1. Writing challenge. Homophones are words which sound similar but have a different meaning and spelling. Can you write a sentence explaining the meaning for each? Extension – Can you write a sentence including both homophones? flour flowerpaw poor through threwnew knew Writing challenge. A semi-colon ( ; ) can be used to separate two main clauses that are related. Insert a semi-colon in the correct place in each sentence below. 1)The concert was a great success the applause went on for many minutes. 2)Honestly, I’ve done my very best I’ve cleaned the house from top to bottom. 3)Alex bought a toy car he played with it as soon as he got home. 4)She was incredibly tired she had worked late the night before. 5)The door swung open with a bang a masked figure strode in confidently. Extension – Write your own sentences using the models very, very carefully.

2. Writing challenge. A pair of commas is missing from every sentence below. Rewrite them in your book with the two commas in the correct place. Extension – Can you write a follow up sentence for each? 1)The teacher however was not amused. 2)The novel which is a fantastic story only took me two days to read. 3)Leo meanwhile was happily skipping along the soft sand at the beach. 4) The entire group known for their generous giving donated lots of money. Writing challenge. Commas can be used to separate additional information. Look at the example below, then try the challenges in your book. Example: The new pupil, who is exceptionally clever, is most likely to win the science prize. 1)The rival football team an impressive group of strong players looked set to beat us. 2)The new manager an able and very experienced man is likely to make some big changes. 3) Mr McKeon who was our teaching assistant last year is now completing his teaching degree. Extension – Can you write your own sentences using these as a model?

3. Writing challenge. Below are three clauses. Your challenge is to join these clauses using the connectives while and until. Write the completed sentence in your book. People used to be in pain they were having operations surgeons began experimenting with anaesthetic while until You can use the clauses in any order, but it must make sense when you read it. Extension – Can you use while and until in a sentence about school? Writing challenge. You can use a colon to introduce a series of items. First of all, read the example given. Then try the following challenges using the model to help. Example: You are required to bring these items: sleeping bags, pans, utensils and warm clothing. 1)Write a list for what you need for school. 2)Write a list for your ideal birthday cake. 3)Write a list for what you need for a picnic. Extension – Check you work carefully. Can you rewrite it in your neatest possible handwriting?

4. Writing challenge. I have given you three nouns. Can you expand it into a more interesting sentence by adding words before and after the noun. Example: Comic strip The colourful comic strip was on the back page of the magazine. 1) cellar 2) library 3) university Extension – Choose one of your sentences and use a thesaurus to up level one of the words. Writing challenge. The sentences below are missing a semicolon and a number of commas. Can you rewrite them in your book correctly? 1)I love red blue yellow and green he prefers black white orange and purple. 2)Richard really likes buns cakes and sweets Susan prefers a healthy salad. 3)Unfortunately Bill was going bald his hair started falling out last September. 4)I didn’t see the step I now have a bandage on my head wrist and ankle. Extension – Can you write your own sentence containing a comma and semicolon?

5. Writing challenge. As you already know, inverted commas are used to show direct speech. Rewrite the following sentences including the inverted commas where someone is speaking. Extension – Remember, you should always start a new line for a new speaker. Write a short conversation between two friends in a playground. 1)Following the Battle of Hastings, explained the historian, William the Conqueror became King of England. 2)Wait a minute, said the policeman in a stern voice, don’t I know you from somewhere? 3)You look tired, uttered Martin, maybe you should get some sleep before we go out tonight. Example: “Come over here,” demanded Grandma, “I want to see how much you have grown since the last time I saw you.” Writing challenge. To show that someone owns something, add an apostrophe and ’s’. For singular nouns, such as walrus, always add an ‘s’ even if it ends in an ‘s’ already. Examples: the cook’s pot the walrus’s tusks Complete these challenges to show possession using an apostrophe. One has been done for you. 1)Fox / fur = The fox’s fur. 2) Puppy / bed = The _________ 3)Bus / seats = The __________ 4)Kite / tail = The ____________ 5)Jess / brother = The _________ 6)Pot / lid = The _____________ Extension – Can you expand these to create a scintillating sentence?