Brackets, dashes and commas can all mark parenthesis, and this three-page Year 5 sheet asks pupils to use each of them. Its 11 questions sit in four sections, starting with spotting and ending with a proof. Examples include the London Eye, Queen Victoria's 63-year reign and a Tyrannosaurus rex. It follows the England National Curriculum objective on parenthesis. The answer key shows what to underline and tick.
Writing - vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
“Using brackets, dashes or commas to indicate parenthesis”
Sections 1 and 2 use all three marks, Section 3 lets pupils choose, and question 11 tests that the sentence still makes sense without the parenthesis.
Pupils underline the extra information in three sentences and tick whether brackets, dashes or commas were used.
Four sentences, such as 'The London Eye _____ a giant observation wheel _____ sits on the south bank', each need a pair of marks.
Pupils add their own extra details about a headteacher, a dinner and the family dog.
Pupils explain how to prove that ', which lasts for over two hours,' is parenthesis in a sentence about a superhero film.
Lesson starter
Use Section 1 to check pupils can recognise all three marks before you teach.
Independent practice
Set Sections 2 and 3 after modelling. Ask pupils to use each mark at least once.
Exit ticket
Use question 11 on its own at the end of the lesson.
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