English·Grammar & Punctuation·procedural
Consistent verb tense
Recognise and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense within and across sentences and paragraphs, maintaining consistency unless a shift is required by meaning
Suggested ages 10–11
Learning journey
Your child is learning advanced grammar and punctuation skills — mastering complex sentence structures, sophisticated punctuation like colons and semi-colons, and formal writing techniques that will prepare them for secondary school and beyond.
Evidence of understanding
- Identify and correct unnecessary tense shifts in a given paragraph
- Edit own writing to ensure consistent tense use throughout a narrative
- Explain when a tense shift is appropriate such as when describing a flashback
Assessment prompt
If you read back a paragraph Consistent verb tense has written and it unexpectedly switches from past tense to present tense mid-way through, can they spot the shift and correct it so the tense stays consistent?
Standards alignment
L.5.1dUS · ccss-ela
L.5.1d
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 5