English - Expanded Noun Phrases

Watch this video: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p014dg1l (if this link does not work or play on your device, then please use this different clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNjymt6oCcQ)

Word Challenge

Can you make a list of adjectives that best describe how the dung beetle might be feeling at different points in the film clip?

e.g.  motivated, embarrassed, exhausted, …

Expanded Noun Phrases

Effective expanded noun phrases should build description of nouns in a quick and precise way.

The most common way to do this is by adding an adjective before the noun.  e.g. ‘The unrelenting desert.’

Determiner + adjective + noun

Can you identify the expanded noun phrases?

The strong dung beetle rolls big, sticky dung balls across the ground.

Its shiny, black shell protects it as it searches for fresh dung.

This small insect helps nature by cleaning up waste and enriching the soil.

Challenge 1

Copy and improve the first sentence by putting an adjective before each noun.

Challenge 2

Expand the second sentence with more information about the dung beetle, and replace the existing adjectives with some great alternatives.

Challenge 3

Using some of the words from the Word Wall, write your own sentence about the dung beetle in the film clip. It must include one (or more) really effective expanded noun phrases. See if you can include either a prepositional phrase or a relative clause.

Challenge sentences: 

1. The _____ dung beetle used its __________ legs to roll the dung ball across the ______ desert.
2. The hapless dung beetle, with _________________ , tumbled down the enormous sand dune.