Question Marks and Exclamation Marks
A question mark is the punctuation mark placed at the end of a sentence that asks something, and an exclamation mark is placed at the end of a sentence that shows strong feeling, such as surprise or excitement. Choosing the correct end mark tells the reader how a sentence should be read. In Year 2, pupils learn to use both marks correctly instead of always using a full stop.
Method
- Read the sentence and decide what it is doing: asking, telling calmly, or showing strong feeling.
- If the sentence asks something, check it usually starts with a question word like who, what, where, when, why or how, or with a verb like 'Is' or 'Can'.
- If it is a question, end it with a question mark.
- If the sentence shows excitement, surprise or a loud command, end it with an exclamation mark.
- If it is a plain statement with no strong feeling, use a full stop instead.
Worked example
Choose the correct end punctuation: 'What is your name'
- Read the sentence: it starts with the question word 'What'.
- Decide it is asking something, not telling or exclaiming.
- Choose a question mark to match a question.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a English exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Add the correct end punctuation to these two sentences: 'Can I have a biscuit' and 'We ate lunch at noon'
Choose the correct end mark for this sentence and explain your choice: 'That firework is incredible'
Write one question and one exclamation of your own about a school trip, using the correct end mark for each.
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the question marks and exclamation marks worksheet pack - 8 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
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