GCSE – Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Be SPAGTASTIC! GCSE – Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar

Grammar Matters! Why?

Grammar Matters! Who?

Grammar Matters! Everyone! Who? Why? The language of this country Exams College applications Job letters Professional Real world! Who? Everyone!

Many GCSEs have separate marks awarded for SPAG. Written communication and accuracy is a government drive – in college too! An increased focus on SPAG is in response to employers’ complaints. Most jobs use written communication: emails; letters; job quotations; invoices; flyers; leaflets; posters; and price lists.

You need to help yourselves! So, what can I do about it? Ask your English teacher for help Look at your teacher corrections Proof read your work carefully at the end of each examination You need to help yourselves!

Why is spelling, punctuation and grammar important in my GCSE examinations? DID YOU KNOW? SPAG is worth 20% of the Writing Marks for GCSE English Language SPAG is worth 5% of your English Literature, History, Geography and RE marks What impression will the examiner have of you in the first 6 seconds? Sloppy? Untidy? Careless? Weak? Or Conscientious? Hardworking? Attentive? Able? ‘It was a mistake to abolish separate marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar in GCSEs over the last decade. Employers expect people with high grades to be able to communicate and write effectively, with precision and accuracy. It is right to restore specific assessment of these vital skills.’ Schools Minister, Nicky Gibb

Handwriting

Capital Letters The Rules The first word in a sentence The first word in a direct quote The pronoun ‘I’ Proper nouns (names of specific people and places) Countries, languages and nationalities Days of the week, months and holidays, but NOT seasons The names of deities and holy books like God, the Bible, the Coran, etc. Time periods like World War II, The Great Depression The main words in the titles of books, songs and articles e.g. Blood Brothers Abbreviations e.g. RSPCA, GCSE Capital Letters

Should of Could of Would of

It’s the law. Never, ever use: should of; could of; would of! The Rules ‘Should have’, ‘would have’ and ‘could have’ are abbreviated to ‘should’ve’, ‘would’ve’, and ‘could’ve’. The apostrophe replaces the dropped ‘ha’. Use the full or abbreviated version only.

Commas

Commas are used to separate items in a list The last but one item in a list is usually joined with the word ‘and’ instead of a comma. For example: We had chips, sausages, bacon and peas for lunch. A bride should have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

A comma separates off a subordinate opening. e.g. Although she was tired, Tilly went to the party. Although I was scared, I crept inside.

Apostrophes

Apostrophes Rule #1 – contractions (two words put together into one) e.g. can not = can’t, do not = don’t, does not = doesn’t Rule #2 – to show ownership (something belongs to someone or something) e.g. The shirt belongs to the boy = the boy’s shirt is blue The friend of Polly = Polly’s friend The socks belong to the baby = the baby’s socks The socks belong to the babies = the babies’ socks Remember: It’s = it is OR it has Apostrophes are NOT used to make things plural!

Colons Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items e.g. I gave her three choices: do your homework, clean your room or mow the lawn. Semi-Colons Use a semi-colon when you want to form a bond between two statements (complete sentences)e.g. Boro was relegated this season; they will be back in the Championship next year.

REMEMBER to paragraph!

Spot the Errors…

Reflection It is important to take pride in your written communication. Make sure you get into good habits. Check that your writing is accurate in every subject. If you are unsure of a grammar rule, ask! It is only by understanding the importance of good grammar and practising it, that you will improve your written communication.