Day 28: Subordinating Conjunctions and Book Presentation Work Period
Connect complex ideas with precision. In Day 28 of the Grade 9 English course, students explore a Subordinating Conjunctions Lesson Plan that focuses on building complex sentences using words like because, although, and since. The lesson then transitions into the final in-class work period for the Book Presentation Project, allowing students to apply their new linguistic tools to refine their scripts and visual aids before the delivery phase.
75 Minutes | Key Concepts: Complex Sentences, Dependent Clauses, Presentation Polish, Technical Writing
Learning Goals and Standards
Students will:
- Identify subordinating conjunctions in sentences
- Understand how subordinating conjunctions connect ideas of unequal importance
- Distinguish between dependent and independent clauses
- Use subordinating conjunctions to create more detailed and complex sentences
- Apply stronger sentence structure in both analytical and presentation-based writing
- Continue preparing and refining their book presentations
Ontario Curriculum Connections (ENL1W)
- B2.1 Language Conventions — use subordinating conjunctions and grammar conventions accurately
- B2.2 Sentence Structure — create complex sentences using dependent clauses
- C1.3 Developing Ideas — organize ideas clearly in written and oral communication
- D2.4 Oral Presentation Skills — prepare and communicate ideas effectively for an audience
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 — apply conventions of punctuation and sentence structure
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4 — present information clearly and logically
IB Language & Literature (ATL Skills)
- Communication skills through presentation preparation
- Thinking skills through sentence construction and revision
- Self-management through independent work time
Cambridge IGCSE English Literature / First Language English
- Use varied and accurate sentence structures
- Communicate ideas clearly in written and oral forms
OECD Global Competence Framework
- Develop clarity and precision in communication
- Strengthen written and spoken expression across contexts
Resources
- Subordinating Conjunctions Lesson
- Subordinating Conjunctions Quiz
- Subordinating Conjunctions Answer Key
- Book Presentation Student Instructions
Bell Ringer for Subordinating Conjunctions
Write these sentence starters on the board and ask students to complete them:
- Although __________________________
- Because __________________________
- Whenever _________________________
Then ask:
Why do these sentence starters feel incomplete on their own?
This helps students recognize the role of dependent clauses before the lesson begins.
Lesson Flow
Subordinating Conjunctions Lesson
Use the full lesson with notes, or use the chart below:
| Conjunction Type | Purpose | Common Examples |
| Cause/Effect | Explains why something happened. | because, since, as |
| Concession | Shows a contrast or unexpected result. | although, even though, while |
| Condition | Sets a requirement for an action. | if, unless, provided that |
| Time | Establishes a sequence of events. | after, before, when, until |
2. Book Presentation Work Period
After reviewing subordinating conjunctions, students will spend the remainder of the period working on their book presentations. This is the final in-class work period before presentations begin, so encourage everyone to finalize slides, rehearse speaking points, and make sure they’re ready to present with confidence.
Remind students of the key success points:
Content: Show a clear understanding of the book’s ideas.
Design: Use short text, readable slides, and strong visuals.
Speaking: Practice eye contact and avoid reading directly from slides.
If students finish early, suggest peer feedback or a quick practice round in pairs.
By the end of this class, everyone should be ready to share their book presentations!
First-Hand Suggestions
Students usually understand subordinating conjunctions much faster when they hear them naturally in speech before analyzing them grammatically. I’ve found that modeling short, everyday examples helps students see how these words add detail, explanation, and flow to writing. Connecting the lesson back to their presentations also helps students understand that sentence structure is a practical communication tool—not just a grammar exercise.
Differentiation
Support Strategies
- Provide a list of common subordinating conjunctions
- Color-code dependent and independent clauses in examples
- Use sentence frames before independent practice
- Allow students to verbally test sentences before writing them
- Break presentation work into manageable checkpoints
Support for English Language Learners
Pre-teach key vocabulary:
- clause
- dependent
- independent
- conjunction
- complex sentence
Helpful sentence starters:
- “Although ___, ___.”
- “Because ___, ___.”
- “If ___, then ___.”
Alternative Demonstration Options
Students may:
- combine sentence strips physically before writing
- explain sentence structure verbally
- rehearse presentation ideas with a partner
- complete reduced practice questions if accommodations require it
Extension Opportunities
Students ready for enrichment can:
- write longer complex sentences using multiple clauses
- revise simple writing into more sophisticated sentence structures
- identify subordinating conjunctions in their independent reading novel
- strengthen transitions and flow within their presentations
Subordinating Conjunctions FAQ
What is a subordinating conjunction? A subordinating conjunction is a word or phrase that links a dependent clause to an independent clause. This transition indicates a relationship of time, place, cause, or effect.
How do subordinating conjunctions improve student writing? They allow students to move away from ‘choppy’ simple sentences and create complex sentences that show deeper critical thinking and more nuanced relationships between ideas.
What are the success criteria for a Book Presentation work period? Success criteria include finalizing slide design for readability, rehearsing speaking points to avoid reading from the screen, and checking for clear thematic analysis of the chosen book.
