• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Matching pairs: comma–comma, dash–dash, bracket–bracket (SAT); Semicolons in lists that contain commas; When NO punctuation is needed (SAT)). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Is this sentence correct? We need eggs; flour; and sugar for the cake. (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → no, it is not correctPrompt: Do the list items already contain commas?
2. Is this sentence correct in formal written English (SAT/ACT style)? The species discovered in 2021 lives only on one mountain. (correct / incorrect) → correctPrompt: Ask what the two parts on either side of the gap are: subject + verb? verb + object? preposition + object?
3. Which punctuation mark belongs at [?] The final match — played in pouring rain [?] ended in a draw. (, / — / ) / ;) → —Prompt: Find where the extra information STARTS. What mark opened it?

• Read a short passage with no punctuation and let the class hear why it's confusing.
• Share the objective: Punctuating complex sentences accurately. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Which sentence is punctuated correctly throughout? • Speakers included Dr Lee; a geologist, Ms Ortiz; a novelist, and Mr Haddad; a chef. • Speakers included Dr Lee, a geologist, Ms Ortiz, a novelist, and Mr Haddad, a chef. • Speakers included Dr Lee, a geologist; Ms Ortiz, a novelist; and Mr Haddad, a chef. • Speakers included: Dr Lee a geologist; Ms Ortiz a novelist; and Mr Haddad a chef.
• Step 1: In complex sentences every mark must do its job: commas after openers and around non-essential parts, semicolons between clauses or complex list items, colons after complete clauses, matching pairs of dashes.
• Step 2: So the answer is: Speakers included Dr Lee, a geologist; Ms Ortiz, a novelist; and Mr Haddad, a chef.
• Answer: Speakers included Dr Lee, a geologist; Ms Ortiz, a novelist; and Mr Haddad, a chef.
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Which sentence is punctuated correctly throughout? • The results were clear — the new vaccine worked, but the team wanted a larger trial. • The results were clear, the new vaccine worked — but the team wanted a larger trial. • The results were clear — the new vaccine worked — but the team wanted a larger trial. • The results were clear: the new vaccine worked; but, the team wanted a larger trial. (The results were clear — the new vaccine worked, but the team wanted a larger trial. / The results were clear, the new vaccine worked — but the team wanted a larger trial. / The results were clear — the new vaccine worked — but the team wanted a larger trial. / The results were clear: the new vaccine worked; but, the team wanted a larger trial.) → The results were clear — the new vaccine worked — but the team wanted a larger trial.Prompt: Check each boundary in turn: introductory clauses, non-essential information, joining independent clauses, lists, colons and quotations.
2. Is every punctuation mark in this sentence correct? Although the bridge was old, engineers declared it safe; however, they recommended repairs within five years. (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → yes, it is correctPrompt: Check each boundary in turn: introductory clauses, non-essential information, joining independent clauses, lists, colons and quotations.

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Which sentence is punctuated correctly throughout? • The students, who had finished early, were allowed to leave but the others stayed until four. • The students who had finished early were allowed to leave, but the others stayed until four. • The students who had finished early were allowed to leave but, the others stayed until four. • The students who had finished early, were allowed to leave, but the others stayed until four. (The students, who had finished early, were allowed to leave but the others stayed until four. / The students who had finished early were allowed to leave, but the others stayed until four. / The students who had finished early were allowed to leave but, the others stayed until four. / The students who had finished early, were allowed to leave, but the others stayed until four.) → The students who had finished early were allowed to leave, but the others stayed until four.Prompt: Check each boundary in turn: introductory clauses, non-essential information, joining independent clauses, lists, colons and quotations.
2. Is every punctuation mark in this sentence correct? "It isn't over" she said, "until the last whistle blows." (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → no, it is not correctPrompt: Check each boundary in turn: introductory clauses, non-essential information, joining independent clauses, lists, colons and quotations.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-12.