Day 27: Coordinating Conjunctions Quiz and Book Presentation Work Period
Strengthen sentence structure and provide creative work time. In Day 27 of the Grade 9 English course, students complete a Coordinating Conjunctions Quiz to demonstrate their ability to connect independent clauses using FANBOYS. The remainder of the period is dedicated to a Book Presentation work session, where students apply their grammar knowledge to refine slide text and rehearse their oral delivery.
75 Minutes | Key Concepts: Grammar Assessment, FANBOYS, Independent Clause Connection, Oral Communication Prep
Learning Goals and Standards
Students will:
- Demonstrate understanding of coordinating conjunctions through a grammar quiz
- Apply FANBOYS conjunctions correctly in sentences
- Recognize when commas are needed in compound sentences
- Strengthen sentence fluency and clarity in writing
- Continue developing and refining their book presentation skills
- Practice effective speaking preparation and slide organization
Ontario Curriculum Connections (ENL1W)
- B2.1 Language Conventions — use coordinating conjunctions and punctuation accurately
- B2.2 Sentence Structure — construct compound sentences effectively
- C1.3 Developing Ideas — organize presentation content for a specific audience
- D2.4 Oral Presentation Skills — rehearse and communicate ideas clearly
Common Core (Grades 9–10)
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1 — demonstrate command of grammar and usage
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.2 — demonstrate command of punctuation and conventions
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4 — present information clearly and logically
IB Language & Literature (ATL Skills)
- Communication skills through presentation rehearsal
- Self-management through independent preparation
- Thinking skills through application of grammar concepts
Cambridge IGCSE English Literature / First Language English
- Use accurate grammar and sentence structure
- Organize and communicate ideas clearly for an audience
OECD Global Competence Framework
- Communicate clearly using structured language
- Develop confidence in written and spoken communication
Resources for the Coordinating Conjunctions Quiz
Bell Ringer
Write these sentences on the board and ask students to choose the best coordinating conjunction for each:
- I wanted to finish my slides, _____ I stayed after class.
- Maya studied hard, _____ she still felt nervous.
- We could rehearse now, _____ we could practice tomorrow.
Then ask:
Which FANBOYS conjunction do you use most often in your own writing?
This serves as a quick review before the quiz begins.
Lesson Flow
1. Coordinating Conjunctions Quiz
Start today’s class with a short coordinating conjunctions quiz.
This quiz reviews how for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so connect ideas and clauses. Students should read each sentence carefully and choose the conjunction that best fits the relationship between ideas.
Remind students that coordinating conjunctions:
Join two independent clauses
Require a comma before the conjunction when connecting complete thoughts
Create smoother, more natural writing when used effectively
| Conjunction | Function | Example Usage |
| For | Explains reason (similar to ‘because’). | I was tired, for I had stayed up late. |
| And | Adds one idea to another. | She wrote the script, and he filmed it. |
| But / Yet | Shows contrast or exceptions. | The book was long, but it was exciting. |
| Or | Presents an alternative or choice. | You can present today, or you can go Friday. |
| So | Indicates a result or consequence. | It started to rain, so we moved inside. |
2. Book Presentation Work Period
Once the quiz is complete, the rest of the class will be dedicated to preparing the book presentation (introduced yesterday). Students should:
Review their slide deck for clarity and design (short text, high contrast, relevant visuals)
Practice speaking through each slide without reading directly from it
Rehearse transitions between slides to keep their talk engaging
Double-check that they’ve included four of the required slide types
Encourage students to rehearse aloud with a partner or small group for peer feedback.
If time permits, circulate and offer guidance on content, pacing, and speaking tone.
First-Hand Suggestions
Grammar quizzes tend to go much more smoothly when students see them as short skill check-ins rather than high-pressure tests. I’ve found that reviewing a few examples together beforehand helps students feel more confident and reminds them to focus on the relationship between ideas, not just memorizing FANBOYS. The presentation work period afterward also creates a nice balance between technical writing skills and creative communication.
Differentiation for the Coordinating Conjunctions Quiz
Support Strategies
- Provide a FANBOYS reference chart during review
- Read quiz instructions aloud before beginning
- Allow extra processing time where appropriate
- Highlight independent clauses in sample sentences together before the quiz
- Break presentation work into smaller tasks:
- revise slides
- check quotes
- rehearse speaking notes
Support for English Language Learners
Pre-teach key vocabulary:
- conjunction
- clause
- compound sentence
- transition
- presentation
Helpful sentence starters:
- “I chose ___ because…”
- “These two ideas connect because…”
- “This slide explains…”
Alternative Demonstration Options
Students may:
- explain conjunction choices verbally
- rehearse presentations with a partner instead of independently
- use cue cards during presentation practice
- complete fewer practice questions if accommodations require it
Extension Opportunities
Students ready for enrichment can:
- write their own compound sentences using all seven FANBOYS conjunctions
- revise simple sentences into more sophisticated compound sentences
- focus on presentation pacing, audience engagement, and transitions between slides
- peer-edit another student’s slides for clarity and grammar
Coordinating Conjunctions Quiz FAQ
What are the 7 coordinating conjunctions? The seven coordinating conjunctions are often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So.
When do you use a comma with a coordinating conjunction? A comma is required before the coordinating conjunction when it is used to connect two independent clauses (complete thoughts).
How does a work period benefit student book presentations? A dedicated work period allows students to receive immediate teacher feedback on their slide design and practice their oral delivery in a low-stakes environment, leading to higher confidence during the final assessment.
