Use semicolons, colons and dashes

Grade 7 Reading Worksheet - Challenge Me

Circle the best answer.

1. 1.

   The kite club needs: a field, a windy day, and a dozen volunteers, the first meeting is Friday. Milo finds two slips in the draft. Which revision fixes both and adds no new slip?

   • The kite club needs a field, a windy day, and a dozen volunteers, the first meeting is Friday.
   • The kite club needs: a field, a windy day, and a dozen volunteers; the first meeting is Friday.
   • The kite club needs a field, a windy day, and a dozen volunteers; the first meeting is Friday.
   • The kite club needs a field; a windy day, and a dozen volunteers; the first meeting is Friday.
2. 2.

   The picnic—a surprise for the whole class was nearly canceled; because of the rain. Zee finds two slips in the draft. Which revision fixes both and adds no new slip?

   • The picnic—a surprise for the whole class—was nearly canceled because of the rain.
   • The picnic—a surprise for the whole class was nearly canceled because of the rain.
   • The picnic, a surprise for the whole class—was nearly canceled because of the rain.
   • The picnic—a surprise for the whole class—was nearly canceled; because of the rain.
3. 3.

   Kira checks four sentences for punctuation. Which sentence is NOT correct?

   • Our coach had one rule: fair play.
   • The class needs: a map, a ruler, and a pencil.
   • The lighthouse—tall, white, and old—guided ships for a century.
   • The road was icy; nevertheless, the buses ran on time.
4. 4.

   Ren checks four sentences for punctuation. Which sentence is NOT correct?

   • The cave was cold; meanwhile, the guide waited outside.
   • The bakery has one rule: fresh bread daily.
   • The match—which lasted three hours—ended in a tie.
   • The museum opens at nine, however, the cafe opens at ten.
5. 5.

   Esme checks four sentences for punctuation. Which sentence is NOT correct?

   • The pie was gone by noon; the cookies lasted until three.
   • Pack these items: tape, glue, and scissors.
   • The test was hard—really hard—but the class passed.
   • The old bridge—was closed for repairs.
6. 6.

   Noah checks four sentences for punctuation. Which sentence is NOT correct?

   • The path was steep; nevertheless, we reached the top.
   • The recipe had a secret ingredient; cinnamon.
   • Our teacher gave one warning: no phones.
   • The sled—bright red and a little rusty—raced down the hill.
7. 7.

   The garden needs: water, sunlight, and rich soil. Ari checks the sentence. Which statement names the real problem with it?

   • The colon should be a semicolon, because three items follow.
   • The sentence is correct, because a colon can introduce a list.
   • The commas in the list should be dashes.
   • The words before the colon are not a complete sentence.
8. 8.

   The tent was ready, however, the weather turned. Luz checks the sentence. Which statement names the real problem with it?

   • The sentence is correct, because commas can set off “however.”
   • A comma cannot join two full sentences, so a semicolon belongs before “however.”
   • The comma after “however” should be removed.
   • The word “however” should be followed by a colon.
9. 9.

   The lake—clear, cold, and deep was perfect for swimming. Tala checks the sentence. Which statement names the real problem with it?

   • The sentence is correct, because one dash can set off an aside.
   • The aside needs a closing dash after “deep.”
   • The first dash should be a colon.
   • The commas inside the aside should be semicolons.
10. 10.

    We had one goal; to win the relay. Jun checks the sentence. Which statement names the real problem with it?

    • The words after the semicolon are not a complete sentence.
    • The sentence is correct, because a semicolon can join two related ideas.
    • A comma is missing after “goal.”
    • The words before the semicolon are not a complete sentence.