be allowed in school. School trips are important. Plastic bags should be banned. Assessment Complete the following : Write one sentence using and. Write one sentence using although.