1. Spelling is accurate including familiar technical language. Sentences are formed correctly with consistent use of tense. Punctuation is accurate (Capital letters, full stops, question marks, commas, apostrophes and inverted commas). With documents written for C2.3 you should check that :

2. Sentences We need our sentences to make sense! All sentences should begin with a capital letter. They should all end with a full stop (.), a question mark (?) or an exclamation (!).

3. WHEN DO WE USE CAPITAL LETTERS? Names e.g. Monica Places e.g. Italy Days e.g. Wednesday Months e.g. October Products and brands e.g. Heinz, Mars Festivals e.g. Boxing Day Titles e.g. Mr, Mrs, Dr The letter I when we talk about about ourselves e.g. I love Key Skills Events e.g. World Cup Final

4. Commas Comma are used to break up lists, or create a pause in a sentence. With a list you don’t need a comma if you use and e.g. “ I went running, swimming, cycling, skipping and skiing.”

5. The apostrophe Two situations where we use apostrophes : Shortening words Showing ownership 1.Shortening words We often cut / shorten words e.g. should not becomes shouldn’t. The apostrophe goes where you have cut letters.

6. 2. Showing ownership The apostrophe is also used to show that a person or thing belongs to another person or thing. Ian’s short talk was excellent. The baby’s hat was red. All the babies’ toys were new. James’s (James’) assignment was ok!

7. Inverted commas 1.When we quote e.g. The teacher said “You’re late!” 2.Titles of books or films e.g. I saw “Attack of the Robot 3.” When do we use inverted commas?

8. We use a question mark after a direct question is asked. You don’t need to add a full stop as it’s already there! e.g. I wondered if she cared or not. What do you think?

9. EXCLAMATION MARK An exclamation mark tells you that the words are spoken with emotion or surprise. e.g. “Don’t touch that, it’s hot!” If you write what people are saying, put the punctuation mark before the last inverted comma e.g. “Leave it!” he said.

10. Use the colon to introduce a list. Example – For a coaching session I needed some equipment : cones, a whistle, bibs and balls.

11. Used in compound words. e.g. Dai is my brother-in-law. Read the handout adding punctuation where necessary.