LITERACY ACROSS THE
CURRICULUM
Nouns
Punctuation Pyramid
Sophisticated
: ;
Level 5
sentences
( )
Grade D
’ “ ” ,
Within
Level 4
sentences
Grade E
. ? ! Capital letter
Basic
Level 3
sentences
Grade F
Colons
Rule 1: to introduce a list
To do this experiment you will
need: a test tube, a Bunsen
burner and some litmus paper.
Rule 2: between clauses when the
second clause gives more
detail about the first
Cyanide gas is dangerous: inhaling
it can kill.
Rule 3: to introduce a rule or
saying
The golden rule for skiers: don’t
eat yellow snow.
= naming words
(chair, hat, table)
Verbs
= doing words
(walk, talk)
Adjectives = describing words
(long, heavy)
Adverbs
= describe verbs
(walked slowly)
Semi-Colons
Rule 1: to break up long
sentences and list
The new Lada GTi has all the
mod-cons you would expect: a
240 valve engine; electric seats;
a minibar and automatic steering.
Rule 2: to join clauses that are
closely related
The impossible we do at once;
miracles take a little longer.
Apostrophes
Rule 1: to show a missing
letter/letters
do + not = don’t
can + not = can’t
Rule 2: to show ownership
the teacher’s pen
John’s bag