Using adverbs, subordinate clauses and compound sentences in descriptive writing | English

Starter quiz

What is a compound sentence?
- A sentence with one main clause.
- A sentence with one main clause and one subordinate clause.
- A sentence with two main clauses. ✓
What does it mean if something is effective?
- it isn't successful
- it is successful ✓
- it has no effect
What does it mean to write descriptively?
- To write in a very monotone way.
- To write in an interesting and detailed way. ✓
- To write in a persuasive way to convince the reader.
If something is subordinate then it is...
- higher in rank or position.
- lower in rank or position. ✓
- equal in rank or position.
Which of the following is a compound sentence?
- Alice, who was very small at this point, couldn't reach the key.
- Alice couldn't reach the key.
- Alice couldn't reach the key, so she ate the cake to grow taller. ✓
Which of the following is a complex sentence?
- Since she wasn't sure of the way, Alice asked the Cheshire Cat for directions. ✓
- Alice asked the Cheshire Cat for directions, but he disappeared.
- Alice asked the Cheshire Cat for directions on how to get to the castle.

What is an adverb?
- A word that modifies another. ✓
- A doing, being or having word.
- The person, place or thing performing the action.
What does vary mean?
- to keep everything the same
- to change ✓
- to be successful in its outcome
What is a subordinate clause?
- A group of words that do not function as a complete sentence on their own. ✓
- A group of words, including a subject and a verb, that form a complete sentence.
- A noun used to denote a consequence, an outcome, a result, or an influence.
How does adding a subordinate clause enhance our descriptive writing?
- It adds more interesting punctuation.
- It adds more ambitious vocabulary.
- It adds more detail. ✓
Something that denotes a consequence, an outcome, a result, or an influence is called an...
- 'effect' ✓
Why might creating a compound sentence be effective in descriptive writing?
- It shows the connection between clauses. ✓
- It adds more varied punctuation to your writing.
- It adds more emotion to your writing.

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Adding an adverb can help to add emotion and detail to your descriptive writing.
Varying your sentences allows you to mimic the sensation of the reader discovering the scene for the first time.
Varying your sentences can also allow you to add more detail and allow the reader to better visualise the scene.
Creating a compound sentence can help the reader see how information is connected together.

Creating an effective piece of descriptive writing is all about using linguistic devices.

Varying your sentences can also be a very effective way of conveying emotion and detail to help the reader visualise the scene.

Descriptive - Describing something in an interesting and detailed way.
Subordinate clause - A group of words that do not function as a complete sentence on their own.
Vary - To change in form, appearance, nature, substance.
Main clause - A group of words, including a subject and a verb, that form a complete sentence.
Effect - A consequence, an outcome, a result or an influence.