

This Grade 5 worksheet focuses on the correct use of dashes (—) to show a sudden change in thought within a sentence. It helps students understand how punctuation can reflect pauses, interruptions, and shifts in ideas clearly and effectively.
The dash is a powerful punctuation mark used to indicate a sudden break or shift in a sentence. For Grade 5 learners, this topic is important because:
1. It helps express interruptions or unexpected changes clearly.
2. It improves sentence fluency and readability.
3. It adds expression and clarity to writing.
4. It builds advanced punctuation skills beyond basic commas and full stops.
This worksheet includes five engaging grammar exercises designed to strengthen punctuation skills:
Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice Questions
Students choose the correct sentence using a dash to show a sudden change in thought.
Exercise 2 – True or False
Students identify whether the dash is used correctly in given sentences.
Exercise 3 – Fill in the Blanks
Students choose between a comma or a dash based on whether the sentence shows a smooth flow or a sudden interruption.
Exercise 4 – Sentence Rewriting
Students rewrite sentences by replacing commas with dashes to correctly show sudden changes.
Exercise 5 – Paragraph Completion
Students complete a paragraph by choosing between comma and dash to reflect meaning and tone accurately.
Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice
1. b
2. a
3. b
4. a
5. b
6. a
7. b
8. b
9. a
10. a
Exercise 2 – True or False
1.True
2.True
3.False
4.False
5.True
6.False
7.True
8.False
9True
10.False
Exercise 3 – Fill in the Blanks
1. —
2. —
3. —
4. ,
5. —
6. —
7. —
8. ,
9. —
10. —
Exercise 4 – Rewritten Sentences
1. The cat was chasing the mouse — it ran away suddenly.
2. The children were shouting — they became silent suddenly.
3. Arjun was riding his bicycle — he fell down.
4. Riya was baking a cake — she forgot to add sugar.
5. The baby was smiling — she started crying suddenly.
6. My father was talking — he stopped midway.
7. The players were celebrating — they heard bad news.
8. She was drawing a picture — she spoiled it suddenly.
9. The teacher was speaking — she lost her voice.
10. We were planning a trip — it got cancelled suddenly.
Exercise 5 – Paragraph Completion
1. ,
2. —
3. ,
4. —
5. ,
6. —
7. ,
8. ,
9. —
Help your child express ideas clearly and confidently by mastering punctuation for sudden changes in thought.
A dash is used to show a sudden break or change in thought within a sentence, adding emphasis or surprise.
It helps show interruptions, strong feelings, or unexpected ideas, making writing more engaging and clear.
Students can practice by rewriting sentences to include sudden changes or adding dashes where a break in thought occurs.