Grade 5 Language practice

8 Grade 5 language lessons, including suffixes, conjunctions, paired joining words, interjections, kinds of sentences, commas after openers and more. Each one has a short video where Pip explains the idea, a worked example, and endless new practice questions with step-by-step help when a child gets stuck.

Step 1: Suffixes

A suffix is added to the end of a word: -ful (full of), -less (without), -er (one who).

Example: What does this word mean? harmless

Tip: Find the base word first, then add the suffix's meaning.

Step 2: Conjunctions

Conjunctions join ideas: and (adds), but (shows a contrast), or (gives a choice), because (gives a reason), so (shows a result).

Example: Which word joins the ideas best? We can have pizza ___ pasta for dinner.

Tip: Read the sentence with each word. Which one makes the two ideas fit together?

Step 3: Paired joining words

Some joining words come in pairs: either … or, neither … nor, both … and, not only … but also.

Example: Which word completes the pair? We will ___ walk or take the bus.

Tip: either → or. neither → nor. both → and. not only → but also.

Step 4: Interjections

An interjection is a word that shows a sudden feeling: Wow! Oops! Ouch! Hooray!

Example: Which word is the interjection? Phew, we made it on time.

Tip: It often comes first and is followed by ! or a comma.

Step 5: Kinds of sentences

Sentences can tell (statement), ask (question), give an order (command) or show strong feeling (exclamation).

Example: What kind of sentence is this? Turn off the light.

Tip: Commands often start with an action word, like "Close" or "Wash".

Step 6: Commas after openers

Put a comma after an opening word or phrase: However, it rained. After lunch, we played.

Example: Which sentence uses the comma correctly?

Tip: Read it aloud. Where you pause after the opener, add a comma.

Step 7: Commas with names and yes or no

Use a comma to set off a name when you talk to someone (Sam, come here) and after yes or no.

Example: Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

Tip: Talking TO someone? Set their name off with a comma.

Step 8: Perfect tenses

Perfect tenses use has, have, had or will have: I have finished. She had left. They will have arrived.

Example: Which verb fits? He ___ in Ottawa since 2020.

Tip: had + verb → before another past event. has/have + verb → up to now. will have + verb → done before a future time.

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