Orthography, punctuation and cohesion
Orthography, punctuation and cohesion: what is tested
This domain checks spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and the use of cohesive devices that make a text flow. In the PAU, these are assessed both directly (e.g., correcting errors) and indirectly in the writing task. Cohesion includes pronouns, referencing, linking words, and paragraph organization.
Core rules
- Spelling: learn the common patterns: double consonants before -ing/-ed in stressed final syllables ("beginning", "preferred"); -ie- usually before -e except after c ("receive", "believe"); drop -e before -ing ("making"); change -y to -i after a consonant ("happiness", "carried").
- Capitalization: capitalize the first word of a sentence, proper nouns, days, months, languages, and nationalities. Do not capitalize seasons or common nouns.
- Apostrophes: use "'s" for possession (singular) and "s'" for plural possession; use apostrophes in contractions ("it's" = it is; "they're" = they are). Do not use apostrophes for plurals ("apples", not "apple's").
- Commas: use in lists, after introductory phrases, and before coordinating conjunctions in compound sentences. Avoid comma splices (two independent clauses joined by only a comma).
- Cohesion: use pronouns to avoid repetition ("it", "they", "this"), and linkers to show relationships ("however", "therefore", "moreover", "on the other hand").
Worked example
Incorrect: "Its important to revise, however i dont have time." Correct: "It's important to revise; however, I don't have time." Reasoning: "Its" should be "It's" (it is); "i" must be capitalized; "dont" needs an apostrophe; the two independent clauses need a semicolon or a full stop before "however", and "however" is followed by a comma.
Traps that cost marks
- its/it's and your/you're confusion.
- Missing apostrophes in contractions.
- Comma splices: "I was tired, I went to bed."
- Spelling errors in common words: "becouse", "definately", "recieve".
- Overusing linkers or using the wrong one ("on the contrary" vs "on the other hand").
- Inconsistent capitalization of nationalities and languages.
- Using a pronoun with no clear referent.