Grade 6 · Foundations of Language · Sentence Structure and Voice

Shape Complex Sentences

Sentence structure helps readers see which ideas belong together and which details matter most.

The big idea

Grammar choices change emphasis

'The scientist recorded the result' emphasizes the scientist. 'The result was recorded' uses passive voice to emphasize the result instead.

Work it through

For parents and educators

Grade 6 Language · Strand B: Foundations of Language

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B3.1 · Syntax and Sentence Structure

Use their knowledge of sentence types and forms to construct sentences that communicate ideas effectively, including using and creating complex sentences with adjective or relative clauses to express relationships among ideas.
B3.2 · Grammar

Demonstrate an understanding of the functions of parts of speech in sentences, including nouns that are gerunds, distinguishing and converting between active and passive voice, and use this knowledge to support comprehension and communicate meaning clearly.
B3.3 · Capitalization and Punctuation

Use their understanding of the meaning and function of capitalization and punctuation to communicate meaning clearly and coherently, including colons in formal letter and memo salutations and to indicate a new speaker in script dialogue, and commas after transitional words or phrases.