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Year 5 - English

Using apostrophes for contraction, singular possession and plural possession

Speech punctuation, parenthesis and apostrophes

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils review punctuation rules for speech first and second sentences as well as for apostrophes for contraction, singular and plural possession. They learn to punctuate speech interrupted sentences and how to punctuate parenthesis with brackets and dashes for stylistic effect.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to accurately punctuate sentences including apostrophes for contraction, singular possession or plural possession.

Key Notes

  • An apostrophe is an important piece of punctuation with more than one purpose.
  • An apostrophe can contract two words together.
  • An apostrophe can show if a noun belongs to another singular noun.
  • An apostrophe can show if a noun belongs to another plural noun.
  • Contractions are useful in writing to indicate a character's informal speech.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • apostrophe for contraction: a punctuation mark used to contract two words together
  • apostrophe for possession: a punctuation mark used to show if a noun belongs to another singular or plural noun
  • singular: only one
  • plural: more than one

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may believe all plural nouns end in s.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

An apostrophe is an important piece of punctuation with more than one purpose. An apostrophe can contract two words together.

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

a punctuation mark used to contract two words together.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may believe all plural nouns end in s. Correction: Emphasise that several very common plural nouns do not end in s - make a list of these to keep.

More Lessons In This Unit

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