Pupils should be taught to:

♦  plan their writing by:

• identifying the audience for and purpose of the writing, selecting the appropriate form and using other similar writing as models for their own
• noting and developing initial ideas, drawing on reading and research where necessary
• in writing narratives, considering how authors have developed characters and settings in what pupils have read, listened to or seen performed

♦ draft and write by:

• selecting appropriate grammar and vocabulary, understanding how such choices can change and enhance meaning
• in narratives, describing settings, characters and atmosphere and integrating dialogue to convey character and advance the action
• précising longer passages
• using a wide range of devices to build cohesion within and across paragraphs
• using further organisational and presentational devices to structure text and to guide the reader [for example, headings, bullet points, underlining]

♦ evaluate and edit by:

• assessing the effectiveness of their own and others’ writing
• proposing changes to vocabulary, grammar and punctuation to enhance effects and clarify meaning
• ensuring the consistent and correct use of tense throughout a piece of writing
• ensuring correct subject and verb agreement when using singular and plural, distinguishing between the language of speech and writing and choosing the appropriate register

♦ proofread for spelling and punctuation errors
♦ perform their own compositions, using appropriate intonation, volume, and movement so that meaning is clear