Jake ran as fast as he could he was being chased by what ...

Perfect punctuation

Punctuation is VERY important. It helps to structure writing and
organise the text.

This piece of text has no punctuation in it. Try and read it
through.

Jake ran as fast as he could he was being chased by
what he didnt know help he screamed can anyone
help me it was no good nobody could hear him

Now read it through again. Notice the difference punctuation
makes!

Jake ran as fast as he could. He was being chased! By
what, he didn’t know. “Help!” he screamed. “Can
anyone help me?” It was no good. Nobody could hear
him.

Can you see why it is important that you punctuate your writing
carefully? It structures the text and also helps your reader makes
sense of what they are reading.

© www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2009 10737 Page 1 of 3

Perfect punctuation

Full stop
A full stop is used to mark the end of a sentence.

Sarah ran across the playground.

Question mark
A question mark is used to mark the end of a question.

Where is my bag?

Exclamation mark
An exclamation mark is used at the end of a sentence. It shows strong
emotion (anger, excitement, etc.).

Get out of my room!

Comma

A comma is used to separate items in a list, or to separate two parts of
the same sentence.

I bought milk, sugar, bread and cheese.
I ran out of pens, so I bought some more.

Speech marks
Speech marks are used to mark the beginning and end of direct speech.

“That was fun,” said Mark.

© www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2009 10737 Page 2 of 3

Perfect punctuation

These sentences are not punctuated. Can you rewrite
them and add the correct punctuation?
1. Why are you shouting so loudly
.........................................................................................................
2. Pass the salt there isn’t any said Jim
.........................................................................................................

3. I’ll meet you outside said Paul
.........................................................................................................

4. You will need scissors paper and glue to make this
.........................................................................................................

5. I am really cross with you shouted mum angrily
.........................................................................................................

6. Do we have any cakes biscuits or crisps
.........................................................................................................

© www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2009 10737 Page 3 of 3