additional information that is added to a sentence; if it is removed, the sentence still makes sense

a punctuation mark to add extra information in a clause often for dramatic effect

using writing to create an emotion or effect for the reader

Parenthesis: dashes

English

In this unit, pupils learn to punctuate a third type of speech sentence: the speech interrupted sentence. 

In 'Apostrophes and speech punctuation', pupils developed their accuracy of using inverted commas in both speech first and speech second sentences. In this unit, pupils will learn to punctuate a third type of speech sentence: the speech interrupted sentence.  

Speech punctuation, parenthesis and apostrophes 

to add extra detail that adds to the dramatic effect for the reader

What is the purpose of adding parenthesis using dashes in a piece of fiction writing?

The lion – pounced fast as lightning – and grabbed its prey. 

The lion pounced – fast as lightning – and grabbed its prey. 

The lion pounced fast – as lightning – and grabbed its prey. 

Which of these sentences uses dashes correctly to add parenthesis?

Which words in this sentence should be placed between dashes to show parenthesis? 'An echo loud and deep rang through the darkness.'

the desert stretched for miles in all directions

Which words in this sentence should be placed between dashes to show parenthesis? 'The desert as dry as dust stretched for miles in all directions.'

A roar – ferocious and close at hand – blasted through the trees. 

Which of these sentences creates the most intense effect of fear for the reader? 

Which of these pieces of parenthesis could be added to this sentence to create an effect of sadness? 'The toy was left on the shelf for years.'

Which of these texts are likely to be fiction? 

Leeds (a city in West Yorkshire) has a famous football team.

Leeds is known for its famous football team. 

Plymouth is a city on the south coast of England and has 250,000 residents. 

Plymouth (a city on the south coast of England) has 250,000 residents. 

Tick the sentences that contain parenthesis. 

World War II resulted in the deaths of millions of people

Which section of this sentence could be a piece of parenthesis in brackets? 'World War II 1939-1945 resulted in the deaths of millions of people.'

Which section of this sentence should be a piece of parenthesis in brackets? 'Spain a country in southern Europe produces lots of sausages.'

K2 (at 8,611m) is the world's second-highest mountain.

K2 (is 8,611m tall) and is the world's second-highest mountain. 

K2 (is the world's second-highest mountain) is 8,611m tall. 

Which version combines these two sentences correctly using parenthesis in brackets? 'K2 is the world's second-highest mountain. It is 8,611m tall.'

Tick all the pieces of parenthesis that could be placed inside this sentence: 'China has 1.4 billion people.'

Starter Quiz