# Colons, semicolons and dashes

> Grade 6: colon before a list, semicolon between linked clauses, dash for a pause, bullet points, hyphens (man-eating).

Source: https://olyclass.com/library/language-g6-colons-semicolons-en/

- Subject: Reading & writing
- Level: Grade 6
- Practice: 16
- Play it free on one screen (projector, TV or whiteboard): https://olyclass.com/library?play=language-g6-colons-semicolons-en
- Copy and edit it: https://olyclass.com/library?copy=language-g6-colons-semicolons-en
- Games it plays well in: [Mystery Picture](https://olyclass.com/classroom-games/mystery-picture/), [Tile Grab](https://olyclass.com/classroom-games/tile-grab/), [Dare Board](https://olyclass.com/classroom-games/dare-board/), [Prize Climb](https://olyclass.com/classroom-games/prize-climb/)

## Questions

1. Which sentence uses a colon correctly before a list? (You will need three things a pen: a ruler and glue. / You will need three things: a pen, a ruler and glue. / You will: need three things a pen, a ruler and glue. / You: will need three things a pen, a ruler and glue.)
   Answer: You will need three things: a pen, a ruler and glue.
2. Which mark fills the gap? We packed three items for camp ___ a torch, a hat and a towel. (' / , / : / ?)
   Answer: :
3. A colon can introduce a list after a complete opening clause.
   Answer: True
4. Which sentence has a colon in the correct place? (We bought three fruits apples: pears and plums. / We bought three fruits: apples, pears and plums. / We bought three: fruits apples, pears and plums. / We bought: three fruits apples, pears and plums.)
   Answer: We bought three fruits: apples, pears and plums.
5. Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly between linked clauses? (It was raining, we; stayed inside. / It was raining; and stayed inside. / It was raining; we stayed inside. / It was; raining we stayed inside.)
   Answer: It was raining; we stayed inside.
6. A semicolon can join two main clauses that are closely related in meaning.
   Answer: True
7. Which sentence needs a semicolon, not a comma, to be punctuated correctly? (The bell rang, and the children lined up. / The bell rang, loudly. / The bell rang, the children lined up. / When the bell rang, the children lined up.)
   Answer: The bell rang, the children lined up.
8. Which sentence uses a dash to show a pause or afterthought? (I opened the box it – was empty! / I opened the box – it was empty! / I opened the – box it was empty! / I opened – the box it was empty!)
   Answer: I opened the box – it was empty!
9. What are bullet points mainly used for? (Ending every sentence / Joining two clauses / Showing a character is speaking / Showing items in a list clearly)
   Answer: Showing items in a list clearly
10. Which phrase correctly uses a hyphen? (a man eating-shark / a man-eating shark / a man-eating-shark / a-man eating shark)
   Answer: a man-eating shark
11. A hyphen is the same length and job as a dash used for a pause.
   Answer: False
12. Which hyphenated phrase is correct for a girl who is ten years old? (a ten year-old girl / a ten-year old girl / a ten-year-old girl / a-ten-year old girl)
   Answer: a ten-year-old girl
13. Which mark best fits? Tom loves football ___ his sister prefers swimming. (, / : / ; / ?)
   Answer: ;
14. Which punctuation mark goes after 'You need three things' before a list?
   Answer: A colon
15. Which mark joins the two words in 'a well-known actor'?
   Answer: A hyphen
16. Why does 'a well-known actor' use a hyphen?
   Answer: It joins two words that work together as one describing word