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Year 7

Using sophisticated punctuation in dystopian descriptions

I can use a range of sophisticated punctuation to create deliberate effects.

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Year 7

Using sophisticated punctuation in dystopian descriptions

I can use a range of sophisticated punctuation to create deliberate effects.

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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A colon is used to introduce a list or to introduce a list or explanation
  2. A semi-colon is used to separate two main clauses that are linked
  3. A dash can add extra information about a noun

Keywords

  • Dingy - describes a place that is dark and often dirty.

  • Colon - a punctuation mark (:) that goes before a list or explanation.

  • Semi-colon - a punctuation mark (;) that indicates a pause between two independent, but related clauses.

  • Dash - a punctuation mark (-) that interrupts a sentence to give extra information.

Common misconception

Using semicolons and colons interchangeably

A semicolon always has to have an independent clause on either side of it.


To help you plan your year 7 english lesson on: Using sophisticated punctuation in dystopian descriptions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to use a colon to reveal something that was hidden in a dystopian setting so that they use a colon with deliberate effect.
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Teacher tip
content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a conjunction?
Correct answer: A word to connect clauses or sentences
A word to describe a noun
A clause that cannot stand on its own
Q2.
What is an independent clause?
a clause that does not make sense on its own
Correct answer: a clause that does make sense on its own
the clause at the beginning of a sentence
Q3.
What do you use to separate items in a list?
apostrophe
Correct answer: comma
colon
Q4.
Which sentence below is an interrogative sentence?
Defiance will be punished!
Correct answer: Who do you think you are?
You will be punished if you break the rules.
Q5.
What is atmosphere?
the place a story is set
Correct answer: the feeling associated with a place
the weather in a place
Q6.
Which sentence describes a place with an oppressive atmosphere?
Correct answer: The penetrating eye on the billboard glared down at the citizens.
The beady eye on the billboard glanced down at the citizens.
The sharp eye on the billboard looked down at the citizens.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the purpose of a colon?
To separate two independent clauses that link together.
Correct answer: To introduce a list or explanation.
To emphasise some extra information in the middle of a sentence.
Q2.
What is the purpose of a semicolon?
To introduce a list or explanation.
Correct answer: To separate two independent clauses that link together.
To emphasise some extra information in the middle of a sentence.
Q3.
Which sentence uses a colon correctly?
The society controlled in two ways and they were: propaganda, and surveillance.
Correct answer: The society controlled in two ways: propaganda and surveillance.
The society controlled in two ways: which were propaganda and surveillance.
Q4.
Which sentence uses dashes correctly?
Correct answer: John - a haggard man in his fifties - walked to work in the cold.
John - a haggard man - in his fifties walked to work in the cold.
John - a haggard man in his fifties walked to work in the cold.
Q5.
'The leaders had absolute control they exercised their power everyday.' Where should the semicolon go in this sentence?
Correct answer: The leaders had absolute control; they exercised their power everyday.
The leaders had absolute control they exercised their power; everyday.
The leaders; had absolute control they exercised their power everyday.
Q6.
Correct the use of colon in this sentence: 'She finally deciphered the stench of: decaying food.'
Correct answer: She finally deciphered the stench: decaying food.
She finally deciphered the stench which was: decaying food.
She finally deciphered: the stench decaying food.