Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In this lesson, we will refine our work by considering how we could use colons to emphasise key ideas, expand on our points and add clarity to our writing.

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9 Questions

Q1.
What is a main clause?
a clause that doesn't make sense on its own
Correct answer: a clause that makes sense on its own
Q2.
What is a subordinate clause?
Correct answer: a clause that doesn't make sense on its own
a clause that makes sense on its own
Q3.
Which of the statements below is true?
You always need a capital letter after a semicolon.
You need a capital letter after a semicolon if it is the start of a new clause.
Correct answer: You need a capital letter after a semicolon if the first word is a proper noun.
You should never use a capital letter after a semicolon.
Q4.
Does the following sentence use semicolons correctly? "Summer is my favourite time of year; The weather is (mostly) glorious!"
Correct answer: No
Yes
Q5.
Does the following sentence use semicolons correctly? "Hard work has many benefits; one of which is success."
Correct answer: No
Yes
Q6.
Does the following sentence use semicolons correctly? "Tears of joy ran down her face; she was free."
No
Correct answer: Yes
Q7.
True or false? A semicolon joins two main clauses; they have to be linked or related to each other.
false
Correct answer: true
Q8.
True or false? You do not need a capital letter after a semicolon unless the first word is a proper noun (the name of a person or place).
false
Correct answer: true
Q9.
True or false? You should use a semicolon to separate a subordinate clause from a main clause.
Correct answer: false
true

5 Questions

Q1.
Which of these punctuation marks is a colon?
-
;
Correct answer: :
...
Q2.
What is the correct definition of a main clause?
a clause that doesn't make sense on its own
a clause that is about one thing
Correct answer: a clause that makes sense on its own
Q3.
The four key uses of a colon are:
to add emphasis to a word or phrase
to end a sentence
Correct answer: to introduce a list
to introduce a longer quotation
to introduce an explanation
to show possession
Q4.
Which statement is true?
A colon separates two subordinate clauses.
Correct answer: You can use a colon to introduce a list.
Q5.
Which statements are true?
A colon has the same job as a semicolon.
Often, a colon is used to add emphasis to a particular word or phrase.
Correct answer: You do not need a capital letter after a colon unless it is a proper noun or quotation.

Lesson appears in

UnitEnglish / Grammar for Writing

English