GCSE · Chapter 6
Crafting sentences, vocabulary, planning and proof-reading
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- I can name a simple, compound or complex sentence and use each for effect.
- I can replace vague words with precise ones that suit the mood.
- I can link sentences with words such as however, then and finally.
- I can plan a response in about five minutes with a frame.
- I can spot and correct errors when I proof-read my own writing.
You should already know
- Sentence types and clauses (Year 9 English and Chapter 10 of this book)
- Descriptive and narrative writing (Chapter 5)
Where this leads
- Writing argument and discursive texts (Chapter 7)
- Punctuation, Standard English and spelling (Chapter 11)
GCSE English Language. Content follows the GCSE (9-1) subject content for England (Edexcel and AQA). Content references: Vary sentence types: simple, compound, complex; use short sentences for effect; vary openings (AO6), Choose precise and ambitious vocabulary, and word choice for mood (AO5, AO6), Link sentences and paragraphs with cohesive devices and clear reference (AO5), Plan a response quickly using a planning frame; manage time (AO5), Proof-read for spelling, punctuation and grammar errors, including common GCSE error words (AO6).
Exercise P Do you remember?
1
FWhat is a conjunction? Write the answer in one short phrase.
a word that joins words or clauses
Method. A conjunction joins things.
- Think about the job. Conjunctions such as and, but and because join words or clauses.and, but, because
- Write it as a phrase. A joining word is a conjunction.a word that joins words or clauses
- Write the answer. a word that joins words or clauses
Check. And joins clauses. ✓
2
FWhat is a full stop used for? Write one short phrase.
to end a sentence
Method. A full stop marks the end of a sentence.
- Think about the mark. A full stop ends a sentence that tells something.ends a sentence
- Write it. The full stop ends a sentence.to end a sentence
- Write the answer. to end a sentence
Check. Full stops end sentences. ✓
3
FWhat is a synonym? Write the answer in one short phrase.
a word with nearly the same meaning
Method. A synonym is a word that means nearly the same.
- Think about meaning. Synonyms share a meaning.share a meaning
- Write it as a phrase. A word with nearly the same meaning is a synonym.a word with nearly the same meaning
- Write the answer. a word with nearly the same meaning
Check. Big and large are synonyms. ✓
4
FWrite the plural of the word city. Write one word.
cities
Method. A noun ending in consonant and y changes the y to ies.
- Look at the ending. City ends in a consonant followed by y.consonant + y
- Change it. Change the y to ies: cities.cities
- Write the answer. cities
Check. Cities is the plural. ✓
5
FWhich word is spelled correctly: "definately" or "definitely"? Write the word.
definitely
Method. Learn the spelling of this common word.
- Break the word. It comes from define, so it has an i before nitely.defin-itely
- Write the word. The correct spelling is definitely.definitely
- Write the answer. definitely
Check. Definitely is spelled with -ite-. ✓
6.1
Sentence variety
Video lesson: Sentence varietyComing soon
Context. Good writing uses different sentence lengths and types. Read Paragraph B: most sentences start with I or He, and all are short. The paragraph is correct but flat. Vary the openings, join some ideas, and use a short sentence at the right moment.
Paragraph B: a visit to a room (original, weak, for improving)
I walked into the room. I saw my brother. He was sitting. He was reading. I said hello. He did not say anything.
Key ideas
- A simple sentence has one main clause: It was sunny.
- A compound sentence joins two main clauses with and, but or so: It was sunny, and the sea was calm.
- A complex sentence has a main clause and a subordinate clause: When it was sunny, we went to the sea.
- A short sentence after longer ones can create an effect.
Worked example 6.1.1
Which type is "When I walked in, he was reading."? Write one word: simple, compound or complex.
Method. Look for a main clause and a subordinate clause.
- Find the main clause. he was reading is a main clause.he was reading
- Find the subordinate clause. When I walked in begins with a joining word and cannot stand alone.When I walked in
- Name the type. A main clause with a subordinate clause is complex.complex
- Write the answer. complex
Check. The subordinate clause makes it complex. ✓
Worked example 6.1.2
Which sentence is compound? Choose one: It was good., I was cold, and the sea was icy. or When the bell rang, we ran..
Method. Test each choice against the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. It joins two main clauses with and.I was cold, and the sea was icy. fits
- Reject the other choices. It was good has one clause, and when the bell rang starts with a subordinate clause.It was good. and When the bell rang, we ran. do not fit
- Write the answer. I was cold, and the sea was icy.
Check. The choice fits the text. ✓
Worked example 6.1.3
Combine "It was sunny." and "There were lots of people." into one compound sentence.
Method. Join two main clauses with a conjunction.
- Spot the two clauses. Both sentences have a subject and a verb.It was sunny; there were lots of people
- Join with and. And joins two main clauses in a compound sentence.and
- Write it. Add a comma before and.It was sunny, and there were lots of people.
- Write the answer. It was sunny, and there were lots of people.
Check. The compound sentence has two main clauses. ✓
Exercise 6A Practice: sentence variety
1
PSHow many sentences are in Paragraph A? Write the number.
5
Method. Count the full stops that end the sentences.
- Count. Paragraph A has five sentences, each ending with a full stop.five full stops
- Give the number. The paragraph has five sentences.5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Five sentences in Paragraph A. ✓
2
FHow many sentences in Paragraph B begin with "I"? Write the number.
3
Method. Count the sentences that begin with I.
- Find them. I walked, I saw and I said begin with I.I walked into the room
- Give the number. Three sentences begin with I.3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Three begin with I. ✓
3
FIs "It was good." a simple, compound or complex sentence? Write one word.
simple
Method. Count the clauses.
- Count the clauses. It was good has one main clause and no conjunction.It was good
- Name the type. One main clause makes a simple sentence.simple
- Write the answer. simple
Check. One clause, so simple. ✓
4
FWhich word joins two main clauses in "I went in the sea and it was cold"? Write one word.
and
Method. Find the joining word.
- Find the joining word. And joins the two main clauses.I went in the sea and it was cold
- Give the word. The joining word is and.and
- Write the answer. and
Check. And joins two clauses. ✓
5
FCombine "I was cold." and "The sea was icy." into one compound sentence. Write the sentence.
Accept any answer that joins the two clauses with a conjunction and a comma. For example: I was cold, and the sea was icy.
Method. Join with and and keep both clauses.
- Join the clauses. Use and to join the two main clauses.and
- Add the comma. A comma goes before and in a compound sentence.I was cold, and the sea was icy.
- Write the answer. I was cold, and the sea was icy.
Check. The compound sentence is correct. ✓
6
RTurn "I was cold" into a complex sentence using "because". Write the sentence.
Accept any answer that makes a complex sentence with because and a subordinate clause. For example: I was cold because the sea was icy.
Method. Add a subordinate clause that explains the reason.
- Choose a reason. Because introduces a reason.because
- Write the sentence. The subordinate clause the sea was icy explains why.the sea was icy
- Write the answer. I was cold because the sea was icy.
Check. The reason makes it complex. ✓
7
RWhich is a short sentence used for effect? Write A or B. A: "The waves came closer, and the sand grew cold." B: "Silence."
B
Method. A short sentence for effect is a single word or two words.
- Check A. A is long and has two clauses.and
- Check B. B is short and creates a pause.Silence
- Write the answer. B
Check. B is the short effect sentence. ✓
8
FVary the opening of "He was reading." by starting with an adverb or a phrase. Write the sentence.
Accept any answer that starts with an adverb or a phrase and keeps the same meaning. For example: Quietly, he was reading.
Method. Move a word or phrase to the front.
- Choose an adverb. Quietly describes how he read.Quietly
- Write the sentence. The meaning is the same, with a new opening.Quietly, he was reading.
- Write the answer. Quietly, he was reading.
Check. The opening is varied. ✓
9
PSHow many words are in the sentence "He was reading."? Write the number.
3
Method. Count the words.
- Count the words. He, was and reading are three words.He was reading
- Give the number. The sentence has three words.3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Three words. ✓
10
RWrite a minor sentence (no verb) that could follow "He did not say anything." for effect.
Accept any answer that writes a one- or two-word sentence with no verb that creates an effect. For example: Silence.
Method. Use a single word for effect.
- Choose a word. Silence creates a pause.Silence
- Check the effect. A minor sentence has no verb, so it is a short effect.no verb
- Write the answer. Silence.
Check. A minor sentence is effective. ✓
11
RIs "When I walked in, he was reading." simple, compound or complex? Write one word.
complex
Method. Find the subordinate clause.
- Find the subordinate. When I walked in cannot stand alone.When I walked in
- Name the type. A subordinate clause with a main clause is complex.complex
- Write the answer. complex
Check. It has a subordinate clause, so it is complex. ✓
12
PSWrite a complex sentence about the room in Paragraph B, using "when". Write the sentence.
Accept any answer that uses when to start a subordinate clause with a main clause, and keeps the meaning. For example: When I walked into the room, I saw my brother reading.
Method. Start with when and finish with a main clause.
- Start with when. When introduces the subordinate clause.When I walked into the room
- Add the main clause. I saw my brother reading is the main clause.I saw my brother reading
- Write the answer. When I walked into the room, I saw my brother reading.
Check. The sentence is complex. ✓
6.2
Precise and ambitious vocabulary
Video lesson: Precise and ambitious vocabularyComing soon
Context. Vague words such as nice, good, lots and went do not help the reader see the scene. Paragraph A is full of them. Replace them with precise words that show the mood and the detail.
Paragraph A: a holiday day (original, weak, for improving)
The beach was nice. It was sunny and there were lots of people. I went in the sea and it was cold. Then I got out and had an ice cream. It was good.
Key ideas
- Replace vague words (nice, good, lots, went) with precise ones.
- Choose words that suit the mood: icy and murky for a cold or threatening feel; glorious and calm for a happy one.
- Avoid clichés (as quiet as a mouse) that the reader has seen many times.
Worked example 6.2.1
Which is the most precise word to replace "lots" in "lots of people"? Choose one: many, crowds or some.
Method. Test each choice against the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. Crowds suggests a large, busy group, which is more precise than many or some.crowds fits
- Reject the other choices. Many is vague and some is weaker than the picture the writer wants.many and some do not fit
- Write the answer. crowds
Check. The choice fits the text. ✓
Worked example 6.2.2
Replace "went" in "I went in the sea" with a more precise verb. Give one word.
Method. Think about how the writer entered the sea.
- Find the action. The writer enters the sea quickly and boldly.went in
- Choose a precise verb. Plunged shows a sudden, bold entry.plunged
- Give the word. The best precise verb is plunged.plunged
- Write the answer. plunged
Check. Plunged is precise. ✓
Worked example 6.2.3
Replace "nice" in "The beach was nice" with a precise adjective. Give one word.
Method. Think about what the beach looked like.
- Find the vague word. Nice is vague and says little.nice
- Choose a precise word. Glorious suggests bright, beautiful weather.glorious
- Give the word. The precise adjective is glorious.glorious
- Write the answer. glorious
Check. Glorious paints a picture. ✓
Exercise 6B Practice: precise vocabulary
1
FWhich word is most precise for "it was cold" in the sea? Write one word: icy, nice or big.
icy
Method. Choose the word with the sharpest meaning.
- Compare. Icy describes extreme cold; nice and big do not describe temperature.icy
- Choose. Icy is the precise word.icy
- Write the answer. icy
Check. Icy is precise. ✓
2
FWhich verb is best for a dog reacting to postmen? Write one word: said, barked or went.
barked
Method. Choose the sound-based verb.
- Compare. Barked is the sound a dog makes; said and went do not fit.barked
- Choose. Barked is the precise verb.barked
- Write the answer. barked
Check. Barked fits the dog. ✓
3
PSWhich word suits a threatening, dark mood? Write one word: murky, lovely or sunny.
murky
Method. Think about mood.
- Think about mood. Murky suggests dark and unpleasant.murky
- Choose. Murky suits a threatening mood.murky
- Write the answer. murky
Check. Murky suits a dark mood. ✓
4
RWhich phrase is a cliché? Write the words: "as quiet as a mouse" or "a silence like thick velvet".
as quiet as a mouse
Method. A cliché is a phrase so often used it has lost its freshness.
- Check each phrase. As quiet as a mouse is common; thick velvet is fresh.common
- Choose. The cliché is as quiet as a mouse.as quiet as a mouse
- Write the answer. as quiet as a mouse
Check. As quiet as a mouse is a cliché. ✓
5
PSWhich word is a synonym of "big" that is more ambitious? Write one word: large, vast or lots.
vast
Method. Look for the most vivid synonym.
- Compare. Large is plain; vast suggests something very great.vast
- Choose. Vast is the ambitious synonym.vast
- Write the answer. vast
Check. Vast is ambitious. ✓
6
FChoose a precise verb to replace "walked" in "She walked into the room slowly". Write one word.
Accept any answer that gives one precise verb that suits the slow, quiet movement, such as crept or tiptoed. For example: crept.
Method. Think about how she moved.
- Find the movement. She moved slowly and quietly.slowly
- Choose the verb. Crept shows slow, careful movement.crept
- Write the answer. crept.
Check. Crept is precise. ✓
7
PSWhich word suggests the reader is sad and lonely? Write one word: bustling, deserted or sunny.
deserted
Method. Think about the mood.
- Think about the mood. Deserted suggests empty and lonely.empty
- Choose. Deserted suits a lonely mood.deserted
- Write the answer. deserted
Check. Deserted suggests loneliness. ✓
8
PSReplace "good" in "It was good." with a precise word. Write one word.
Accept any answer that gives one precise adjective that describes the ice cream or the day, such as refreshing or delicious. For example: refreshing.
Method. Think about what the ice cream or the day was like.
- Think about the feel. The ice cream after the sea would be refreshing.after the sea
- Choose the word. Refreshing is more precise than good.refreshing
- Write the answer. refreshing.
Check. Refreshing is precise. ✓
9
RWhich adjective fits a calm mood? Write one word: calm, chaotic or frantic.
calm
Method. Match the adjective to the mood.
- Match. Calm matches a peaceful mood.calm
- Choose. Calm fits the mood.calm
- Write the answer. calm
Check. Calm fits a peaceful mood. ✓
10
RWrite one precise sentence about the sea that replaces "it was cold".
Accept any answer that replaces the vague phrase with precise words such as icy, stung or waded. For example: The water was icy, and it stung my legs as I waded in.
Method. Use precise words for the feel and the movement.
- Precise feeling. Icy and stung are precise.icy, stung
- Precise movement. Waded is precise.waded
- Write the answer. The water was icy, and it stung my legs as I waded in.
Check. The vocabulary is precise. ✓
11
PSWhich word from the list is the best choice for a tense, nervous mood? Write one word: relaxed, anxious or lazy.
anxious
Method. Match the mood to the word.
- Match. Anxious suggests nervousness.nervousness
- Choose. Anxious is the tense choice.anxious
- Write the answer. anxious
Check. Anxious fits a tense mood. ✓
6.3
Cohesion within paragraphs
Video lesson: Cohesion within paragraphsComing soon
Context. Cohesion means that sentences and paragraphs connect smoothly. Linking words show how ideas connect, and pronouns refer back to earlier nouns. A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph.
Key ideas
- Linking words: however (contrast), then (sequence), finally (ending), in addition (adding).
- Pronouns refer back: he, she, it, they must clearly point to a noun.
- The topic sentence states the paragraph's main idea, usually at the start.
Worked example 6.3.1
Which linking word best shows a contrast between two sentences? Choose one: however, then or in addition.
Method. Test each choice against the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. However shows that the second sentence differs from the first.however fits
- Reject the other choices. Then shows sequence and in addition shows adding, not contrast.then and in addition do not fit
- Write the answer. however
Check. The choice fits the text. ✓
Worked example 6.3.2
Which pronoun refers back to "my brother" in Paragraph B? Write one word.
Method. Find the noun, then the pronoun that refers to it.
- Find the noun. My brother is named in the second sentence.I saw my brother
- Find the pronoun. The next sentence uses he, which refers to the brother.He was sitting
- Give the pronoun. The pronoun is he.He
- Write the answer. He
Check. He refers clearly to the brother. ✓
Worked example 6.3.3
What is the topic sentence of Paragraph A? Copy the sentence.
Method. Find the sentence that states the main idea.
- Read the first sentence. The first sentence names the subject and states the idea.The beach was nice.
- Check the rest. The other sentences give details about the beach, the sea and the ice cream.I went in the sea
- Copy the topic sentence. The topic sentence is the first sentence.The beach was nice.
- Write the answer. The beach was nice.
Check. The first sentence is the topic sentence. ✓
Exercise 6C Practice: cohesion
1
FWhich linking word shows that events happen in order: then, however or although? Write one word.
then
Method. Think about sequence.
- Think about sequence. Then shows events in order.in order
- Choose. Then is the sequence word.then
- Write the answer. then
Check. Then shows order. ✓
2
FWhich pronoun refers back to "the sea" in "I went in the sea and it was cold"? Write one word.
it
Method. Find the pronoun.
- Find the pronoun. It refers back to the sea.and it was cold
- Give the word. The pronoun is it.it
- Write the answer. it
Check. It refers to the sea. ✓
3
PSWhich linking word would best start the sentence "It rained for the rest of the day"? Write one word: finally, however or then.
however
Method. Think about the link.
- Think about the link. The rain contrasts with the sunny beach.contrast
- Choose. However shows the contrast.however
- Write the answer. however
Check. However shows the contrast. ✓
4
RWhich word is the best linking word to end a list of events? Write one word: finally, first or because.
finally
Method. Think about an ending.
- Think about the end. Finally signals the last event.last event
- Choose. Finally ends the sequence.finally
- Write the answer. finally
Check. Finally marks the end. ✓
5
PSAdd a linking word between "It was sunny." and "The sea was cold." Write the new sentence.
Accept any answer that adds a contrast linking word such as however, with the correct punctuation. For example: It was sunny; however, the sea was cold.
Method. Choose a contrast word and punctuate it correctly.
- Choose the word. However shows contrast.however
- Punctuate. Use a semicolon or full stop before however, and a comma after it.semicolon
- Write the answer. It was sunny; however, the sea was cold.
Check. The link is correct. ✓
6
FIn "He was sitting. He was reading.", which word is a pronoun? Write one word.
He
Method. Find the word that replaces a noun.
- Find the replacement. He stands in for the brother.He was sitting
- Give the word. He is a pronoun.He
- Write the answer. He
Check. He is a pronoun. ✓
7
PSWrite one topic sentence for a paragraph about a noisy classroom. One sentence.
Accept any answer that states a clear main idea about the noisy classroom in one sentence. For example: The classroom was never quiet, even when the teacher stood at the front.
Method. State the main idea first.
- Name the topic. The classroom is the subject.classroom
- State the idea. The main idea is that it is never quiet.never quiet
- Write the answer. The classroom was never quiet, even when the teacher stood at the front.
Check. The topic sentence states the idea. ✓
8
RWhich phrase best adds a second point to a paragraph? Write the phrase: in addition, however or finally.
in addition
Method. Think about adding.
- Think about adding. In addition adds another point.another point
- Choose. In addition is the adding phrase.in addition
- Write the answer. in addition
Check. In addition adds. ✓
9
RIn "I walked into the room. I saw my brother.", what is the reference that links the two sentences? Write one word.
room
Method. Find what the second sentence builds on.
- Find the link. The brother is in the room the writer walked into.the room
- Give the word. The link is the room.room
- Write the answer. room
Check. The room links the sentences. ✓
10
PSRewrite "He was reading. He did not look up." using a pronoun to avoid repeating he twice. Write the rewrite.
Accept any answer that links the two clauses with and, so the subject is not repeated. For example: He was reading and did not look up.
Method. Join the two clauses so the subject is only given once.
- Join. The two clauses share the same subject.the same subject
- Rewrite. And joins them, so he is not repeated.He was reading and did not look up.
- Write the answer. He was reading and did not look up.
Check. The repetition is removed. ✓
6.4
Planning in five minutes
Video lesson: Planning in five minutesComing soon
Context. Planning saves time and makes the writing better. Spend about five minutes on a plan: read the prompt twice, note ideas, and sketch a structure. The frame below gives one way to do it. Use it for any creative or non-fiction task.
| Part of the plan | What to write | Example for "a place that changed me" |
|---|---|---|
| Who, where and when | One line on the character, setting and time | Me, the bus stop, a wet Monday |
| Opening | A hook: a sentence, image or question | The bus was late, and I was already late for everything. |
| Idea 1 | The first event or description | The bus stop where I waited |
| Idea 2 | The turn or the change | A stranger offered me an umbrella |
| Idea 3 | The feeling or the reflection | I realised how often I waited for things to happen |
| Ending | A final image or a question | I still keep the umbrella by the door. |
Key ideas
- Read the prompt twice. Underline the key words (describe, persuade, write a story).
- Plan three main ideas, each with one detail, then a hook and an ending.
- Plan in note form only. The full writing is for the answer book.
Worked example 6.4.1
What should you do first with the exam prompt? Choose one: read it carefully and underline the key words, start writing at once or count the marks and stop.
Method. Test each choice against the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The key words tell you what kind of writing is needed.read it carefully and underline the key words fits
- Reject the other choices. Writing at once can go off topic, and marks do not stop the task.start writing at once and count the marks and stop do not fit
- Write the answer. read it carefully and underline the key words
Check. The choice fits the text. ✓
Worked example 6.4.2
How many main ideas does the planning frame suggest? Write the number.
Method. Look at the frame.
- Find the ideas. The frame has Idea 1, Idea 2 and Idea 3.Idea 1, Idea 2, Idea 3
- Give the number. Three main ideas are suggested.3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Three ideas are in the frame. ✓
Worked example 6.4.3
Why plan a short time before writing? Give one reason.
Method. Think about what a plan does.
- Think about the plan. A plan orders ideas before writing.orders ideas
- Think about the writing. Without a plan, writing may wander.may wander
- Give the reason. Planning keeps the ideas in order.it keeps the ideas in order and stops the writing wandering
- Write the answer. it keeps the ideas in order and stops the writing wandering
Check. The plan gives order. ✓
Exercise 6D Practice: planning quickly
1
FWhich part of the frame gives a hook? Write one word: Opening, Ending or Idea.
Opening
Method. Read the frame.
- Read the frame. The hook is the first line of the piece.Opening
- Give the word. The hook belongs in the Opening.Opening
- Write the answer. Opening
Check. The hook is in the opening. ✓
2
FWhich part of the frame should close the piece? Write one word.
Ending
Method. Think about the end.
- Think about the close. The ending gives a final image or question.final image
- Give the word. The Ending closes the piece.Ending
- Write the answer. Ending
Check. The ending closes the piece. ✓
3
RRoughly how long should planning take in a 45-minute response? Write the number of minutes.
5
Method. Think about time.
- Think about the time. About five minutes is a common planning time.five minutes
- Give the number. Five minutes of planning is about right.5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Five minutes is about right. ✓
4
PSWrite a who, where and when line for the prompt "Describe a place that changed you".
Accept any answer that gives one line naming the character or narrator, the setting and the time. For example: Me, a bus stop, on a wet Monday morning.
Method. Name the who, where and when.
- Who. The narrator is me.Me
- Where and when. A bus stop on a wet Monday is the setting and time.a bus stop on a wet Monday
- Write the answer. Me, a bus stop, on a wet Monday morning.
Check. The who, where and when are set. ✓
5
RShould a plan contain full sentences of the final writing? Write yes or no.
no
Method. Think about what a plan is for.
- Think about the plan. A plan notes ideas; the full writing comes later.notes
- Decide. Full sentences belong in the answer, not the plan.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Notes, not full writing. ✓
6
PSList three ideas for a story about a lost umbrella. Write three short notes.
Accept any answer that lists three different ideas about the umbrella, in note form. For example: Found it at the bus stop; a stranger returns it; the owner's name is inside.
Method. Think of three different events or details.
- Idea one. The umbrella is found at the bus stop.bus stop
- Idea two. A stranger returns it.a stranger
- Idea three. The name inside is a surprise.name inside
- Write the answer. Found it at the bus stop; a stranger returns it; the owner's name is inside.
Check. Three distinct ideas are listed. ✓
7
RWhich is a good use of planning time: noting a turn or writing the whole ending? Write one word: turn or ending.
turn
Method. Think about what planning is for.
- Think about the plan. A turn is a structure choice that needs planning.structure
- Choose. Planning the turn is the best use of time.turn
- Write the answer. turn
Check. The turn needs planning. ✓
8
RGive one way to check a plan before you write. Write one sentence.
Accept any answer that says to check the ideas against the prompt, or to check the opening and ending exist. For example: Check that each idea answers the prompt and that the plan has an opening and an ending.
Method. Think about what the examiner needs.
- Check the prompt. Each idea must fit the prompt.fit the prompt
- Check the shape. An opening and an ending give the piece a shape.shape
- Write the answer. Check that each idea answers the prompt and that the plan has an opening and an ending.
Check. The plan is checked. ✓
9
RWhat is the risk of spending too long planning? Write one word: running out of time or repetition.
running out of time
Method. Think about exam time.
- Think about time. Too much planning leaves less time to write.less time to write
- Name the risk. The risk is running out of time.running out of time
- Write the answer. running out of time
Check. Too much planning leaves less writing time. ✓
6.5
Proof-reading for accuracy
Video lesson: Proof-reading for accuracyComing soon
Context. Proof-reading is the last step. Read your work slowly, sentence by sentence, and check spelling, punctuation and grammar. The draft below has several errors. Find each one and correct it.
Draft: a short piece to proof-read (original, with errors)
Their was a dog in the garden, and it was barking at the postmen. Its tail wagging, it ran to the gate. We was surprised how fast it moved. Definately not a dangerous dog, just a very excited one.
Key ideas
- Check spellings of common error words (definitely, separate, necessary).
- Check their, there and they're; its and it's; your and you're.
- Check subject and verb agreement: we were, not we was.
Worked example 6.5.1
Correct "Their was a dog in the garden." Write the corrected word for Their.
Method. Think about the word that shows a place or a thing that exists.
- Find the error. Their shows ownership, but here it means there is a dog.Their was
- Choose the word. There shows a place or existence.There was
- Write the correction. The correct word is There.There
- Write the answer. There
Check. There was a dog, so There is correct. ✓
Worked example 6.5.2
Which spelling is correct? Choose one: definately, definitly or definitely.
Method. Test each choice against the text.
- Read what the question asks for. Decide what the sentence or the text needs.
- Test the choice. The word comes from define, so the spelling is definitely.definitely fits
- Reject the other choices. Definately and definitly are common misspellings.definately and definitly do not fit
- Write the answer. definitely
Check. The choice fits the text. ✓
Worked example 6.5.3
Correct the agreement in "We was surprised how fast it moved." Write the corrected verb.
Method. Check that the verb matches the subject.
- Find the subject. The subject is We, which takes a plural verb.We
- Find the verb. Was is singular; the plural form is were.was
- Write the correction. The correct verb is were.were
- Write the answer. were
Check. We takes were. ✓
Exercise 6E Practice: proof-reading
1
FWhich word is the correct spelling of the common error word in "Definately not a dangerous dog"? Write the word.
definitely
Method. Check the spelling.
- Check the spelling. The word is spelled with -itely.definitely
- Write it. The correct word is definitely.definitely
- Write the answer. definitely
Check. Definitely is correct. ✓
2
FIn "We was surprised", which verb is incorrect? Write the verb.
was
Method. Check the subject and verb.
- Check the subject. We is a plural subject.We
- Find the verb. Was is singular and does not agree.was
- Write the answer. was
Check. Was does not agree with we. ✓
3
FWhich word should replace "their" in "Their was a dog in the garden"? Write one word.
There
Method. Think about meaning.
- Think about meaning. The sentence means a dog exists in the garden.exists
- Choose. There is correct.There
- Write the answer. There
Check. There fits the sentence. ✓
4
RWhich is correct: "The dog wagged its tail" or "The dog wagged it's tail"? Write the correct sentence's key word: its or it's.
its
Method. Its shows ownership.
- Think about ownership. Its is possessive, showing the tail belongs to the dog.belongs to
- Choose. Its is correct; it's means it is.its
- Write the answer. its
Check. Its is the possessive form. ✓
5
RWhich word completes "___ welcome"? Write your or you're.
You're
Method. Think about you are.
- Think about meaning. The sentence means you are welcome.you are
- Choose. You're is the contraction of you are.You're
- Write the answer. You're
Check. You're means you are. ✓
6
PSInsert the missing comma in "Its tail wagging it ran to the gate." Write the corrected sentence.
Accept any answer that adds a comma after the participle phrase, before it ran. For example: Its tail wagging, it ran to the gate.
Method. Find the phrase that needs a comma after it.
- Find the phrase. Its tail wagging is an introductory phrase.Its tail wagging
- Add the comma. A comma separates the phrase from the main clause.Its tail wagging, it ran
- Write the answer. Its tail wagging, it ran to the gate.
Check. The comma is in the correct place. ✓
7
PSWhich spelling is correct: "seperate", "separate" or "seperately"? Write the word.
separate
Method. Check the common error word.
- Check the word. Separate has a -ar- in the middle.sep-a-rate
- Write it. The correct spelling is separate.separate
- Write the answer. separate
Check. Separate has an a. ✓
8
RWrite one checking step you would take when you proof-read. One sentence.
Accept any answer that gives one checking step, such as reading aloud, checking spellings or checking the ending. For example: Read each sentence aloud and check its ending and its spelling.
Method. Give a checking step that you can do yourself.
- Choose a step. Reading aloud finds errors.reading aloud
- Say why. Hearing a sentence shows where it is wrong.hearing
- Write the answer. Read each sentence aloud and check its ending and its spelling.
Check. The step is practical. ✓
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Sentence variety | Use simple, compound and complex sentences; put a short sentence in for effect; vary the openings |
| Precise vocabulary | Replace vague words with precise ones that suit the mood; avoid clichés |
| Cohesion | Link ideas with however, then, finally; refer back clearly with pronouns; start with a topic sentence |
| Planning in five minutes | Read the prompt twice, plan three ideas with a hook and an ending, in note form |
| Proof-reading | Check common error words, their/there, its/it's, your/you're, and subject-verb agreement |
Can you…?
- I can name simple, compound and complex sentences and use each for effect
- I can replace vague words with precise ones
- I can link sentences and refer back clearly
- I can plan a response in about five minutes
- I can proof-read my own writing for common errors
Key terms
- simple sentence
- a sentence with one main clause
- compound sentence
- a sentence with two main clauses joined by a conjunction
- complex sentence
- a sentence with a main clause and a subordinate clause
- cliché
- a phrase used so often that it has lost its freshness
- cohesion
- the way sentences and paragraphs connect smoothly
- topic sentence
- the sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph
- error word
- a word that is often spelled wrongly, such as definitely or separate
Exercise 6Z Check-up
1
Is "It was good." simple, compound or complex? Write one word.
simple
Method. Count the clauses.
- Count the clauses. It was good has one main clause.It was good
- Name the type. One main clause is simple.simple
- Write the answer. simple
Check. One clause. ✓
2
Which word joins two main clauses in "I was cold, and the sea was icy"? Write one word.
and
Method. Find the joining word.
- Find the word. And joins two main clauses.and
- Give the word. The joining word is and.and
- Write the answer. and
Check. And makes a compound sentence. ✓
3
Which word is a more precise replacement for "lots" in "lots of people"? Write one word.
crowds
Method. Choose the most precise word.
- Compare. Crowds is more precise than lots.crowds
- Choose. Crowds is the precise choice.crowds
- Write the answer. crowds
Check. Crowds is precise. ✓
4
Which word refers back to "the sea" in "I went in the sea and it was cold"? Write one word.
it
Method. Find the pronoun.
- Find the pronoun. It refers back to the sea.and it was cold
- Give the word. The pronoun is it.it
- Write the answer. it
Check. It refers to the sea. ✓
5
Which linking word shows a contrast? Write one word: however, then or finally.
however
Method. Think about contrast.
- Think about contrast. However shows a difference.difference
- Choose. However is the contrast word.however
- Write the answer. however
Check. However shows contrast. ✓
6
Which phrase is a cliché? Write the words: "as quiet as a mouse" or "a silence like thick velvet".
as quiet as a mouse
Method. Think about how often the phrase is used.
- Check each phrase. As quiet as a mouse is common.common
- Choose. The cliché is as quiet as a mouse.as quiet as a mouse
- Write the answer. as quiet as a mouse
Check. The common phrase is the cliché. ✓
7
How many main ideas does the planning frame suggest? Write the number.
3
Method. Look at the frame.
- Find the ideas. The frame has Idea 1, Idea 2 and Idea 3.Idea 1
- Give the number. Three ideas are suggested.3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Three ideas. ✓
8
Which spelling is correct: "definately", "definitly" or "definitely"? Write the word.
definitely
Method. Learn the spelling.
- Break the word. Define gives definitely.defin-itely
- Write it. The correct spelling is definitely.definitely
- Write the answer. definitely
Check. Definitely is correct. ✓
9
Correct the agreement in "We was surprised." Write the corrected verb.
were
Method. Match the verb to the subject.
- Find the subject. We is plural.We
- Correct the verb. The plural verb is were.were
- Write the answer. were
Check. We were. ✓
10
Write one sentence that varies the sentence openings of "He was reading. He did not look up." Give your sentence.
Accept any sentence that keeps the meaning and changes the opening, for example by starting with an adverb or phrase. For example: Quietly, he was reading and did not look up.
Method. Change the opening and keep the meaning.
- Change the opening. Quietly starts the sentence.Quietly
- Keep the meaning. The meaning stays the same.same meaning
- Write the answer. Quietly, he was reading and did not look up.
Check. The meaning is kept. ✓
Total 26 marks. Allow about 26 minutes.
Exercise 6X Exam-style questions
1
FCorrect the spelling of the error word in this sentence: "Definately not a dangerous dog." Write the correct word.[1 mark]
definitely
Method. Check the spelling.
- Check the word. The correct spelling uses -itely.-itely
- Write it. The word is definitely.definitely
- Write the answer. definitely
Check. Definitely is correct. ✓
2
FText: "Their was a dog in the garden." Write the correct word to replace Their.[1 mark]
There
Method. Think about meaning.
- Think about meaning. The sentence means a dog is in the garden.is in the garden
- Choose the word. There shows existence.There
- Write the answer. There
Check. There fits the meaning. ✓
3
FText: "We was surprised how fast it moved." Correct the sentence.[2 marks]
We were surprised how fast it moved.
Method. Match the verb to the subject.
- Find the verb. Was does not agree with we.was
- Correct it. The plural verb is were.were
- Write the answer. We were surprised how fast it moved.
Check. Agreement is correct. ✓
4
RText: "The beach was nice." Replace nice with a more precise adjective. Write one word.[2 marks]
Accept any precise adjective, such as glorious, lovely or sunny. For example: glorious.
Method. Choose a precise adjective.
- Choose. Glorious describes a bright, beautiful beach.glorious
- Write it. Glorious is a precise word.glorious
- Write the answer. glorious.
Check. The adjective is precise. ✓
5
FCombine these two sentences into one compound sentence using a conjunction: "It was sunny." "There were lots of people." Write the sentence.[2 marks]
It was sunny, and there were lots of people.
Method. Join the two main clauses with and.
- Join. And joins two main clauses.and
- Punctuate. Add a comma before and.It was sunny, and
- Write the answer. It was sunny, and there were lots of people.
Check. The sentence is compound. ✓
6
RText: "The waves came closer, and the sand grew cold." Write a short sentence with no verb that creates an effect after this sentence.[2 marks]
Accept any one- or two-word sentence with no verb that creates an effect. For example: Silence.
Method. Write a minor sentence for effect.
- Choose a word. A single word with no verb creates a pause.a pause
- Write it. The sentence is short and effective.Silence
- Write the answer. Silence.
Check. The minor sentence creates an effect. ✓
7
RText: "I went in the sea and it was cold." Improve the sentence by using one precise verb and one precise adjective. Write the new sentence.[3 marks]
Accept any sentence that replaces went and cold with precise words, such as plunged and icy. For example: I plunged into the sea, and the water was icy.
Method. Replace the vague verb and adjective.
- Verb. Plunged is more precise than went.plunged
- Adjective. Icy is more precise than cold.icy
- Write the answer. I plunged into the sea, and the water was icy.
Check. Both words are precise. ✓
8
PSWrite a three-part plan (opening, one idea, ending) for a story about a memorable journey. Give your plan in note form.[3 marks]
Accept any three-part note plan with an opening hook, one clear idea and an ending, in note form. For example: Opening: late for the train; Idea: a stranger shares a map; Ending: the map is still in my bag.
Method. Plan the three parts in note form.
- Opening. Start with a hook.late for the train
- Idea. Choose one clear event.a stranger shares a map
- Ending. Finish with a final image.the map is still in my bag
- Write the answer. Opening: late for the train; Idea: a stranger shares a map; Ending: the map is still in my bag.
Check. The three parts are in order. ✓
9
RExplain why however is useful between a positive point and a negative point. Write one sentence.[2 marks]
Accept any sentence that says however shows a contrast, so the reader sees that the two points differ. For example: However signals that the second point contrasts with the first.
Method. Explain the contrast.
- Name the function. However shows a contrast.contrast
- Explain the use. The reader sees the change of direction.change of direction
- Write the answer. However signals that the second point contrasts with the first.
Check. The contrast is explained. ✓
10
RText: "It was dark. I was scared. The door was open." Improve this paragraph by varying the sentence openings and adding one sensory word. Write the improved paragraph in no more than three sentences.[4 marks]
Accept any three-sentence paragraph that varies the openings, keeps the meaning, and adds one sensory word. For example: Darkness pressed around me. My hands trembled as I stepped forward. The door, half open, creaked into the silence.
Method. Vary the openings and add a sensory word.
- Vary the openings. Darkness, My hands, The door: three openings.three openings
- Add a sense. Creaked is a sound word.creaked
- Write the answer. Darkness pressed around me. My hands trembled as I stepped forward. The door, half open, creaked into the silence.
Check. The paragraph is improved. ✓
11
PSText: "Her brother was sitting in the chair, and he was reading a book." Shorten and improve this sentence with a precise verb. Write one sentence.[2 marks]
Accept any single sentence that shortens the text and uses a precise verb. For example: Her brother sat in the chair, absorbed in a book.
Method. Shorten and make precise.
- Shorten. Remove repeated words.Her brother sat
- Make precise. Absorbed is a precise word for reading.absorbed
- Write the answer. Her brother sat in the chair, absorbed in a book.
Check. The sentence is shorter and precise. ✓
12
FWrite one sentence that uses a conjunction correctly to join two main clauses, and punctuate it. Write the sentence.[2 marks]
Accept any compound sentence with a correct conjunction and a comma before it. For example: The bell rang, but nobody moved.
Method. Join two main clauses.
- Choose a conjunction. But joins two main clauses.but
- Punctuate. Add a comma before but.rang, but
- Write the answer. The bell rang, but nobody moved.
Check. The compound sentence is correct. ✓