Combining Sentences
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can combine two related independent clauses using a conjunction, semicolon, or colon to form a compound sentence.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
The School of Life · 4:29Vetted channel
We don't generate video — this one is by The School of Life on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
A colon is used to explain something in more detail or to identify a set of things explicitly, while a semicolon links together two related sentences.
- 2
Semicolons can be replaced with a full stop, but semicolons give a sense that two statements are related.
- 3
Colons are logical and unpack things, but semicolons are closer to life, connecting but not entirely explaining related ideas.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
12 questions
What is the main visual difference between a colon and a semicolon?
According to the video, what are the two primary functions of a colon?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Combine the following two independent clauses into one sentence using either a conjunction, semicolon, or colon: 'The rain was pouring down. The soccer game was canceled.' Explain why you chose the punctuation mark you did.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson
