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Colon, Dash, or Semicolon? Let's Rock 'n Roll!

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 11mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which punctuation mark should you use to SEPARATE independent clauses?

a)
b)
c)
d)
2.

Which punctuation mark should you use to INTRODUCE and IDEA?

a)
b)
c)
d)
3.

Which punctuation mark should you use to EMPHASIZE information?

a)
b)
c)
d)
4.

Which punctuation mark should you use to INTRODUCE a formal statement or quotation?

a)
b)
c)
d)
5.

Which punctuation mark should you use between two independent clauses and a subjunctive adverb (however, moreover, therefore, nevertheless, alas, futhermore, etc.)?

a)
b)
c)
d)
6.

Which punctuation mark should a writer use to INTRODUCE a list of items or ideas?

a)
b)
c)
d)
7.

Which punctuation mark should a writer use to punctuate this sentence:

The Beatles led the "British Invasion" __ the "invasion" of British pop music in America.

a)
b)
c)
d)
8.

Which COLON is INCORRECT because it follows a verb?

a)

The Beatles consisted of four members : John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

b)

Some of their hit songs were : "Help!", "Twist and Shout", and "Come Together".

c)

The band hold several records in music history : the most records sold, most number one albums, and most covered song ("Yesterday").

9.

Which is the correct way to use the DASH in the following sentence:

The Beatles (the most famous rock band in history) were from Liverpool, England.

a)

The Beatles, the most famous rock band in history -- were from England.

b)

The Beatles-- the most famous rock band in history-- were from England.

c)

The Beatles : the most famous rock band in history -- were from England.

d)

The Beatles -- the most famous rock band-- in history were from England.

10.

The Rolling Stones were the "bad boys" compared to the clean image of The Beatles. Which punctuation mark would you use to punctuate this sentence:


The Beatles won all the mothers' hearts ___ but fathers didn't want their daughters dating The Rolling Stones.

a)
b)
c)
d)
11.

Chuck Berry influenced The Beatles. He made one move with a guitar famous __ the duck walk.

a)
b)
c)
d)
12.

Texan Buddy Holly pioneered American rock 'n roll and also influenced countless artists with hits like "Peggy Sue", "That'll be the Day", "Not Fade Away", and "Everyday", a favorite on TikTok. Which punctuation mark best fits this sentence?


Buddy Holly, at the height of his popularity met an terrible tragic, untimely fate __ he died in plane crash.

a)
b)
c)
d)
13.

Don McClean's song "American Pie" is the story of this famous plane crash, which also killed Richie Valens ("La Bamba") and The Big Bopper ("Chantilly Lace"). Which sentence correctly punctuates the following sentence.


"American Pie" is about the death of three popular musical artists of the '50s who died in a plane crash, which is known by a single phrase __ "The day the music died."

a)
b)
c)
d)
14.

Of course, Elvis Presley's impact upon music is undeniable, influencing not only all artists after him in his generations but also performers everywhere. Which punctuation mark should writers use to separate these ideas?

Elvis Presley captured everyone's attention with his voice and style __ furthermore, his ability to captivate an audience with his performance style and swirling hips caused quite the scandal!

a)
b)
c)
15.

While the public adored Elvis, he did borrow a lot from gospel, soul, country, and R&B. In fact, one of his biggest hits, "Hound Dog", was first performed by Big Momma Thorton. Which sentence punctuates this idea correctly?

a)

Big Momma Thorton originally sang "Hound Dog": Elvis made it popular in "white" America.

b)

Big Momma Thorton's "Hound Dog" was made an American hit by one of the most influential performers in musical history -- Elvis Aaron Presley.

c)

Elvis Presley - stole Big Momma Thorton's song "Hound Dog" - and made it an international hit.

16.

Another original Rock 'n Roller was Little Richard. He wrote and performed famous songs such as "Tutti Frutti", "Good Golly Miss Molly", and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On".

Which punctuation mark would best punctuate this sentence?


Little Richard greatly influenced Elvis Presley's performance style __ for he played his piano as if it was his dance partner.

a)
b)
c)
d)
17.

If one dives deeply enough into the roots of Rock 'n Roll __ one would see the direct connection between it and blues music.

a)
b)
c)
d)
18.

Rock 'n Roll muted into several different forms of "rock" __ glam rock, heavy metal, punk, and prog rock.

a)
b)
c)
d)
19.

Which punctuation mark would NOT work here.


Music changed forever in 1981 __ MTV aired on August 1st. Now, music would have a visual component, which helped sell the music AND images of the artists.

a)
b)
c)
d)
20.

Many great bands and performers originated in the 80s, but one performer owned the decade with songs, videos, and controversy : _______ (who was it?)

a)
b)
c)
d)