Subordinating conjunctions: European hamster
Learning Objective
We are learning how to use a range of subordinating conjunctions to write multi-clause (complex) sentences.
Context: European hamster
Credit: BBC One - Seven Worlds, One Planet
Clip Description
The wild European hamster, also known as the black-bellied hamster, is found throughout Central and Eastern Europe. It is much larger than either the Syrian or dwarf hamsters, both of which are commonly kept as household pets. The European hamster has elasticated cheek pouches for transporting large quantities of food back to its underground burrow. When it needs to swim, it will inflate its pouches with air. Just like a pair of armbands, they give the hamster increased buoyancy.
In this fascinating clip, a male European hamster is searching for food in a city graveyard. His main course consists of flowers that have been placed on a grave. These prove to be easy pickings. However, his chosen dessert poses more of a challenge. What do you think will happen to the furry rodent when he tries to get to the candle wax contained within a glass jar? Watch the clip to find out.
Word Challenge
Can you list some expanded noun phrases that accurately describe the hungry hamster featured in the clip? See if you can include some alliterative phrases (where words start with the same sound).
e.g. the hapless hamster, a farcical furball, a graveyard commando, …