Mastering Colons and Semicolons

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a colon?

• She has three favorite colors; red, blue, and green.

• She has three favorite colors: red, blue, and green.

• She has three favorite colors, red, blue, and green.

• She has three favorite colors - red, blue, and green.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Identify the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon.

• I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow: I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow, I can't go out tonight.

• I have a big test tomorrow - I can't go out tonight.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following sentences uses a colon incorrectly?

• The following items are required: a pencil, a notebook, and a calculator.

• She said: "I will be there soon."

• He has one goal: to win the championship.

• The meeting starts at 3:00 PM.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Choose the sentence that correctly differentiates the use of a colon and a semicolon.

• I have two favorite hobbies: reading; writing.

• I have two favorite hobbies; reading: writing.

• I have two favorite hobbies: reading and writing.

• I have two favorite hobbies; reading and writing.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses?

• The sun is high, put on some sunscreen.

• The sun is high; put on some sunscreen.

• The sun is high: put on some sunscreen.

• The sun is high - put on some sunscreen.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Select the sentence that correctly uses a colon to introduce a list.

• You need to buy: milk, bread, and eggs.

• You need to buy milk; bread; and eggs.

• You need to buy milk, bread, and eggs.

• You need to buy: milk; bread; and eggs.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Identify the sentence that uses a semicolon correctly to separate items in a complex list.

• On our trip, we visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.

• On our trip, we visited Paris, France: Rome, Italy: and Berlin, Germany.

• On our trip, we visited Paris, France, Rome, Italy, and Berlin, Germany.

• On our trip, we visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy: and Berlin, Germany.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to emphasize a point?

• There is one thing she loves most; chocolate.

• There is one thing she loves most: chocolate.

• There is one thing she loves most, chocolate.

• There is one thing she loves most - chocolate.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon to link related ideas.

• She loves to read; therefore, she visits the library often.

• She loves to read: therefore, she visits the library often.

• She loves to read, therefore, she visits the library often.

• She loves to read - therefore, she visits the library often.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following sentences uses both a colon and a semicolon correctly?

• He brought the following items: a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight; he was ready for camping.

• He brought the following items; a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight: he was ready for camping.

• He brought the following items: a tent; a sleeping bag; and a flashlight, he was ready for camping.

• He brought the following items: a tent, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight, he was ready for camping.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept