Punctuation Essentials

Punctuation may seem like a small detail, but in the CSSE 11+ English paper it can make a big difference to your marks. Since SPaG is assessed within the English paper — across both comprehension answers and creative writing — accurate punctuation shows the examiner that you are a confident and careful writer.

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Why Punctuation Matters

Punctuation helps the reader understand your writing. Without it, sentences become confusing and your meaning can be lost entirely.

Compare these two sentences:

• "Let's eat, Grandma!" (You are talking to Grandma.)
• "Let's eat Grandma!" (Oh no — very different meaning!)

That single comma changes everything. In the CSSE exam, clear punctuation helps you communicate your ideas and earn marks rather than lose them.

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Full Stops, Question Marks, and Exclamation Marks

These are end-of-sentence punctuation marks. Every sentence must end with one of them.