1. GCSE – Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
Be SPAGTASTIC!
GCSE – Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar

2. Grammar Matters!
Why?

3. Grammar Matters!
Who?

4. Grammar Matters! Everyone! Who? Why? The language of this country
Exams
College applications
Job letters
Professional
Real world!
Who?
Everyone!

5. Many GCSEs have separate marks awarded for SPAG.
Written communication and accuracy is a government drive – in college too!
An increased focus on SPAG is in response to employers’ complaints.
Most jobs use written communication: s; letters; job quotations; invoices; flyers; leaflets; posters; and price lists.

6. You need to help yourselves!
So, what can I do about it?
Ask your English teacher for help
Look at your teacher corrections
Proof read your work carefully at the end of each examination
You need to help yourselves!

7. Why is spelling, punctuation and grammar important in my GCSE examinations?
DID YOU KNOW?
SPAG is worth 20% of the Writing Marks for GCSE English Language
SPAG is worth 5% of your English Literature, History, Geography and RE marks
What impression will the examiner have of you in the first 6 seconds?
Sloppy? Untidy? Careless? Weak? Or
Conscientious? Hardworking? Attentive? Able?
‘It was a mistake to abolish separate marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar in GCSEs over the last decade. Employers expect people with high grades to be able to communicate and write effectively, with precision and accuracy. It is right to restore specific assessment of these vital skills.’ Schools Minister, Nicky Gibb

8. Handwriting

9. Capital Letters The Rules The first word in a sentence
The first word in a direct quote
The pronoun ‘I’
Proper nouns (names of specific people and places)
Countries, languages and nationalities
Days of the week, months and holidays, but NOT seasons
The names of deities and holy books like God, the Bible, the Coran, etc.
Time periods like World War II, The Great Depression
The main words in the titles of books, songs and articles e.g. Blood Brothers
Abbreviations e.g. RSPCA, GCSE
Capital Letters

10. Should of
Could of
Would of

11. It’s the law. Never, ever use: should of; could of; would of!
The Rules
‘Should have’, ‘would have’ and ‘could have’ are abbreviated to ‘should’ve’, ‘would’ve’, and ‘could’ve’.
The apostrophe replaces the dropped ‘ha’.
Use the full or abbreviated version only.

12. Commas

13. Commas are used to separate items in a list
The last but one item in a list is usually joined with the word ‘and’ instead of a comma.
For example:
We had chips, sausages, bacon
and peas for lunch.
A bride should have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

14. A comma separates off a subordinate opening.
e.g. Although she was tired,
Tilly went to the party.
Although I was scared, I
crept inside.

16. Apostrophes

17. Apostrophes
Rule #1 – contractions (two words put together into one) e.g. can not = can’t, do not = don’t, does not = doesn’t Rule #2 – to show ownership (something belongs to someone or something) e.g. The shirt belongs to the boy = the boy’s shirt is blue The friend of Polly = Polly’s friend The socks belong to the baby = the baby’s socks The socks belong to the babies = the babies’ socks Remember: It’s = it is OR it has Apostrophes are NOT used to make things plural!

18. Colons
Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items e.g. I gave her three choices: do your homework, clean your room or mow the lawn.
Semi-Colons
Use a semi-colon when you want to form a bond between two statements (complete sentences)e.g. Boro was relegated this season; they will be back in the Championship next year.

20. REMEMBER to paragraph!

21. Spot the Errors…

30. Reflection
It is important to take pride in your written communication. Make sure you get into good habits. Check that your writing is accurate in every subject. If you are unsure of a grammar rule, ask! It is only by understanding the importance of good grammar and practising it, that you will improve your written communication.