Punctuation & Spelling
IN THIS LESSON
English Language Essentials
You can gain quick and reliable marks in your English GCSE (or Functional Skills) exams by mastering punctuation – for example, using brackets to add extra information (like this) or dashes – to emphasise a point or create a pause in your writing. In this guide, we’ll explore how these two punctuation tools can strengthen your work.
Further Details
Brackets ( )
Brackets can be used around extra information (such as extra details or descriptions). Brackets always come in pairs; when you open a bracket, remember to close it.
Dashes
Dashes introduce information in the middle or end of a sentence. They can often be used instead of brackets.
I ate too much pizza - it had a really tasty crispy base - when I had lunch with my friends.
Punctuation Activity
Rewrite these sentences using the punctuation discussed above.
Brackets
I told myself I’d only watch one episode a blatant lie, and now it’s 3 a.m.
Dashes
I started a new book got 10 pages in then took a three-month break. (Add two dashes.)
I tried to take a cool selfie turns out my phone camera disagreed. (Add one dash.).
Bonus Activity
Pick a topic that you are interested in (e.g., a sport, hobby, favourite TV show).
Write some short sentences on your topic that use brackets and dashes.
Knowledge Check/Review
Practice explaining to someone when you can use brackets and dashes.
Give examples of when you can use them.
Commit to using three of them in your writing practice and the writing tasks in your GCSE exams.
