Colons in sentences and independent clauses - Grade 8 Assessment

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

• I have three favorite hobbies: reading, hiking, and cooking.

• I have three favorite hobbies reading: hiking, and cooking.

• I have three favorite: hobbies reading, hiking, and cooking.

• I have: three favorite hobbies reading, hiking, and cooking.

Answer explanation

A colon is used to introduce a list after a complete sentence.

Complete the sentence with the correct punctuation: She had one goal _____ to win the championship.

• A) ;

• B) .

• C) ,

• D) :

Answer explanation

A colon is used after a complete sentence to emphasize what follows.

True or False: A colon can be used to separate two independent clauses.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A colon should not separate two independent clauses; a semicolon is appropriate for that.

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

• He got what he worked for: a promotion.

• He got what he worked for, a promotion.

• He got: what he worked for a promotion.

• He got what: he worked for a promotion.

Answer explanation

A colon can be used after a complete sentence to introduce an explanation.

Identify the sentence that correctly uses a colon before a quotation.

• She said: 'It's time to go.'

• She said, 'It's time to go.'

• She said 'It's time to go':

• She said: 'It's time to go:'

Answer explanation

A colon is used to introduce a quote after a complete sentence.

Complete the sentence: There are two things I need to buy _____ milk and bread.

• A) ,

• B) ;

• C) :

• D) .

Answer explanation

A colon is used to introduce a list after a complete sentence.

True or False: A colon can be used to introduce a list only if the preceding clause is a complete sentence.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A colon should follow a complete sentence when introducing a list.

Which of the following sentences uses a colon correctly?

• We visited three countries: France, Italy, and Spain.

• We visited: three countries France, Italy, and Spain.

• We: visited three countries, France, Italy, and Spain.

• We visited three countries, France, Italy: and Spain.

Answer explanation

A colon is used to introduce a list after a complete sentence.

Select the sentence that uses a colon correctly to introduce an appositive.

• My best friend: Sarah is visiting.

• My best friend Sarah: is visiting.

• My best friend, Sarah: is visiting.

• My best friend: Sarah, is visiting.

Answer explanation

A colon can be used to introduce an appositive after a complete sentence.

Complete the sentence with appropriate punctuation: Remember _____ always check your work.

• A) :

• B) ,

• C) ;

• D) .

Answer explanation

A colon is used after an imperative sentence to introduce further instructions.