English Worksheet for 12-Year-Olds: Proofreading, Mini-Debate, Vocabulary & Character Postcard

Instructions

Complete each of the four activities below. Read the instructions for each section carefully. Good luck!

Grammar Detective: Proofreading & Editing

Read the passage below. It's full of errors! Rewrite the corrected version on the lines provided. Look for mistakes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

“the boy runned fastly down the street he didnt stop until he seen the bus it was too late”

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Debate Corner: Homework - Help or Hindrance?

Think about the pros and cons of homework. Write a short paragraph arguing FOR the statement and another paragraph arguing AGAINST it. Try to use persuasive language!

Statement: “Homework should be banned.”

FOR (Why homework SHOULD be banned):

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

AGAINST (Why homework SHOULD NOT be banned):

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Word Wizard: Vocabulary Builder

Find 5 new or tricky words from a novel you are reading (or any book). Write down each word, define it in your own words, and then create an original sentence using it.

• 1. Word: ____________________

  My Definition: ___________________________________________________________

  My Sentence: ___________________________________________________________




• 2. Word: ____________________

  My Definition: ___________________________________________________________

  My Sentence: ___________________________________________________________




• 3. Word: ____________________

  My Definition: ___________________________________________________________

  My Sentence: ___________________________________________________________




• 4. Word: ____________________

  My Definition: ___________________________________________________________

  My Sentence: ___________________________________________________________




• 5. Word: ____________________

  My Definition: ___________________________________________________________

  My Sentence: ___________________________________________________________

Creative Corner: Postcard from a Character

Imagine you are a character from your book. Write a short postcard to another character, telling them about something that just happened in the story. Remember to keep it short and informal, like a real postcard!

Answer Key

Grammar Detective: Proofreading & Editing

Corrected Sentence: The boy ran fast down the street. He didn't stop until he saw the bus, but it was too late.

(Note: There can be slight variations in punctuation, for example: "The boy ran fast down the street; he didn't stop until he saw the bus. It was too late.")

Debate Corner: Homework - Help or Hindrance?

Answers will vary. The student should present a clear argument for each side.

• Example FOR Banning Homework: Arguments could include that it causes stress, reduces time for family, hobbies, and rest, and that all learning should happen during school hours.
• Example AGAINST Banning Homework: Arguments could include that it reinforces learning from the day, teaches responsibility and time management, and helps students practice skills independently.

Word Wizard: Vocabulary Builder

Answers will vary based on the student's chosen book and words. Check that the definitions are accurate and the sentences use the words correctly in context.

Creative Corner: Postcard from a Character

Answers will vary. The postcard should be written from the perspective of a specific character, using an appropriate tone, and should refer to events from their story.