📚 Topic Summary
A colon (:) is a punctuation mark used to introduce a list, explanation, example, or quotation. It signals that what follows will further explain, illustrate, or expand on what came before. The key is to use a colon only after a complete independent clause. For example, instead of writing "I need to buy: milk, bread, and eggs," write "I need to buy the following items: milk, bread, and eggs."
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition.
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Independent Clause |
a. A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. |
| 2. Dependent Clause |
b. A group of words with a subject and verb that does NOT express a complete thought. |
| 3. Colon |
c. A punctuation mark (:) used to introduce a list or explanation. |
| 4. Conjunction |
d. A group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a complete thought. |
| 5. Punctuation |
e. The system of symbols and signs used to structure writing. |
(Answers: 1-d, 2-b, 3-c, 4-a, 5-e)
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank (colon, independent clause, list, example, explain).
A ______ is a punctuation mark used to introduce a ______, an ______, or to ______ something further. A ______ must precede a colon.
(Answers: colon, list, example, explain, independent clause)
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Consider this sentence: "My favorite fruits are: apples, bananas and oranges." Is the colon used correctly? Why or why not? How would you correct it?
(Answer: No, the colon is not used correctly. The part before the colon is not a complete independent clause. Corrected sentence: "My favorite fruits are as follows: apples, bananas, and oranges." OR "I enjoy many fruits: apples, bananas, and oranges.")
