Writing · Both
SPaG – Accuracy That Gains Marks
A share of writing marks is for accuracy. Clear sentences and paragraphs make meaning easy to follow – and examiners notice.
Sentence control
• Avoid run-ons (two sentences stuck with only a comma)
• Use full stops, or connect with a conjunction / semicolon where appropriate
• Vary length: short sentences for impact; longer for detail
• Don’t start every sentence with “And” or “So”
Punctuation priorities
• Apostrophes – possession vs plurals (the dog’s lead / the dogs)
• Its (possessive) vs it’s (it is)
• Speech marks for dialogue
• Question marks and exclamation marks – don’t overuse
Paragraphs
New paragraph for: change of time, place, topic, speaker, or step in an argument.
A wall of text loses organisation marks.
Practice questions
1. Its vs it’s?
2. When should you start a new paragraph?