lesson
Avoid repetition without losing meaning
1 · Learn
A pronoun can stand in for a noun or noun phrase. 'Maya opened the gate. She waved to Ben.' She clearly refers to Maya.
Too many repeated names can be clumsy, but an unclear pronoun is worse. In 'Maya met Lina after she finished', we may not know who finished. Repeat the name or change the sentence when needed.
2 · Worked example
I revise 'Maya met Lina after she finished' to 'After Maya finished, she met Lina' when Maya is the person who finished.
3 · Your turn
Why is 'Ravi spoke to Adam when he arrived' potentially unclear? Rewrite it so Adam arrived.
Check your answer
He could refer to either person. For example: 'When Adam arrived, Ravi spoke to him.'
4 · Apply your learning
Read a paragraph and draw arrows from pronouns to the people or things they refer to. Revise any unclear links.
Adult guidance and safety
Read and discuss whole books, poems and plays alongside these original short models. Give evidence for interpretations and accept well-supported alternatives. Revisit spelling and handwriting over time; retain individual decoding support where needed.
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