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Year 6

Semi-colons: second function

I can use the semi-colon in a detailed list in which each item includes commas.

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New
New
Year 6

Semi-colons: second function

I can use the semi-colon in a detailed list in which each item includes commas.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A semi-colon is a piece of punctuation with more than one purpose.
  2. A semi-colon can be used to separate items in a detailed list in which each item includes commas.
  3. A semi-colon can help to avoid ambiguity in a detailed list.

Common misconception

Pupils may use commas instead of semi-colons to separate detailed list items.

Reinforce the idea that it would be confusing to separate items containing commas using commas.

Keywords

  • Semi-colon - a piece of punctuation that can separate items in a detailed list in which each item includes commas

  • Ambiguity - when the meaning of a sentence or text is unclear to the reader

  • Colon - a piece of punctuation placed after a main clause that can introduce a list or question

  • Comma - a piece of punctuation used to separate nouns in a list and to demarcate a non-finite clause or a relative clause

In the second Learning Cycle, ensure that the children note down their ideas when you feel appropriate, building towards the final task.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What can a semi-colon join together?
two words
two adjectives
Correct answer: two groups of words that could each make a complete sentence
two verbs
Q2.
Which version below joins these two sentences correctly using a semi-colon? 'We really enjoyed ourselves. My mum was less impressed.'
We really enjoyed ourselves my mum; was less impressed.
We really enjoyed ourselves; My mum was less impressed.
Correct answer: We really enjoyed ourselves; my mum was less impressed.
Q3.
Match each main clause to a closely-related one to create a sentence that could be joined with a semi-colon.
Correct Answer:We were all furious; ,the match was cancelled at the last minute.

the match was cancelled at the last minute.

Correct Answer:Lucas loves art; ,his sister prefers sports.

his sister prefers sports.

Correct Answer:It was nearly Christmas; ,we were all very excited.

we were all very excited.

Q4.
Which of the following sentences has the semi-colon in the correct position?
Pausing at the door; the headteacher smiled he was so impressed.
Correct answer: Pausing at the door, the headteacher smiled; he was so impressed.
Pausing at the door the headteacher smiled he was; so impressed.
Q5.
Select all of the sentences with a semi-colon in the correct position.
Correct answer: Before I could finish my lunch, the bell rang; it was time to go back.
Wincing in pain; Jacob lay on the floor, it had been a hard tackle.
Mr Martinez smiled; as Jun answered it was a very impressive response.
Correct answer: Aisha sang beautifully, filling the whole church; it was a beautiful moment.
Q6.
Which of the following sentences uses a semi-colon correctly to join two closely-related ideas?
Correct answer: Mr Martinez waved at me in the shop; he had recognised me.
Alex passed the ball to me first; he lives in the next village over.
Correct answer: Izzy loves to draw; her brother prefers to paint.
Miss O'Neill drives to school by car; her house is very small.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following pieces of punctuation might we need to punctuate a detailed list?
Correct answer: a colon
Correct answer: commas
Correct answer: semi-colons
inverted commas
Q2.
Why does the following list not need semi-colons? 'I bought several items: eggs, milk, cheese and cream.'
because the items are common nouns
Correct answer: because none of the items contains a comma
because the items already contain commas
because the list is introduce by a colon
Q3.
Why does this list need semi-colons? 'The landscape was filled with exciting noises: the loud, shrill squawk of a bird; the harsh, low growl of a puma; and the chirp of a rodent, scurrying away.'
the items in the list are very long
the items in the list contain colons
Correct answer: the items in the list contain commas
Q4.
For what reasons are there commas in this list? 'She saw incredible things: bright jewels, shimmering in the darkness; mummies, whose bandages were pure white; and beautiful, golden treasures.'
Correct answer: to demarcate a non-finite (-ing) clause
Correct answer: to demarcate a relative clause
Correct answer: between two adjectives in an expanded noun phrase
to introduce the list
Q5.
Using semi-colons in lists helps reduce ambiguity. What does this mean?
Correct answer: it is less confusing
Correct answer: it is easier to see what the list items are
there are fewer words in the list
Correct answer: punctuation always helps the reader
Q6.
Which language features are used in the following list item? 'a vast, ice-covered mountain, towering above her head'
Correct answer: an expanded noun phrase with two adjectives
a relative clause
Correct answer: a non-finite (-ing) clause
an adverbial clause