ESOL Ws/L2.4a

Use a range of punctuation to achieve clarity in simple and complex sentences
(i) Use the full range of punctuation marks effectively, including: commas for listing items in connected prose, between clauses in complex sentences, and after connectives like however; apostrophes for possession and omission; inverted commas for direct speech and to indicate a quotation
(ii) Understand the effect on style of using full or contracted forms

Apostrophe flow chart

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
ESOL Rs/L1.2a Use punctuation to help understanding

Commas information and exercises

L1/2 factsheet and worksheet on bracketing and listing commas.
Useful for underpinning L1-2 Functional English writing skills.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
Functional English - writing
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
Ws/L1.3
Rs/L1.2
ESOL
ESOL Ws/L2.4a
ESOL Ws/L1.3a
ESOL Rs/E3.2a Recognise function of CLs, full stops, commas, question- exclamation- and speech marks, bullet points /numbering

Capello Euro 2012 apostrophes

Another expertly adapted text with ten missing apostrophes. Includes apostrophes of omission and possession (some example are challenging).
Inspired by Rachel Emmett’s ‘Capello Gerrard World Cup apostrophes’ resources (see below).

Level
Level 2
Level 1
English
AL Ws/L2.4 Use apostrophes & inverted commas
Rs/L1.2
ESOL
ESOL Ws/L2.4a
ESOL Rs/L1.2a Use punctuation to help understanding
Context
Sport and fitness

Capello Gerrard World Cup 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
ESOL Rs/L1.2a Use punctuation to help understanding
Context
Sport and fitness
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