Semi-colons: second function
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use the semi-colon in a detailed list in which each item includes commas.
Key learning points
- A semi-colon is a piece of punctuation with more than one purpose.
- A semi-colon can be used to separate items in a detailed list in which each item includes commas.
- A semi-colon can help to avoid ambiguity in a detailed list.
Keywords
Semi-colon - a piece of punctuation that can separate items in a detailed list in which each item includes commas
Ambiguity - when the meaning of a sentence or text is unclear to the reader
Colon - a piece of punctuation placed after a main clause that can introduce a list or question
Comma - a piece of punctuation used to separate nouns in a list and to demarcate a non-finite clause or a relative clause
Common misconception
Pupils may use commas instead of semi-colons to separate detailed list items.
Reinforce the idea that it would be confusing to separate items containing commas using commas.
Teacher tip
In the second Learning Cycle, ensure that the children note down their ideas when you feel appropriate, building towards the final task.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What can a semi-colon join together?
Q2.Which version below joins these two sentences correctly using a semi-colon? 'We really enjoyed ourselves. My mum was less impressed.'
Q3.Match each main clause to a closely-related one to create a sentence that could be joined with a semi-colon.
the match was cancelled at the last minute.
his sister prefers sports.
we were all very excited.
Q4.Which of the following sentences has the semi-colon in the correct position?
Q5.Select all of the sentences with a semi-colon in the correct position.
Q6.Which of the following sentences uses a semi-colon correctly to join two closely-related ideas?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following pieces of punctuation might we need to punctuate a detailed list?
Q2.Why does the following list not need semi-colons? 'I bought several items: eggs, milk, cheese and cream.'
Q3.Why does this list need semi-colons? 'The landscape was filled with exciting noises: the loud, shrill squawk of a bird; the harsh, low growl of a puma; and the chirp of a rodent, scurrying away.'
Q4.For what reasons are there commas in this list? 'She saw incredible things: bright jewels, shimmering in the darkness; mummies, whose bandages were pure white; and beautiful, golden treasures.'
Q5.Using semi-colons in lists helps reduce ambiguity. What does this mean?
Q6.Which language features are used in the following list item? 'a vast, ice-covered mountain, towering above her head'
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Semi-colons: second function, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Semi-colons: second function, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Punctuation unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.