English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Use subordinating conjunctions
Use subordinating conjunctions
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify subordinating conjunctions in given sentences.
Explain the function of subordinating conjunctions in connecting clauses.
Form complex sentences by correctly joining independent and dependent clauses using subordinating conjunctions.
Apply appropriate punctuation rules (especially commas) when using subordinating conjunctions.
Choose the most effective subordinating conjunction to express specific relationships (e.g., cause, effect, time, contrast).
Revise sentences to improve clarity and flow by incorporating subordinating conjunctions.
Analyze how subordinating conjunctions strengthen arguments and explanations in argumentative writing.
Ever wonder how writers make their sentences sound so smooth and connect ideas perfectly? 🤔 Subordinating c...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subordinating ConjunctionA word that introduces a dependent (subordinate) clause and connects it to an independent clause, showing a relationship between the two ideas.Because it rained, we stayed inside. ('Because' is the subordinating conjunction.)
Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.We stayed inside. (This sentence makes sense on its own.)
Dependent (Subordinate) ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.Because it rained. (This doesn't make a complete thought by itself.)
Complex SentenceA sentence made up o...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Comma Rule for Subordinating Conjunctions
When a dependent clause starts a sentence (before the independent clause), place a comma after the dependent clause. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is usually needed.
This rule helps readers pause and understand the sentence structure, preventing confusion. It's essential for clear communication in your writing.
Placement of Subordinating Conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction always introduces the dependent clause. It cannot be separated from the clause it introduces.
The conjunction acts as a 'glue' at the beginning of the dependent clause, signaling its relationship to the independent clause. It's the first word of that dependent part of the sentence.
Choosing the Right Conjunction...
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Challenging
A student is writing an argument with the claim: 'Year-round schooling is beneficial.' They want to use this piece of evidence: 'It prevents students from forgetting material over a long summer break.' Which sentence most effectively synthesizes the claim and evidence using a subordinating conjunction?
A.Year-round schooling is beneficial because it prevents students from forgetting material over a long summer break.
B.Although year-round schooling is beneficial, it prevents students from forgetting material over a long summer break.
C.Unless year-round schooling is beneficial, it prevents students from forgetting material over a long summer break.
D.Year-round schooling is beneficial, after it prevents students from forgetting material over a long summer break.
Challenging
Consider these two clauses: (1) 'The new law has strong public support.' (2) 'It faces challenges in the legislature.' Which complex sentence uses a subordinating conjunction to present the most nuanced and realistic argument about the situation?
A.Because the new law has strong public support, it faces challenges in the legislature.
B.Although the new law has strong public support, it faces challenges in the legislature.
C.The new law has strong public support, provided that it faces challenges in the legislature.
D.Unless the new law has strong public support, it faces challenges in the legislature.
Challenging
A sentence is deconstructed into three parts: Independent Clause: 'the argument is convincing'; Dependent Clause: 'the author uses solid evidence'; Subordinating Conjunction: 'since'. Which pair of sentences correctly reassembles these parts?
A.1. The argument is convincing since, the author uses solid evidence. 2. Since the author uses solid evidence the argument is convincing.
B.1. Since the author uses solid evidence, the argument is convincing. 2. The argument is convincing, since the author uses solid evidence.
C.1. Since the author uses solid evidence, the argument is convincing. 2. The argument is convincing since the author uses solid evidence.
D.1. The argument is convincing since the author uses solid evidence. 2. The author uses solid evidence, since the argument is convincing.
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