New
New
Year 7
Using sophisticated punctuation in dystopian descriptions
I can use a range of sophisticated punctuation to create deliberate effects.
New
New
Year 7
Using sophisticated punctuation in dystopian descriptions
I can use a range of sophisticated punctuation to create deliberate effects.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- A colon is used to introduce a list or to introduce a list or explanation
- A semi-colon is used to separate two main clauses that are linked
- 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.
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.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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?
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
the clause at the beginning of a sentence
Q3.
What do you use to separate items in a list?
apostrophe
colon
Q4.
Which sentence below is an interrogative sentence?
Defiance will be punished!
You will be punished if you break the rules.
Q5.
What is atmosphere?
the place a story is set
the weather in a place
Q6.
Which sentence describes a place with an oppressive atmosphere?
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.
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.
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.
The society controlled in two ways: which were propaganda and surveillance.
Q4.
Which sentence uses dashes correctly?
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?
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.'
She finally deciphered the stench which was: decaying food.
She finally deciphered: the stench decaying food.