Year 6 Grammar: Make Your Meaning Clear
Ages 10–11 • Beginner level • UK National Curriculum
Instructions: Work through each activity carefully. Read the examples and clues, then write your answers in the boxes. Check that your choices make sense in the whole sentence or paragraph.
Active and Passive Voice
In the active voice, the subject does the action. In the passive voice, the subject has the action done to it; the verb often includes a form of “be” and a past participle. Change each sentence into the passive voice, keeping its meaning. The first example is completed for you.
Example: The caretaker locked the gate. → The gate was locked by the caretaker.
1. The pupils planted the bulbs. → The bulbs
2. A strong wind knocked down the sign. → The sign
3. The chef will prepare the meal. → The meal
4. The artist painted a mural. → A mural
The Subjunctive: Imagined Situations
The subjunctive is used for wishes, suggestions and situations that are not real. In formal English, use “were” after “if” for an imagined situation: “If I were a bird…”. Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
Example: If I ___ (be) taller, I could reach the shelf. → were
1. If she ___ (be) the team captain, she would choose the players.
2. If I ___ (have) a magic key, I would open the old door.
3. The coach recommended that he ___ (rest) before the race.
4. If our class ___ (be) in charge, we would plant more trees.
Formal and Informal Vocabulary
Formal language is often used in letters, reports and official situations. Informal language is more conversational. Choose the most suitable formal alternative for each underlined phrase from the word bank; use each answer once.
Word bank: request, require, postpone, assist
1. Please give us a hand with arranging the books.
2. We need every pupil to bring a notebook.
3. I am writing to ask for information about the visit.
4. The school had to put off the match because of rain.
Synonyms and Antonyms
A synonym has a similar meaning; an antonym has an opposite meaning. Read the word bank and use each word once. Write the correct word in each box.
Word bank: ancient, calm, cheerful, furious
1. A synonym for “old” is ___.
2. An antonym for “noisy” is ___.
3. A synonym for “happy” is ___.
4. An antonym for “pleased” is ___.
Linking Ideas Across Paragraphs
Linking words and phrases help a reader follow how ideas connect across paragraphs. Read the short passage, then choose the best phrase from the word bank for each gap. Use each phrase once.
Word bank: However, As a result, For example, In addition
Many pupils wanted a quieter place to read at lunchtime. The library was often busy, and the playground could be noisy. [1] ___, the school opened a small reading room beside the hall. [2] ___, pupils can use it to read, draw or study quietly. [3] ___, the room has comfortable chairs and a shelf of books. Some pupils still prefer to play outside. [4] ___, they can choose the reading room whenever they need a peaceful break.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Activity 1: 1. The bulbs were planted by the pupils. ; 2. The sign was knocked down by a strong wind. ; 3. The meal will be prepared by the chef. ; 4. A mural was painted by the artist.
Activity 2: 1. were ; 2. had ; 3. rest ; 4. were
Activity 3: 1. assist ; 2. require ; 3. request ; 4. postpone
Activity 4: 1. ancient ; 2. calm ; 3. cheerful ; 4. furious
Activity 5: 1. As a result ; 2. For example ; 3. In addition ; 4. However
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