Conjunctions: Connecting Ideas in Sentences English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Subject: English Grammar

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 9

Topic: Conjunctions

Sub-topic: Definition, Identification, Types, and Functions

Duration: 40 minutes

Age: 12–13 years

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define conjunctions.
2. Identify conjunctions in sentences.
3. Differentiate between subordinating and coordinating conjunctions.
4. Use conjunctions correctly in sentences.

Keywords:

• Conjunctions
• Subordinating
• Coordinating
• Sentences
• Connecting Words

Set Induction:

Begin by asking students how they combine two or more ideas in writing or speaking. Lead them to the use of conjunctions.

Entry Behaviour:

Students should have basic knowledge of simple sentence structure.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Sample sentences
• Flashcards with conjunctions
• Whiteboard and markers

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have learned about sentence construction and should now expand their understanding to how conjunctions connect ideas.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Sentence structure
• Speaking and writing skills

Learning Materials:

• Sentences showing conjunction usage
• Lagos State Scheme of Work

Instructional Materials:

• Flashcards
• Sentence examples
• Whiteboard and markers

Content:

Definition of Conjunctions:

A conjunction is a word used to join words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. Conjunctions help create smoother sentences by connecting ideas logically.

Types of Conjunctions:

1. Coordinating Conjunctions:
   • These conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank (i.e., independent clauses).
   • Examples: and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet

   Examples in Sentences:

   • I want to eat but I am not hungry.
   • She bought apples and oranges.
   • We can watch a movie or go out for dinner.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions:
   • These conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and show the relationship between the dependent clause and the independent clause.
   • Examples: because, although, since, if, when, while, though

   Examples in Sentences:

   • I stayed home because it was raining.
   • Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
   • You can go out if you finish your chores.

Functions of Conjunctions:

• Coordinating Conjunctions: Join two clauses or ideas that are of equal importance.
• Subordinating Conjunctions: Connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, showing a relationship such as cause, time, or condition.

Presentation:

1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic on prepositions.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Review the meaning and types of prepositions.
   • Learners’ Activities: Recall examples and sentences with prepositions.
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, conjunctions.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Explain the meaning and types of conjunctions with examples.
   • Learners’ Activities: Listen and ask questions for better understanding.
3. Step 3: The teacher allows the students to give their own examples of conjunctions.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Guide students in identifying conjunctions in sentences.
   • Learners’ Activities: Practice forming sentences with conjunctions and participate in activities.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Define and explain conjunctions.
• Demonstrate the use of coordinating and subordinating conjunctions in sentences.
• Provide sentence examples for students to analyze.

Learners’ Activities:

• Identify conjunctions in sentences.
• Create their own sentences using coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
• Participate in class discussions on conjunction usage.

Evaluation:

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (Evaluation):

1. I wanted to go out, _____ it started raining.
   a) but b) and c) because d) if
2. She is very tired, _____ she will finish her work.
   a) so b) but c) or d) when
3. He didn’t go to school _____ he was sick.
   a) because b) or c) and d) but
4. You can have tea _____ coffee.
   a) or b) and c) for d) nor
5. I will visit you _____ I have time.
   a) if b) and c) for d) but
6. She laughed _____ she was happy.
   a) because b) if c) or d) but
7. We are going to the market, _____ we will buy some fruits.
   a) and b) but c) so d) or
8. He is poor, _____ he is honest.
   a) but b) so c) and d) for
9. We didn’t win the game, _____ we tried our best.
   a) but b) because c) so d) if
10. She sings _____ she is in a good mood.
    a) when b) or c) and d) nor
11. I waited for him _____ he didn’t show up.
    a) but b) or c) because d) so
12. You must practice regularly _____ you want to improve.
    a) if b) or c) and d) but
13. She was excited _____ she had won the prize.
    a) because b) and c) but d) if
14. He went out _____ it was snowing.
    a) although b) and c) or d) because
15. They took an umbrella, _____ it was raining.
    a) because b) but c) so d) for

Class Activity Discussion (15 FAQs):

1. What is a conjunction?
   A conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses.
2. What are the types of conjunctions?
   Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
3. What is the function of a coordinating conjunction?
   It connects words or clauses of equal importance.
4. What is the function of a subordinating conjunction?
   It connects a dependent clause to an independent clause.
5. Give an example of a coordinating conjunction.
   “And” is a coordinating conjunction.
6. Give an example of a subordinating conjunction.
   “Because” is a subordinating conjunction.
7. How do conjunctions improve sentence structure?
   They help combine ideas smoothly.
8. Why are conjunctions important in writing?
   They make sentences clearer and less repetitive.
9. What is the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions?
   Coordinating conjunctions join equal ideas, while subordinating ones connect dependent ideas to main ones.
10. What is the conjunction in this sentence: “She ate and drank.”?
    “And” is the conjunction.
11. Can you start a sentence with a conjunction?
    Yes, especially with subordinating conjunctions like “Because” or “Although”.
12. What is the conjunction in this sentence: “He stayed home because it was raining.”?
    “Because” is the conjunction.
13. Why do we need subordinating conjunctions?
    To show relationships like time, cause, or condition between clauses.
14. What are some common coordinating conjunctions?
    And, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.
15. What are some common subordinating conjunctions?
    Because, if, when, although, since.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is a conjunction?
2. Give two examples of coordinating conjunctions.
3. Give two examples of subordinating conjunctions.
4. What is the function of a coordinating conjunction?
5. What is the function of a subordinating conjunction?
6. Use “but” in a sentence.
7. Use “because” in a sentence.
8. What is the difference between “and” and “if”?
9. Identify the conjunction in this sentence: “I will come if you call me.”
10. How does a subordinating conjunction connect ideas?

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to check students’ work, corrects errors, and clarifies any confusion on the use of conjunctions.