Rs/L1.2

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’.

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

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

L1/L2 resource adapted from comma quizzes in The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation by Jane Straus. Nine slides of multiple choice questions. They are all in red, green, yellow or blue so that learners can throw beanbags into the corresponding hoops, or hold up corresponding cards etc. The choices are sometimes very tricky and this provokes a lot of discussion.

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).

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.

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

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).

Why do CAPITAL LETTERS so annoy us? is a series of comprehension questions and dictionary/vocabulary exercises – based on a BBC news report. Although aimed at L2 the article itself is also useful for covering Rs/L1.2 (understand that certain texts such as text messages and emails may use non-standard or no punctuation).

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.