Mastering Colons and Semi-Colons in Writing

What is the primary function of a colon in a sentence?

• To indicate a question

• To end a sentence

• To introduce an explanation or elaboration

• To separate two unrelated ideas

Which of the following is an example of using a colon correctly?

• Africa is experiencing a terrible problem; perpetual drought.

• Africa is experiencing a terrible problem: perpetual drought.

• Africa is experiencing: a terrible problem.

• Africa is experiencing a terrible problem, perpetual drought.

How can colons be used in titles?

• To end the title

• To separate the main title from the subtitle

• To start the title

• To indicate a question in the title

What does a colon indicate when used in ratios?

• A comparison between two unrelated items

• A mathematical operation

• A relationship between two quantities

• An end of a sentence

What is the main purpose of a semicolon?

• To indicate a question

• To end a sentence

• To link two complete sentences that are closely related

• To introduce a list

Which of the following sentences uses a semicolon correctly?

• It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

• It was the best of times: it was the worst of times.

• It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

• It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.

When should you use a semicolon instead of a full stop?

• When the sentences are too closely related to be separated by a full stop

• When the sentences are unrelated

• When you want to introduce a list

• When you want to end a paragraph

In which situation can semicolons be used to mark important breaks?

• In questions

• In titles

• In very long sentences to aid comprehension

• In short sentences

Which joining word should be preceded by a semicolon?

• While

• However

• But

• And

Which joining word should be preceded by a comma?

• Nevertheless

• However

• And

• Therefore