Mastering the Use of Colons in Writing

The video tutorial explains the use of colons in sentences, emphasizing their role in creating a 'tada' effect. It covers how colons can add emphasis to statements and introduces lists. The tutorial also highlights the importance of capitalization after colons when followed by a complete thought.

What is the primary effect of using a colon in a sentence?

• To separate two unrelated ideas

• To introduce a dramatic pause or emphasis

• To indicate a question

• To end a sentence

What punctuation mark is often compared to a 'tada' moment in writing?

• Colon

• Period

• Comma

• Semicolon

In the example 'In conclusion: we need a better plan,' what role does the colon play?

• It indicates a question

• It emphasizes the concluding statement

• It separates two unrelated ideas

• It introduces a list

Which of the following is NOT a correct use of a colon?

• To introduce a list

• To separate two unrelated sentences

• To emphasize a concluding statement

• To introduce a complete thought

When a complete thought follows a colon, what should you do?

• Use a semicolon instead

• Capitalize the first letter of the following word

• End the sentence with a period

• Lowercase the first letter of the following word

In the sentence 'In conclusion: we need a better plan,' what should be capitalized?

• In

• Conclusion

• Plan

• We

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

• The old plan has three merits; clarity, excitement, and selling power.

• The old plan has three merits: clarity, excitement, and selling power.

• The old plan has three merits. Clarity, excitement, and selling power.

• The old plan has three merits: Clarity, excitement, and selling power.

What is the correct way to write the following sentence: 'The old plan has three merits: clarity, excitement, and selling power'?

• The old plan has three merits. Clarity, excitement, and selling power.

• The old plan has three merits: Clarity, excitement, and selling power.

• The old plan has three merits: clarity, excitement, and selling power.

• The old plan has three merits; clarity, excitement, and selling power.

Why don't we capitalize the first word following a colon when it introduces a list?

• Because the list is not a complete thought

• Because it is grammatically incorrect

• Because it is a question

• Because it is a stylistic choice

What should you do if what follows a colon is not a complete thought?

• End the sentence with a period

• Use a semicolon instead

• Lowercase the first letter of the following word

• Capitalize the first letter of the following word