Apostrophes

Resources that focus on the use of possessive and/or omissive apostrophes.

Major update 19/01/24 written in 2005 but updated and re-mapped to reflect the Reformed Functional English Content. Page one is will prompt discussion and is probably best tackled in pairs or small groups. Page 2 is a handout with plenty of examples to study before moving on to the final pages of challenging exercises.

Answers are available (resource contributors only) please see answer sheets page for more details

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
Adult Lit Rs/L2.2 Use punctuation to help interpret the meaning and purpose of texts
Apostrophes
FE L1.18 Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of texts
FE L1.19 Use a range of punctuation correctly (e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas, possessive apostrophes)
FE L2.20 Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation markers e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes, quotation marks
ESOL
ESOL Ws/L1.3a Use punctuation to aid clarity and meaning
ESOL Ws/L2.4a Use a range of punctuation to achieve clarity in simple and complex sentences
ESOL Rs/L1.2a Use punctuation to help understanding
ESOL Rs/L2.2a Use wide range of punctuation to help interpret meaning and purpose

This resource uses a flow chart to help guide learners to the correct use of apostrophes.

Editor’s note
Updated Aug 2016. now includes irregular plurals such as ‘children’.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English - writing
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
Rs/L1.2
Apostrophes
ESOL
ESOL Ws/L2.4a Use a range of punctuation to achieve clarity in simple and complex sentences
ESOL Rs/L1.2a Use punctuation to help understanding

A set of exercises based around an article from the BBC News website during the adverse weather of 2010.
There are multiple choice comprehension questions, together with exercises on apostrophes, vocabulary and synonyms and anagrams. The learner is then asked to write his/her views.

Level
Level 2
English
Adult Literacy: writing composition (Wt)
AL Rw/L2.3 Vocabulary (language features, synonyms, formality)
Rt/L2.3 Identify the main points and specific detail
AL Rt/E2.1 Follow main points of short texts
Apostrophes
Context
Employment skills & Public services

A Powerpoint suitable for an end of lesson assessment. Includes omissive and possessive apostrophes.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
Rs/L1.2
Apostrophes

Clear explanations of the use of possessive and omissive apostrophes. Followed by photographs of examples of misuse (great for prompting further discussion).
Mapped to Functional English criteria and adult literacy curriculum elements.

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
Functional English - writing
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
Rs/L1.2
Apostrophes

An expertly adapted text with ten missing apostrophes. Includes apostrophes of omission and possession (some example are challenging).

Level
Level 2
English
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
Rs/L1.2
Apostrophes
ESOL
ESOL Ws/L2.4a Use a range of punctuation to achieve clarity in simple and complex sentences
ESOL Rs/L1.2a Use punctuation to help understanding
Context
Sport and fitness

A useful one page reminder about using apostrophes of omission and possession.

Level
Level 2
English
Apostrophes
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas

A lovely set of three PPTs.
1 – Apostrophes presentation which covers the use of apostrophes of omission and possession. Includes information, examples, questions and self-assessment (20 slides).
2 – Multiple choice questions on apostrophes of omission (ideal for use on an interactive whiteboard – 8 slides).
3 – Printable guide and worksheets for students (21 slides – print as a PPT handout – 6 slides per sheet).

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Apostrophes
Rs/L1.2
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas

A paired activity based on the well known web site provides an engaging way to introduce or revise this tricky topic.
Emma suggests that a useful extension activity is for learners to take pictures on their phones – where appropriate – of apostrophe ‘abuse’ they come across and bring them in to class for discussion.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Apostrophes
Rs/L1.2
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
ICT
General ICT resources

Written for students who confuse these two words in their writing. Suitable for E2 or dyslexia support at any level. Also useful for introducing the omissive apostrophe. Includes info, examples and tips followed by practice exercises and self evaluation.

Level
Entry Level 2
Level 1
English
Apostrophes
Rs/L1.2
Rw/E2.1
Ww/E2.1
General
Dyslexia support