Studio Aletheia · La Maison Lexicon
Explaining Structure
Lesson 1.5 · From Doing to Explaining
Today you will prove your understanding by explaining how one sentence works. You will analyze it, map it, then write a short paragraph using precise structure language. Your goal is clarity and evidence, not length.
Learning Targets and Success Criteria
Move from identifying sentence parts to explaining how those parts work together and why the connections matter.
What I will learn
- I can identify the main structure, the clause that carries meaning.
- I can identify attachments, phrases or dependent clauses, and what they connect to.
- I can make a simple map that shows structure and connections.
- I can write an explanation using precise words like clause, phrase, connector, detail, and function.
- I can use my map as evidence to support my explanation.
What success looks like
- I name the main clause and explain why it is the main structure.
- I explain at least two attachments and what each one adds: time, place, cause, manner, condition, or contrast.
- I label every part of my map and show clear connections with no floating pieces.
- My paragraph explains how the sentence works, not just what it contains.
- A reader could understand the sentence from my explanation without seeing the original.
The language of explanation and proof.
These terms help turn structural observations into a precise explanation supported by visible evidence.
Function
The job a part performs in the sentence.
Main Structure
The clause that carries the core meaning.
Attachment
A phrase or dependent clause that connects to the main structure.
Evidence
Specific parts of the sentence and map you point to in your explanation.
Explain Like an Engineer
A strong explanation documents how the structure works, how its parts connect, and why those connections matter.
Engineers do not only build designs, they document how designs work. Today you will document sentence structure. A strong explanation does three things: it names the main structure, shows how parts connect, and explains why those connections matter.
Not a list: do not just list parts without explaining connections.
Not vague: avoid “it shows” or “it adds” without saying what and where.
The 3-Step Explanation
- Step 1: Name the main clause, the main structure.
- Step 2: Explain attachments and what each one adds.
- Step 3: Explain how the whole structure creates meaning.
If someone can understand how the sentence works from your paragraph, your explanation is successful.
Sentence Frames · Use As Needed
1) The main structure of this sentence is ____ because ____.
2) The phrase/clause ____ attaches to ____ and adds ____ (time/place/cause/etc.).
3) This connection matters because ____.
4) Overall, the structure works by ____.
Analyze: Choose One Sentence
Choose a sentence, complete the analysis, then use that work to build your map and explanation paragraph.
The generated structure is a scaffold. Edit it so the labels and connections accurately represent the sentence you selected.
Explain: Write the Anchor Artifact Paragraph
Use your analysis and map as evidence. Write one short paragraph that explains how the sentence works. Aim for 5 to 7 sentences. Use structure vocabulary correctly.
Rubric Preview
Use correct vocabulary: clause, phrase, connector, function.
Explain what attaches to what.
Point to exact words from the sentence.
Make the paragraph easy to follow and avoid vague explanations.
Before you submit, circle three vocabulary words you used correctly in your paragraph.
Anchor Artifact Paragraph
The main structure of this sentence is ____ because ____.
The attachment ____ connects to ____ and adds ____.
This matters because ____.
Overall, the sentence creates clarity by ____.
Document the structure.
In one sentence, explain why engineers and writers both use documentation. Use the words evidence and clarity.