10.5 Semicolons

Open Ended

What do you notice about the way punctuation is used in the sentence: 'A banana tree isn’t a tree at all; it’s the world’s largest herb.'?

Multiple Choice

Why might it be important to use semicolons correctly in writing?

• To separate two closely related independent clauses

• To indicate a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period

• To list items in a series when the items themselves contain commas

• All of the above

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses?

• I went to the store; I bought some apples.

• I went to the store, and I bought some apples.

• I went to the store; and I bought some apples.

• I went to the store: I bought some apples.

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blank: A semicolon is used to connect two sentences that can both stand

.

Multiple Choice

Why is it important that semicolons join two sentences that can stand alone?

• Because it highlights the connection between the sentences

• Because it makes the sentence longer

• Because it replaces a period

• Because it is required by grammar rules

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the correct way to use a semicolon according to the lesson?

• To connect two sentences without using FANBOYS

• To separate items in a simple list

• To end a sentence

• To replace a comma in a compound sentence

Open Ended

Compare the two sentences given about the banana tree and the feeling of safety. How does the use of a semicolon affect the meaning or flow of these sentences?

Multiple Choice

Select all sentences that correctly use a semicolon to join independent clauses.

• A banana tree isn’t a tree at all; it’s the world’s largest herb. The fruit itself is actually a giant berry.

• A banana three isn’t a tree at all. It’s the world’s largest herb. The fruit is actually a giant berry.

• A banana tree isn’t a tree at all; the world’s largest herb. The fruit itself is actually a giant berry.

• A banana tree isn’t a tree at all, for it’s the world’s largest herb. The fruit itself is actually a giant berry.

Multiple Choice

A banana tree isn’t a tree at all; it’s the world’s largest herb. The fruit itself is actually a giant berry. Which punctuation mark is used in the sentence to join two closely related independent clauses?

• Comma

• Colon

• Semicolon

• Dash

Open Ended

What is one interesting fact you learned about semicolons or their usage today?