The document discusses synchronised sentences and how to write complex sentences using techniques like semi-colons. It provides examples of basic synchronised sentences and encourages combining more complex ideas into single sentences to demonstrate higher-level thinking. Students are shown using skills like synchronised sentences to write persuasively on the topic of bad career choices. One student achieved a sentence-level mastery equivalent to an A* grade.
2. Why are synchronised sentences a G&T issue? Teaching students sentence 18 from scratch is nigh on impossible. Getting students to form their ideas around the ‘virtual echo’ function of the semi colon and then utilise some of the easier synchronised sentence skills should make this kind of sentence accessible to many of our students.
3. Why do Awarding Bodies regard sentence 18 as an A* skill? Students who can write in this way demonstrate full mastery and control of a range of subtle and abstract ideas synthesising them into one fully conceptualised expression of meaning. It will allow students to demonstrate higher level thinking in all subjects!
4. Why are sentences about identity? Synchronised sentences aren’t meant to be about neatness or mere punctuation. They’re about self expression. A sentence is nothing more than a thought on paper, so it follows that the more complex the sentence, the subtler the thinker behind it.
5. Reminder of when to use a semi-colon. Sentence 14, the use of the semi colon is the key to success here. Remember the semi colon is a more appropriate pause to use than a full stop when the second sentence is a virtual echo of the first.
6. Here two simple sentence combine to form the most basic example of sentence 14. Cinderella left the house in a hurry ; she was late. Mr Smith is very kind; he always looks out for his students. Cameron has a good sense of humour; he makes people laugh.
7. Q) Why does this virtual echo trick help you as a writer? A) It gives you the chance to elaborate and expand your initial idea into just one fuller, better explained single sentence.
8. Why will this help you get an ‘A’ *? Grade A/A* sentences can be formed easily with this trick if , instead of bolting together two simple sentences , you combine two more complex synchronised sentences as shown in the example overleaf……………………….
9. Yr 10 Students recently did some persuasive non-fiction work called ‘Bad Career Choices’ As a training exercise they ran through some of their recently acquired skills:
10. (3 & 11) Firstly, although many people think doctors lead incredibly successful lives, they fail to recognise the horrible pressures that go with the work. (12) Burying themselves beneath mountains of paperwork, doctors have precious little time left over to save lives. (13 )The medical profession, stressed beyond belief, is having a collective nervous breakdown. (14) We must relieve the pressures on doctors now; soon it will be too late.
11. One student ended up at Sentence 18 or A*. (7)If the medical profession is to keep hold of its weather-beaten integrity, it must allow doctors to be called to account for their mistakes ; (13)nurses, unprotected by powerful professional organisations like the BMA, are often hung out to dry for errors made by doctors.