ACT Practice - Semicolons, Colons, and Dashes

Open Ended

Why is it important to understand the rules for using semicolons, especially when taking standardized tests like the ACT?

Multiple Choice

According to the rules shown, what must be true about the sentences joined by a semicolon?

• Both must be complete sentences.

• At least one must be a question.

• They must be unrelated topics.

• Both must contain transitional words.

Multiple Choice

Which punctuation mark is used to separate items in a series when the items themselves contain commas?

• Semicolon

• Colon

• Dash

• Period

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a colon to introduce a list?

• I need the following: eggs, milk, and bread.

• I need: eggs, milk, and bread the following.

• I need eggs, milk, and bread: the following.

• I need the following eggs, milk, and bread:

Open Ended

Explain the two main uses of colons as described in the lesson.

Open Ended

How confident do you feel about using semicolons correctly after this lesson? What would you like to review or practice more?

Multiple Choice

What is one of the main rules for using semicolons in writing?

• To join two complete sentences

• To separate items in a simple list

• To start a new paragraph

• To indicate a question