Using punctuation to create specific effects in descriptive writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a range of punctuation accurately to create precise, identifiable effects in descriptive writing.
Key learning points
- Accurate basic punctuation improves clarity; more advanced punctuation can heighten the impact of word choices.
- Advanced punctuation (semi-colons, exclamation marks, ellipses) should be used sparingly for clear effect.
- Proof-reading will help to avoid SPaG errors.
Keywords
Ellipsis - A piece of punctuation (...) that can represent a pause or something unsaid.
Semicolon - A piece of punctuation (;) that can separate two closely related clauses.
Colon - A piece of punctuation (:) that can introduce lists or explanations and separate two related sentences.
Brackets - A piece of punctuation () that can be used to add parentheses or extra information in a sentence.
Clarity - If something has clarity it is clear and intelligible.
Common misconception
Students should aim to include as many punctuation types as possible.
The best writing uses punctuation sparingly to enhance the overall effect of the writing.
Teacher tip
This lesson focuses on using advanced punctuation effectively. You may wish to revisit some existing student work and use that as an extension task to Practice Task B.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What tool, which helps you read complex texts, is being described here: 'A statement about what you think will happen in the future'?
Q2.When using quotations to support my analysis they should be ...
Q3.If a sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause it is a ...
Q4.Which of the below would a colon be useful for?
Q5.Which of the below are discourse markers that would indicate the introduction of evidence?
Q6.Which of the below is the best definition of the phrase 'proofreading'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If something is clear and intelligible then it has ...
Q2.Match these punctuation types to their purpose.
conveys intense emotion
poses a question
ends a declarative sentence
separates a main clause and a subordinate clause
shows belonging
Q3.Match these types of advanced punctuation to their purpose
separates two clauses
introduces a list or explanation
represents a pause or something left unsaid
includes extra information in a sentence
Q4.In a descriptive paragraph, the tense should be ...
Q5.'We were totally alone! There was no-one to save us! We must escape! Now!' What would be an appropriate improvement suggestion for this student?
Q6.'The ancient map rumoured to reveal the location of a hidden treasure had captured the imagination of young explorer.' What does this student need to do to make this sentence make sense?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Using punctuation to create specific effects in descriptive writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Using punctuation to create specific effects in descriptive writing, 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 4 English lessons from the Fiction: science fiction writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.