Punctuation is often overlooked in exam preparation, yet it plays a vital role in the 11 Plus English exam. Accurate punctuation doesn’t just demonstrate grammatical knowledge—it shapes clarity, tone, and meaning. So, what are the most frequent punctuation mistakes children make, and how can they be avoided?

Let’s explore the most common errors and practical tips to ensure your child uses punctuation correctly and confidently.

Misplaced Apostrophes: A Common Pitfall

Apostrophes are small but powerful, and they often trip children up in the 11 Plus exam. The two most common mistakes are:

• Adding apostrophes to plural nouns (e.g., “apple’s” instead of “apples”)
• Confusing “it’s” and “its” (e.g., “It’s tail was fluffy” instead of “Its tail was fluffy”)

How to Avoid It:

• Teach children that apostrophes show possession (Sarah’s book) or omission (it’s = it is).
• Remind them that plural nouns generally don’t need an apostrophe (apples not apple’s).

“Think of the apostrophe as a little gatekeeper—it either shows ownership or stands in place of missing letters.”

Overuse of Capital Letters: When Bigger Isn’t Better

Children sometimes capitalise nouns unnecessarily, thinking it adds emphasis or importance. For example:

• “She went to The Park with Her Friends.”

How to Avoid It:

• Capital letters should only be used for proper nouns (London, Sarah) or at the start of a sentence.
• Practise editing exercises where children identify and correct misused capitals.

“Capital letters are like spotlights—use them to highlight names, not random words.”

Comma Misuse: The Pause Problem

Commas are frequently misused, with two common mistakes being:

• Overusing commas: Adding commas where they aren’t needed
• Comma splices: Joining two independent clauses with just a comma instead of a conjunction or full stop

For example:

• Incorrect: “She loves reading, she reads every day.”
• Correct: “She loves reading. She reads every day.”

How to Avoid It:

• Teach children that commas are for pauses, lists, and separating clauses.
• Encourage them to read sentences aloud—the natural pauses often indicate where commas belong.

“A comma is a breath in a sentence, not a crutch to join every thought together.”

Incorrect Placement of Inverted Commas (Quotation Marks)

When it comes to direct speech, punctuation can get messy. Common mistakes include:

• Placing full stops or commas outside quotation marks
• Forgetting to start a new line for each new speaker

For example:

• Incorrect: Sarah said, “I love chocolate”.
• Correct: Sarah said, “I love chocolate.”

How to Avoid It:

• Remind children that punctuation usually goes inside the quotation marks in direct speech.
• Practise with short dialogue exercises.

“Inverted commas are like a stage—they set the scene for spoken words, and punctuation follows the script.”

Overuse of Exclamation Marks: Too Much Drama!

While exclamation marks can add energy to writing, too many can make it feel exaggerated or immature.

• “I won the race!!! It was amazing!!!”

How to Avoid It:

• Teach children that exclamation marks are best reserved for strong emotions or commands.
• Encourage moderation—one is usually enough!

“An exclamation mark is like a firework—impressive in small doses, overwhelming in excess.”

Run-On Sentences: A Never-Ending Thought

Run-on sentences happen when too many ideas are packed into one sentence without proper punctuation.

• “She woke up early she made breakfast she went to school.”

How to Avoid It:

• Teach children to identify where one idea ends and another begins.
• Show them how to use full stops, commas, or conjunctions to separate ideas.

“A sentence should be a clear path, not a tangled maze of ideas.”

Sentence Fragments: The Incomplete Thought

Fragments are incomplete sentences that lack a subject, verb, or clear idea.

• “Running in the park.”
• “Because it was raining.”

How to Avoid It:

• Remind children that every sentence needs a subject and a verb.
• Encourage them to ask, “Does this sentence make sense on its own?”

“A sentence fragment is like a half-painted picture—it leaves the reader guessing.”

Confidence Comes from Practice

Mastering punctuation is not about memorising rules—it’s about using them naturally. Whether it’s apostrophes, commas, or quotation marks, every punctuation mark plays a role in making writing clear and engaging.

With regular practice, targeted exercises, and supportive feedback, your child can approach the 11 Plus English exam with confidence and accuracy.

Are you ready to help your child conquer punctuation and excel in their exam? Start small, practise regularly, and celebrate every improvement.

“Good writing isn’t just about what you say, but how you punctuate the silence in between.”