This ‘Sentence Builders’ game is a fun way for pupils in Year 6 to revisit the subjunctive form, learning how sentences can be formed using this very formal language.
Pupils will have the opportunity to compose sentences that use the subjunctive form using our sentence builder game, exploring how it can be used in very formal writing. Using the cards with examples of nouns and pronouns, verb cards and infinitive verbs (root form of the verb) they can create sentences using the subjunctive form, adding additional information to the end of the sentence as required. Pupils should orally rehearse sentences before writing them.
The game could be played as a whole class as a starter or main writing activity within English lessons. It could also be used as an intervention, working with pupils who may need support to form sentences orally, writing sentences or developing pupils’ understanding of the subjunctive form and how it is used in very formal speech and writing.
- Sentence Builder game board: subjunctive form
- 24 noun or pronoun cards
- 16 verb cards
- 16 infinitive verb cards
- Blank word cards for teachers or pupils to create their own examples
What is the subjunctive form?
The subjunctive form is used in very formal speech and writing. It can be used to suggest or demand, or indicate something that is desired, especially something that is important or urgent.
- It is important that he attend. (Rather than: It is important that he attends.)
The subjunctive form can also be used to show hypothetical situations or wishes.
- If she were rich, she would buy a zoo.
- I wish I were a bird so I could fly above the clouds.
National Curriculum English programme of study links
Pupils should be taught to:
- recognise vocabulary and structures that are appropriate for formal speech and writing, including subjunctive forms
- use and understand the grammatical terminology in English Appendix 2 accurately and appropriately when discuss their writing and reading