Semicolons between Clauses: Year 6 SPaG

Year 6 SPaG worksheet on semicolons between clauses: 20 SATs-style questions with answers. Free printable PDF.

3-page A4 PDF from the Tiger Shark Education question bank (Punctuation): two pages of questions (insert the punctuation) and an answer page. Example questions: Insert a semicolon to join the two main clauses. The recipe looked complicated it turned out to be easy. / Insert a semicolon to join the two main clauses. The old kettle whistles the new one just clicks.

What is a semicolon between clauses? A semicolon links two closely related main clauses that could each stand as a sentence: It was getting late; we decided to leave. It shows a stronger link than a full stop but a weaker one than a conjunction. In the SATs, children often have to choose where a semicolon belongs.

Common mistakes and tips: The most frequent error is using a semicolon where one side is not a complete clause (Because it was late; we left). Others use semicolons as commas. Teach the test: if both sides would make sense as separate sentences and the ideas are closely related, a semicolon works. Practising alongside colons and dashes helps children see the differences.

Questions on this topic appear often in the SATs. The skill also counts in teacher assessment of writing at the end of Year 6, so children benefit from both practice in test style and from using it in their own writing.

Ways to use this worksheet: as a lesson starter or plenary, as a quick assessment before teaching a topic, for intervention groups, or as SATs revision homework. The answer page lets children self-mark. After marking, ask pupils to write two of their own sentences using the skill, so they apply it rather than just recognise it.

Using the correct terminology: the SATs use the terms in the National Curriculum glossary, and children need to recognise them quickly. Display the key term for this topic with a clear definition and an example, and use it consistently in lessons and feedback. When children explain their answers, encourage them to use the term in a full sentence. Short, regular retrieval practice, such as a two-minute quiz on terms from previous weeks, keeps knowledge fresh across the year. Because grammar topics build on one another, gaps from earlier years cause difficulties later, so this sheet is also useful for checking that Year 6 pupils have secure foundations from Years 3 to 5.