Starter quiz
- Match the punctuation type to its purpose.
- full stop⇔used to end a sentence ✓
- comma⇔separates items in a list ✓
- exclamation mark⇔express surprise or shock ✓
- colon⇔introduces items in a list ✓
- What is the primary purpose of punctuation?
- make your content and ideas clear ✓
- elicit an emotional reaction from readers
- persuade the reader about something
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- Where could a colon go in the following sentence: 'Home isn't just a place it's a feeling of safety.'
- 'Home isn't just a place: it's a feeling of safety.' ✓
- 'Home isn't just a: place it's a feeling of safety.'
- 'Home isn't just a place it's a feeling of: safety.'
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- What is caesura?
- when lines of poetry flow onto each other, creating a fast pace
- when there is a pause in the middle of a line of poetry ✓
- when there is no punctuation in a stanza whatsoever
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- What is enjambment?
- when lines of poetry flow onto each other, creating a fast pace ✓
- when a poem has an upbeat tone
- when there is speech in poetry
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- Which sentence uses speech marks correctly?
- "Welcome home," said mum. ✓
- Welcome home said mum.
- "Welcome home said mum".
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Exit quiz
- Why is punctuation particularly important in poetry?
- it lets the reader know where to pause for meaning, emphasis or dramatic effect ✓
- it adds a persuasive tone to poems
- it elicits an emotional reaction in the reader
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- What is *not* true of a colon?
- it can finish a sentence ✓
- it can introduce an explanation
- it can precede a list
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- What is the effect of caesura?
- adds emphasis to the words/phrases immediately around it ✓
- creates a fast pace so builds suspense
- evokes guilt in the reader
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- Match the sentences to the different purposes for the colon.
- introduces speech⇔My mother always told me: “Home is a feeling". ✓
- introduces a explanation⇔Home is my favourite place: it holds my happiest memories. ✓
- introduces a list⇔Home has everything I need: comfort, family and peace. ✓
- What is one effect of enjambment?
- it creates a sad tone in a poem
- it creates a fast pace and can build suspense ✓
- it makes the reader reflect on their actions
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- "Mum. Jake. Mary. Me." The caesura here could reflect ...
- the importance of each family member to the writer. ✓
- that Mary is more important than mum.
- that the writer isn't close to her family.
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Worksheet
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Punctuation is important in poetry as it shows the reader when to pause for meaning or dramatic effect.
- The same punctuation we use to write ordinarily can also be used in poetry.
- Colons can be used to introduce an idea or list.
- Enjambment is when lines of poetry flow onto each other, creating a fast pace.
- Caesura is when there is a pause in the middle of a line, to draw attention to a particular idea or slow the pace.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that the same punctuation rules apply in poetry and other types of writing (e.g. full stops are needed at the end of lines).
Poems are not bound to formal punctuation rules. Having flexibility allows the poet to shape their poem based on emotion rather than grammar rules.
Keywords
Caesura - a pause in the middle of a line of poetry
Enjambment - when lines of poetry flow onto each other, creating a fast pace
Colon - a punctuation mark used to introduce a list, quotation or explanation
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