Progression in Sentence Structure
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This document attempts to illustrate progression in sentence structure. We have included both the year group objectives and the level descriptions from APP
and attempted to give examples for both. We have indicated where overlaps occur between the year groups and the levels, although this should not be seen
as a definitive match. This explains why the level 3 APP reference is repeated for Year 3 and Year 4. Level 5 is matched against year 6, purely for
convenience. However, it is recognised that this is not necessarily the age related expectation. Obviously, it continues to be important that teachers select the
appropriate objectives and examples to move their children on.
Objectives from PNS APP reference for AF5 Suggested sentence structures.
Compose and write simple Reliance on simple phrases and clauses We got on the coach.
sentences independently to Some sentence-like structures formed by We went to the beach and I dug a hole and I
Year 1 communicate meaning chaining clauses together, e.g. series of saw the sea and we had an icecream.
ideas joined by repeated use of ‘and’ We went in the hall the fire people Paul and
(level 1) Sandra the fire crew told us how to be safe. We
did lots of activities. We made a book and read
one and we went in the fire station.
Year 2 Write simple and compound some variation sentence openings, I felt excited because it was a good day. Next
sentences and begin to use e.g. not always starting with name or we did lots of activities. After we went back to
subordination in relation to time pronoun Miss Dunnings room we did colouring.
and reason mainly simple sentences with and I felt sad because they were going and it was
Compose sentences using tense used to connect clauses Sandra’s birthday.
consistently(present and past) past and present tense generally I was very sad because I could not go to the
consistent (level 2) ball. I was surprised when my fairy godmother
came.
Cinderella was going to the ball but her step
sisters were not allowed to go.
The girl fell asleep when she was tired.
Year 3 Show relationships of time, reason Reliance mainly on simply structured Once upon a time there was an egg in a tree in
and cause through subordination sentences, variation with support, e.g. a nest. Then it blew down into a scary spooky
and connectives some complex sentences corner in a garden. On the way down the egg
Compose sentences using · and, but, so are the most common cracked open then a little curlew head popped
adjectives, verbs and nouns for connectives, subordination occasionally out. When he got out he wasn’t very comfortable
precision, clarity and impact · some limited variation in use of tense and because he had never been outside before.
verb forms, not always (level 3) When he had finished slaying the monster, he
carefully cleaned his sword
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Year 4 Clarify meaning and point of view Reliance mainly on simply structured My house has three lawns and a tiled floor. It
by using varied sentence structure sentences, variation with support, e.g. has fantastic views from the window so you can
(phrases, clauses and some complex sentences see my garden and the field where the sheep
adverbials) · and, but, so are the most common are eating grass and a huge tree at the top of
connectives, subordination occasionally the field. I think you would like to live in my
· some limited variation in use of tense and house because there are lots of dens for playing
verb forms, not always (level 3) in with your friends.
Quietly, he took the next step towards the
darkness. He was shaking and scared and
wanted to turn back to safety
Henry’s father told him to go to Mount Olympus
so that great God Zobaban could give him
advice. From the top of the mountain Zobaban
explained that if he cut the poisoned tail he
would kill the monster
Setting off immediately, Sarah marched
purposefully down the road.
Year 5 Adapt sentence construction to some variety in length, structure or subject When Joker gets his revenge, I’m sure you will
different text types, of sentences be ready. I am sure of it.
purposes and readers · use of some subordinating connectives, When I get home, mum is always in our
e.g. if, when, because throughout the text Anderson shelter – she’s really scared.
· some variation, generally accurate, in The man, who was walking with a suspicious
tense and verb forms (level 4) limp, grinned menacingly
She moaned anxiously “Darling there’s
nothing we can do about it I’m sorry.” she
explained sadly.
Silently, quite silently, the door opened.
How many of us walk to school? (Rhetorical
question)
Finally when he was 26 he had a great sea
battle against Blue Beard.
On the other hand it could be argued that it is
wrong to take animals away from their natural
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habitat.
Furthermore some zoos work extremely hard to
provide good enclosures.
Year 6 Express subtle distinctions of a variety of sentence lengths, structures King Henry VIII had six wives
meaning, including hypothesis, and subjects provides clarity and emphasis King Henry VIII had no less than six wives
speculation and supposition, by · wider range of connectives used to King Henry VIII, who was a talented but selfish
constructing sentences in clarify relationship between ideas, e.g. man, had no less than six wives.
varied ways although, on the other hand, meanwhile The structures above convey different viewpoints and
· some features of sentence structure add detail.
used to build up detail or convey shades of In a passive sentence the normal object becomes the
meaning, e.g. variation in word order, subject of the sentence.
expansions in verb phrases (level 5) A monster is eating Cynthia (active)
Cynthia is being eaten by a monster (passive)
Passive voice can make it seem that things are always
happening to something or someone. It also conceals
who is doing the action, something useful in journalism
where we may not yet know.
My heart raced. I glanced over my shoulders,
reassuring myself that it was all a joke. I froze
with worry seeming unable to move my limbs. I
decided it was time to stop worrying and do
something.
Jack Heart was a very well known pirate.
Brought up by his dad on a tatty old boat, he had
an isolated childhood.
Jack was stabbed a further two times, although
his father remained unharmed.
Perhaps the most popular event is when the
witches make their spell and chant the names of
all the gruesome ingredients as they fling them
in the cauldron.
V. Groom and J. Cator 2009