SS1 ENGLISH STUDIES – SECOND TERM

LESSON NOTE
Subject English Studies
Class SS1
Term Second Term
Week Week 8
Duration 80 Minutes (Double Period)
Topic COMPLEX TENSE FORMS & COMPLEX SENTENCES
Sub-topic Complex tense forms (present perfect continuous, past perfect,
future perfect); Structure and types of complex sentences;
Clause identification and connectives
Previous Knowledge Students have been taught simple and present continuous
tense forms in Week 1, and compound tenses in Weeks 2–4.
They can identify simple and compound sentences.
Reference New Oxford Senior Secondary English, SS1 Scheme of Work
(Second Term, Week 8)

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Identify and correctly use the present perfect continuous, past perfect, and future perfect tense
forms in sentences.
2. Distinguish between simple, compound, and complex sentences.
3. Identify the main clause and subordinate clause in a complex sentence.
4. Use a range of subordinating conjunctions and connectives accurately.
5. Identify the type of subordinate clause (adverbial, relative, or noun clause) in a given sentence.
6. Correctly answer examination questions on complex tense forms and complex sentences.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
• Chalkboard / Whiteboard and markers
• Sentence strips (prepared examples on cardboard)
• Handouts with practice exercises
• Chart showing tense timeline
• Students' exercise books
PART ONE: COMPLEX TENSE FORMS
In the earlier weeks of this term, we studied simple tense forms (present, past, and future simple) and
the present continuous tense. In this lesson, we go deeper into what are called COMPLEX TENSE
FORMS — tenses that combine an auxiliary verb (or more than one auxiliary verb) with a main verb to
express more precise time relationships.

1.1 Overview of Complex Tense Forms

Tense Structure Example Key Signal
Word(s)
Present Continuous am/is/are + V-ing She is reading. now, at the
moment,
currently
Present Perfect has/have + past He has eaten. already,
participle just, yet,
ever, never
Present Perfect has/have + been + V- She has been reading for, since,
Continuous ing for two hours. all day/week
Past Perfect had + past participle They had left before I before,
arrived. already, by
the time
Past Continuous was/were + V-ing He was sleeping when I when, while,
called. at that
moment
Past Perfect had + been + V-ing She had been crying for, since,
Continuous before he came. before
Future Simple will/shall + base verb We will go tomorrow. tomorrow,
soon, next
week
Future Continuous will/shall + be + V-ing I will be travelling at at this time
noon. tomorrow
Future Perfect will/shall + have + past By Monday, she will by (a future
participle have finished. time)
Future Perfect will + have + been + V- By June, he will have by, for
Continuous ing been working here for a
year.

1.2 Present Perfect Continuous

STRUCTURE: has/have + been + verb-ing
USE: This tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still continuing now, or has
only just stopped. It emphasises the duration of the activity.
Formation:
Subject Auxiliary Verbs + V-ing
 I / You / We / They have + been + V-ing
He / She / It has + been + V-ing

Examples:
"She has been reading this novel since morning."
"They have been playing football for two hours."
"It has been raining since yesterday."
Key signal words:
for, since, all day, all week, how long, lately, recently
Common Examination Trap:
✘ "I am having this book since Monday." ← WRONG (simple continuous cannot be used with
"since")
✔ "I have had this book since Monday." ← CORRECT (present perfect)
📌 NOTE: "For" is used with a period of time (e.g. for two hours). "Since" is used with a point in time
(e.g. since 2020, since Monday).

1.3 Past Perfect

STRUCTURE: had + past participle
USE: The past perfect is used to show that one action was completed BEFORE another past action. It
makes the sequence of events clear.
Formation:
Subject Auxiliary + Past Participle
All subjects (I, you, he, she, had + past participle
it, we, they)

Examples:
"They had left before I arrived." (They left first → I arrived second)
"She had finished her homework before dinner."
"By the time the teacher came, the students had already sat down."
Key signal words:
before, after, already, by the time, when, as soon as
Visual Timeline:
[Earlier past event] ─── had + V-ed ───▶ [Later past event] ─── simple past
───▶ NOW

Common Examination Trap:

✘ "She finished her homework before dinner." ← Acceptable but loses the sequence
emphasis
✔ "She had finished her homework before dinner." ← Makes the sequence clear with past
perfect

1.4 Future Perfect

STRUCTURE: will/shall + have + past participle
USE: The future perfect is used to show that an action will be completed before a specific time in the
future.
Examples:
"By next year, she will have finished her course."
"By the time you arrive, we will have eaten."
"He will have completed the project by Friday."
Key signal words:
by (tomorrow, next week, Monday, the time...), before, in (two hours, three days)
📌 NOTE: The future perfect always looks forward to a future deadline — something will be done
and dusted by that point.

1.5 Past Perfect Continuous

STRUCTURE: had + been + verb-ing
USE: Shows an action that was ongoing in the past and continued up to another past event.
Examples:
"She had been crying before he arrived."
"They had been waiting for two hours when the bus finally came."
📌 NOTE: "He has been working since morning" = Present Perfect Continuous (he is still working
now). "He had been working since morning when he finally took a break" = Past Perfect Continuous
(he stopped working at a past moment).

1.6 Tense Practice Drill

Complete each sentence with the correct complex tense form of the verb in brackets.
1. She _______________ (study) for three hours before the light went out. [Past Perfect
Continuous]
2. By the time I retire, I _______________ (teach) for thirty years. [Future Perfect Continuous]
3. They _______________ (finish) the project before the deadline. [Past Perfect]
4. He _______________ (run) every morning for the past six weeks. [Present Perfect
Continuous]
5. By next term, she _______________ (complete) all her assignments. [Future Perfect]

1.7 Examination Practice – Complex Tense Forms

These questions are drawn from the Second Term Examination. Study each one carefully.
Q1. "I am coming" is an example of ___.
A. Simple past B. Present continuous
C. Past perfect D. Future simple
Q2. "I have come" is an example of ___.
A. Past continuous B. Simple past
C. Present perfect D. Future perfect
Q3. "I have been coming since morning" shows ___.
A. Simple present B. Past perfect continuous
C. Present perfect continuous D. Future continuous
Q4. "By next year, she will have finished her course." This is ___.
A. Future simple B. Future perfect
C. Future continuous D. Present perfect
Q5. Choose the correct sentence in the past perfect tense.
A. They have gone home B. They had gone home before I arrived
C. They go home daily D. They are going home now
Q6. "He has been working since morning." The tense used is ___.
A. Simple past B. Present perfect
C. Present perfect continuous D. Past continuous
ANSWERS: 1-B 2-C 3-C 4-B 5-B 6-C
PART TWO: COMPLEX SENTENCES
2.1 The Three Types of Sentences – A Comparison
Type Structure Example Key Feature
Simple Sentence One independent "She reads every day." No conjunction
clause only joining clauses
Compound Two or more "She reads novels and he Joined by: and,
Sentence independent clauses watches films." but, or, so, yet,
joined by a co- for, nor
ordinating conjunction
Complex One main "Although she was tired, Joined by
Sentence (independent) clause + she finished her work." subordinating
one or more conjunction;
subordinate subordinate
(dependent) clauses clause
CANNOT
stand alone

2.2 What Is a Complex Sentence?

A COMPLEX SENTENCE contains at least two clauses:
• A MAIN CLAUSE (also called an independent clause) — this can stand alone as a complete
sentence and makes full sense on its own.
• A SUBORDINATE CLAUSE (also called a dependent clause) — this CANNOT stand alone. It
depends on the main clause to make sense.
"Although it rained heavily, we still went to school."
Main clause: "we still went to school" — this makes sense alone.
Subordinate clause: "Although it rained heavily" — this does NOT make sense alone.
📌 NOTE: The order can be reversed. When the subordinate clause comes FIRST, it is followed by
a comma. When the main clause comes first, no comma is usually needed. ✔ "Although she
was tired, she finished her work." ← comma needed ✔ "She finished her work although she
was tired." ← no comma needed

2.3 Subordinating Conjunctions

A SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION introduces the subordinate clause and shows the relationship
between the two clauses.
Relationship Subordinating Example
Conjunctions
Time when, while, before, "We left after the meeting
after, as, since, until, as ended."
soon as
Cause / because, since, as "She passed because she
Reason worked hard."
Contrast / although, though, even "Although he is rich, he is
Concession though, whereas humble."
 Condition if, unless, provided that, "If you study hard, you will
as long as pass."
Purpose so that, in order that "He spoke slowly so that we
could understand."
Result so...that, such...that "She was so tired that she fell
asleep."

2.4 Types of Subordinate Clauses

(a) Adverbial Clause
An adverbial clause acts like an adverb — it modifies the main verb by telling us when, where, how,
why, under what condition, or with what result.
"She cried because she was hurt." ← adverbial clause of reason
"He ran when he saw the dog." ← adverbial clause of time
"If you ring the bell, someone will answer." ← adverbial clause of condition
"They moved to the hall so that they could concentrate." ← adverbial clause of purpose
(b) Relative Clause
A relative clause modifies a noun (it tells us more about a person or thing). It is introduced by a relative
pronoun: who, whom, whose, which, that.
"The girl who won the prize is my sister." ← tells us WHICH girl
"The book that you recommended is excellent." ← tells us WHICH book
"He spoke to the man whose car was damaged." ← tells us WHOSE car
(c) Noun Clause
A noun clause plays the role of a noun in the sentence. It can be the subject, object, or complement.
"What he said surprised everyone." ← noun clause as SUBJECT
"I know that she is talented." ← noun clause as OBJECT
"The truth is that he lied." ← noun clause as COMPLEMENT
📌 NOTE: Noun clauses are often introduced by: that, what, who, whether, if, how, when, where,
why.

2.5 Connectives Used in Complex Sentences

CONNECTIVES help join ideas across sentences or within complex sentences. Unlike subordinating
conjunctions which introduce clauses, some connectives are adverbs that link ideas between
sentences.
Function Connectives / Example
Conjunctions
Showing result consequently, therefore, "She studied hard;
as a result, so consequently, she passed."
Giving example for example, for "Some animals are nocturnal
instance, such as — for example, the owl."
Adding furthermore, moreover, "He is brilliant; furthermore, he
information in addition, also is humble."
Showing however, on the other "He is tall; however, his brother
contrast hand, although, whereas is short."
 Showing cause because, since, as, for "She was late because of the
traffic."
Showing if, unless, provided that "Unless you try, you will not
condition succeed."

2.6 Worked Examples – Identifying Clauses

Study each sentence below. Identify the MAIN CLAUSE and the SUBORDINATE CLAUSE, and state
the type of subordinate clause.
Example 1: "Although the rain was heavy, the match continued."
▸ Main clause: "the match continued"
▸ Subordinate clause: "Although the rain was heavy"
▸ Type: Adverbial clause of CONTRAST / CONCESSION
Example 2: "The student who answered correctly received a prize."
▸ Main clause: "The student received a prize"
▸ Subordinate clause: "who answered correctly"
▸ Type: Relative clause (modifies "the student")
Example 3: "What she told me was shocking."
▸ Main clause: "was shocking"
▸ Subordinate clause: "What she told me"
▸ Type: Noun clause (functions as the SUBJECT)
Example 4: "If you do not revise, you will fail the examination."
▸ Main clause: "you will fail the examination"
▸ Subordinate clause: "If you do not revise"
▸ Type: Adverbial clause of CONDITION
Example 5: "He worked hard so that he could support his family."
▸ Main clause: "He worked hard"
▸ Subordinate clause: "so that he could support his family"
▸ Type: Adverbial clause of PURPOSE

2.7 Common Student Errors to Avoid

Error 1: Treating a subordinate clause as a complete sentence
✘ "Because she was tired." ← FRAGMENT — not a complete sentence
✔ "She went home because she was tired." ← correct complex sentence
Error 2: Using two subordinating conjunctions for one clause
✘ "Although she studied hard, but she failed." ← WRONG — "although" and "but" cannot both
be used
✔ "Although she studied hard, she failed." ← correct
✔ "She studied hard, but she failed." ← also correct (compound sentence)
Error 3: Confusing "because" with "because of"
✘ "She cried because the sad news."
✔ "She cried because of the sad news." ← "because of" is followed by a noun/phrase
✔ "She cried because she heard the sad news." ← "because" is followed by a clause

2.8 Class Practice Exercise

A. Join each pair of sentences using the conjunction given in brackets.
1. She was exhausted. She kept working. (although)
2. He spoke slowly. The class could understand him. (so that)
3. You return the library book. You will be fined. (unless)
4. The teacher entered. The students immediately sat down. (as soon as)
5. This is the student. She won the essay competition. (who)
B. Identify the subordinate clause in each sentence and state its type.
1. "The book that you lent me last week is fantastic."
2. "We moved indoors because it started to rain."
3. "Whatever you decide will be respected."
4. "She smiled, even though she was disappointed."
5. "Tell me where you put the keys."

2.9 Examination Practice – Complex Sentences

Study these questions from the Second Term Examination and select the correct answer.
Q7. A complex sentence contains ___.
A. Two independent clauses B. An independent clause and at least one
dependent clause
C. Only one clause D. Three independent clauses
Q8. Which of the following is a complex sentence?
A. She sings and dances B. He runs fast
C. Although it rained, we went out D. I love football and basketball
Q9. Identify the subordinate clause in: "She left because she was tired."
A. "She left" B. "because she was tired"
C. "she was" D. "She left because"
Q10. Which sentence contains an adverbial clause of condition?
A. Although he is rich, he is humble B. She went home when it rained
C. If you study hard, you will pass D. He worked so that he could
succeed
Q11. Which connective shows CONTRAST?
A. Because B. Although
C. Consequently D. Furthermore
Q12. Which connective shows RESULT?
A. Although B. Before
C. Consequently D. Unless
Q13. The sentence "The girl who won the prize is my sister" contains a ___.
A. Noun clause B. Adverbial clause
C. Relative clause D. Conditional clause
ANSWERS: 7-B 8-C 9-B 10-C 11-B 12-C 13-C
LESSON SUMMARY
By the end of today's lesson, the following key points have been covered:
1. COMPLEX TENSE FORMS require auxiliary verbs (have, had, will have, be) combined with a
main verb to show precise time relationships.
2. The PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS (has/have + been + V-ing) shows an ongoing action
from past to now.
3. The PAST PERFECT (had + past participle) shows an action completed before another past
action.
4. The FUTURE PERFECT (will have + past participle) shows an action that will be completed
before a future point.
5. A COMPLEX SENTENCE has a main clause and at least one subordinate clause, joined by a
subordinating conjunction.
6. The three types of subordinate clauses are: ADVERBIAL, RELATIVE, and NOUN clauses.
7. CONNECTIVES such as "consequently", "although", "furthermore" show the logical relationship
between ideas.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Teacher: Ask students to answer these questions orally or in writing before closing the lesson.
1. Write two sentences using the present perfect continuous tense.
2. Write a complex sentence using the subordinating conjunction "although".
3. Identify the type of subordinate clause in: "I will help you if you ask me politely."
4. What is the difference between a main clause and a subordinate clause?
5. Use the connective "consequently" in a sentence of your own.

ASSIGNMENT
In your exercise book, complete the following:
1. Rewrite the following sentences using the tense form indicated in brackets: (a) She finishes
work. (Present Perfect Continuous — for three hours) (b) We arrive before the rain. (Past
Perfect) (c) They complete the building. (Future Perfect — by December)
2. Write FIVE complex sentences using FIVE different subordinating conjunctions from the ones
taught today. Underline the subordinate clause in each sentence and state its type.
3. Fill in the gaps with the correct connective (because / although / consequently / furthermore /
unless): (a) She could not attend school ________ she was ill. (b) ________ he is
young, he is very talented. (c) He did not revise; ________ , he failed the test. (d)
________ you apologise, she will not forgive you. (e) The food was delicious; ________ , it
was affordable.

TEACHER'S REMARKS / SELF-EVALUATION

Was the objective __________________________________________________
achieved? _________
Areas students found __________________________________________________
difficult: _________
What needs re-teaching? __________________________________________________
_________
Teacher's signature: _________________________ Date: ___________________