Accuracy: Sentences, Punctuation and SPaG
Accuracy: sentences, punctuation and SPaG
A big chunk of the writing marks in GCSE English Language is for technical accuracy — spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG), plus varied and correct sentences. You can lift your grade just by writing accurately.
Use a range of sentence types
- Simple sentence: one main idea. The rain fell.
- Compound sentence: two ideas joined by a conjunction (and, but, so). The rain fell and the streets flooded.
- Complex sentence: a main clause + a subordinate clause. Although it was late, she kept working.
Varying these shows control and keeps writing interesting.
Punctuation to use accurately
- Full stops, capital letters — every sentence.
- Commas — lists, after openers, around extra information (not to join two full sentences — that's a comma splice).
- Apostrophes — contraction (don't) and possession (Sam's).
- Higher-level punctuation used correctly impresses: semicolons (join linked sentences), colons (introduce), dashes (add emphasis), brackets (add extra detail).
Spelling
- Learn common tricky words (necessary, separate, definitely, because).
- Apply spelling rules (drop the silent e, double the consonant, i before e).
Paragraphing
- Start a new paragraph for a new idea, time, place or speaker.
- Use discourse markers (firstly, however, in addition, finally) to link paragraphs.
Proofreading
Always leave 5 minutes to check:
- Homophones (its/it's, there/their/they're).
- Missing capital letters or full stops.
- Sentences that are too long or run on.
Worked example
Weak: it was late everyone was tired they went home.
Accurate: It was late, and everyone was tired; they went home. (Capital letters, comma, semicolon joining linked ideas.) ✓
Common mistakes
- Comma splices (joining full sentences with a comma).
- Mixing up homophones and misusing apostrophes.
- Writing one long paragraph with no breaks.
Exam tips
- Deliberately use a range of sentence types and some higher-level punctuation.
- Paragraph clearly and link with discourse markers.
- Proofread for SPaG at the end — easy marks.
Quick recap
- Vary simple, compound and complex sentences; punctuate accurately (avoid comma splices).
- Use higher-level punctuation (semicolons, colons, dashes) correctly to impress.
- Paragraph for each new idea and proofread for SPaG.