Sentence Structure Review: Simple and Compound Sentences
? Can-Do Statement: I can identify and create simple and compound sentences using coordinating conjunctions.
1. Target Vocabulary
| Word & Typology | Definition & Translation | Contextualized Example |
|---|---|---|
| invention (noun) | something new that is made for the first time sự phát minh |
The light bulb is a famous invention by Thomas Edison. |
| device (noun) | a tool or machine used for a specific job thiết bị |
A smartphone is a very useful device for communication. |
| scientific (adjective) | relating to science thuộc về khoa học |
We performed a scientific experiment in the classroom today. |
| create (verb) | to make something happen or exist tạo ra |
Engineers create new machines to solve difficult problems. |
| digital (adjective) | using computer technology kỹ thuật số |
Most people prefer using digital cameras over old film ones. |
| modern (adjective) | relating to the present time hiện đại |
Modern technology makes our daily lives much easier. |
| discover (verb) | to find something for the first time khám phá / tìm ra |
Scientists hope to discover new planets in our galaxy. |
| useful (adjective) | helpful for doing something hữu ích |
This dictionary is very useful for my English homework. |
| knowledge (noun) | information and skills gained through experience kiến thức |
Reading books is a great way to gain more knowledge. |
2. Grammar Theory
? Simple Sentences
A simple sentence consists of exactly one independent clause. This means it contains a single subject and a predicate, and it expresses a complete thought. It does not contain any subordinate or other independent clauses.
| Structure | Subject + Predicate (Verb + optional objects/modifiers) |
|---|---|
| Examples |
• “The scientist worked in the lab all day.” • “The new digital device works perfectly.” • “We studied world history in school today.” |
⚡ Compound Sentences
A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined together. The most common way to join them is by using a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (easily remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
| Structure | Independent Clause + , + Conjunction + Independent Clause |
|---|---|
| Examples |
• “He liked the invention, but it was too expensive to buy.” • “She studied hard for the test, and she received an A.” • “You can use the new tablet, or you can use the laptop.” |
3. Practice Exercises
Match the target vocabulary word on the left with its correct contextual definition/synonym on the right.
- 1. invention
- 2. device
- 3. scientific
- 4. digital
- 5. discover
- 6. knowledge
? Click to see Answer Key & Explanation (Đáp án & Giải thích)
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the box below. Use each word exactly once.
- The smartphone is a multi-functional that fulfills many daily needs.
- Engineers constantly try to more sustainable energy systems.
- Books are incredibly tools for students who want to study alone.
- Our university library helps students expand their academic .
- technology changes much faster than traditional technology.
- We live in a world where almost everything is connected to the internet.
? Click to see Answer Key & Explanation (Đáp án & Giải thích)
Choose the best coordinating conjunction or punctuation to complete each compound sentence properly.
- 1. The laboratory has advanced equipment, ______ the researchers need more funding.
- 2. You must present your digital ID card, ______ you cannot enter the scientific facility.
- 3. The system update was highly effective, ______ all users noticed immediate improvements.
- 4. They did not complete the data analysis, ______ did they write the final summary report.
- 5. We want to purchase the new modern device, ______ it is currently out of stock everywhere.
- 6. The team gathered immense knowledge, ______ they discovered answers to complex problems.
? Click to see Answer Key & Explanation (Đáp án & Giải thích)
State whether the given sentences are Compound Sentences. Mark TRUE if it is a compound sentence, or FALSE if it is a simple sentence.
- 1. The old scientist discovered a new cure and shared it with the entire world.
- 2. Modern digital applications make remote work highly productive, so companies love them.
- 3. Many new useful inventions fail in the competitive commercial market due to high pricing.
- 4. We gained great knowledge from the book, but we still needed hands-on training.
- 5. You can read scientific journals online, or you can borrow physical books from our library.
- 6. Both engineers and digital designers create modern computer programs daily.
? Click to see Answer Key & Explanation (Đáp án & Giải thích)
Rearrange the words to make complete, grammatically correct simple or compound sentences. (Remember punctuation!)
- useful / digital / is / device / a / smartphone / a / .
- worked / the / scientist / laboratory / the / in / .
- expensive / it / was / but / liked / invention / he / the / , / .
- create / solutions / engineers / modern / problems / for / .
- gained / she / and / knowledge / books / read / she / , / .
- discover / planets / they / or / can / stars / study / , / they / can / .
? Click to see Answer Key & Explanation (Đáp án & Giải thích)
Identify the missing grammatical structural component or classify the underlined segment of text.
- 1. In the compound sentence structure pattern, what must precede the coordinating conjunction?
- 2. Identify the subject in: “The new digital device works perfectly online.”
- 3. “We studied world history in school today.” What structure is this?
- 4. Which word in the FANBOYS acronym signifies a cause/reason similarly to “because”?
- 5. “You can use the new tablet, or you can use the laptop.” How many independent clauses are here?
- 6. Compound sentences require clauses that can stand alone as complete sentences. What are they called?