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Year 3 - English

Apostrophes for plural possession

Speech first punctuation and apostrophes

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils punctuate direct speech for the first time in a sentence where the direct speech comes first and the reporting clause comes second. They review learning around using apostrophes for contraction and singular possession; they also learn to use an apostrophe for plural possession.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to show how an apostrophe works for plural possession.

Key Notes

  • An apostrophe is an important piece of punctuation.
  • An apostrophe has more than one purpose.
  • An apostrophe can show if a noun belongs to another plural noun.
  • Apostrophes for plural possession are useful to make our meaning clear.
  • An apostrophe sits at the same height as the ascender of a letter.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • apostrophe for possession: a punctuation mark used to show if a noun belongs to another plural noun
  • plural: more than one
  • belong: to be the property of someone or something

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils think the apostrophe is placed before the s at the end of the first noun.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

An apostrophe is an important piece of punctuation. An apostrophe has more than one purpose.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'apostrophe for possession'

a punctuation mark used to show if a noun belongs to another plural noun.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils think the apostrophe is placed before the s at the end of the first noun. Correction: Repeat many times that an apostrophe is placed before the s at the end of the first noun only when it is a singular noun owning something. An apostrophe is placed after the s at the end of the first noun when it is a plural noun that owns something.

More Lessons In This Unit

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