part of a sentence that makes sense on its own with no extra information required

a piece of punctuation (:) that can introduce lists and provide further explanation

a piece of punctuation (;) that can separate two closely related independent clauses

pieces of punctuation (-) that can introduce extra information as a parentheses

the quality of being coherent and intelligible

Using colons, dashes, and semicolons effectively in opinion writing

English

In 'Non-Fiction: Changing Views', pupils compare language choices used in non-fiction texts. In 'Non-Fiction: Teenage Kicks', pupils evaluate how authors use language, to express similar or differing viewpoints.

In 'Non-Fiction: Crime and Punishment', pupils analyse the language choices of authors in non-fiction texts. In 'Non-Fiction: Changing Views', pupils compare language choices in non-fiction texts.

In this unit, pupils develop their non-fiction reading and writing skills. They look at a range of nineteenth century and modern texts in tandem, and practise comparing viewpoints. They then practise emulating different techniques from the texts in order to develop their speech and opinion writing.

Non-fiction: changing views

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

an opinion piece has more scope to develop an argument in a complex way

a speech has more scope to develop an argument in a complex way

opinion pieces are one way: you're persuading the audience through written words

opinion pieces are delivered aloud while speeches are written down

opinion pieces are more informative than persuasive

How does opinion writing differ from speech writing?

Where are you most likely to find opinion writing?

I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

She loves chocolate; and he prefers vanilla.

We went to the park; because it was a sunny day.

Which of these sentences uses a semicolon correctly?

She packed the essentials: sun cream, snacks and water.

We decided to go for a walk: because it was a nice day.

He had only one goal: to win the championship.

He likes many colours: (red, blue and green).

Which of these sentences uses a colon correctly?

This sentence wouldn't use dashes, it would use a semicolon.

It needs to be separated into two sentences with a full stop.

Read this sentence: 'I need to buy groceries—milk, eggs and bread and clean the house.' It is grammatically incorrect. How would we need to redraft it to make it correct?

Read this sentence: 'She was a brave woman {{ }} her struggle would be remembered for years to come.' Which punctuation mark should go in this gap?

can introduce lists and provide further explanation

can introduce extra information as a parentheses when used in pairs

Match these punctuation marks to their correct definition.

What type of sentence is being described here? 'A sentence made up of an independent (main) clause and a dependent (subordinate) clause.'

Which punctuation mark is being described here? 'A piece of punctuation that can separate two closely related independent clauses.'

What device is being described here: 'repetition of the same initial consonant sound in closely positioned words'?

make the audience agree with everything you say

make the audience listen actively and stay interested

When writing a speech, we are aiming to engage the audience. What does 'engage' mean in this context?

Laura wrote a persuasive speech where she began several sentences with the phrase 'We must act now,'. What device has Laura used?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz