Providing layers of detail in information texts by

Providing layers of detail in information texts by using non-finite subordinate clauses

LEAD Principles PRINCIPLE EXPLANATION RATIONALE LINKS Make a link between the grammar being introduced and how it works in the writing being taught To establish a purposeful learning reason for EXAMPLES addressing grammar, and connect grammar with meaning and rhetorical effect Explain the grammar through To avoid writing lessons becoming minigrammar lessons, and to allow access to the examples, not lengthy structure even if the grammar concept is not explanations fully understood AUTHENTIC TEXTS DISCUSSION To integrate reading and writing and show Use authentic texts as ‘real’ writers make language choices models to link writers to the broader community of writers Build in high-quality discussion about grammar and its effects To promote deep metalinguistic learning about why a particular choice works, and to develop independence rather than compliance

Writing to inform and explain Typical features of information/explanation texts include: § Headings and sub headings that sum up the topic and sections within it: Famous Buildings/The Taj Mahal § Clear statement sentences, especially at the start of paragraphs or sections, that introduce the topic: The use and purpose of a building defines it and gives it meaning, significance and history. § Facts and statistics that point out special features: The White House contains 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, 412 doors, 147 windows, 7 staircases and 3 lifts! § Technical or specialist vocabulary to provide an authoritative, ‘expert’ voice: The central dome is an onion or amrud dome, a style typical of Islamic architecture. § Expanded noun phrases that provide detailed description in a succinct and precise way: this perfectly symmetrical marble tomb; tall, decorative spires called guldasta § A mix of past and present tense: The cathedral was completed in 1561; It has nine brightly-coloured domes. Authentic text

Noticing Details in a Examples Authentic text Text Standing in the centre of the Italian capital, the Colosseum was used for gladiator contests, mock battles, animal hunts and religious sacrifices. The White House, situated in Washington D. C. , has been the official home and workplace of the President of the United States of America for over 200 years. Built in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal (or Crown Palace) was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631. Discussion The Colosseum was gifted to the citizens of Rome by Emperor Vespasian to win the public’s favour. One way of adding detail to the information in a text is by using a subordinate clause which has a non-finite verb. Look at the sentences here. Decide what kind of detail is provided by the subordinate clause by asking: Links § What information is lost if you omit the subordinate clause?

Links Noticing Details in a Using a subordinate clause which has a non-finite verb can Examples Text help you add layers of detail in a succinct and precise way. For example, the information in three separate sentences can be incorporated into one sentence: Discussion How many different versions of these sentences can you make? Does the order of the clauses alter the meaning? The Colosseum was built between 70 and 80 AD. It was gifted to the citizens of Rome by Emperor Vespasian. It was built to win the public’s favour. Built between 70 and 80 AD, the Colosseum was gifted to the citizens of Rome by Emperor Vespasian to win the public’s favour. 36 trapdoors were hidden underneath the sandy arena floor. These were opened mid-event. They allowed wild animals or extra gladiators into the arena. 36 trapdoors, hidden underneath the sandy arena floor, were opened mid-event, allowing wild animals or extra gladiators into the arena.

Noticing Details in a Using a subordinate clause which has a non-finite verb can Examples Text help you add layers of detail in a succinct and precise way. Changing the order of subordinate clauses within the sentence can subtly alter emphasis and meaning. Links The Colosseum was built between 70 and 80 AD. It was gifted to the citizens of Rome by Emperor Vespasian. It was built to win the public’s favour. Here, the reason for building the Colosseum is foregrounded. Built between 70 and 80 AD, the Colosseum was gifted to Here, the date when the Colosseum was built is the citizens of Rome to win the public’s favour. foregrounded. 36 trapdoors were hidden underneath the sandy arena floor. These were opened mid-event. They allowed wild animals or extra gladiators into the arena. To win the public’s favour, the Colosseum, built between 70 and 80 AD, was gifted to the citizens of Rome. Discussion Decide on one sentence where the order of clauses emphasises the position of the trapdoors within the Colosseum and the surprise of them opening during the show.

Noticing Details in a Using a subordinate clause which has a non-finite verb can Examples Text help you add layers of detail in a succinct and precise way. Changing the order of subordinate clauses within the sentence can subtly alter emphasis and meaning. Links Is this the version you chose to emphasise the position of the trapdoors within the Colosseum and the surprise of them opening during the show? Hidden underneath the sandy arena floor, 36 trapdoors were opened mid-event, allowing wild animals or extra gladiators into the arena. You might emphasise the drama of the event even more by starting a sentence with a new non-finite subordinate clause: Opening mid-event, …. How could you complete this sentence? Is this how you completed the sentence ? Opening mid-event, 36 trapdoors hidden underneath the sandy arena floor allowed wild animals or extra gladiators into the arena.

Verbalising the Grammar-Writing Link A crucial element of the LEAD principles is helping writers to think explicitly (metalinguistically) about the choices they make. As a teacher, you need to support this by being crystal clear yourself about how you verbalise the link between a grammar choice and its effect in a particular text/context. Then express this in student-friendly language, as below. Verbalisation to share with students: In an information or explanation text, you need to provide layers of detail in a precise and succinct way. One way of providing this detail is to use subordinate clauses formed with non-finite verbs. Think about where in the sentence you can place these subordinate clauses to subtly alter the emphasis on meaning.