Use semicolons, colons and dashes

Grade 7 Reading Worksheet - Challenge Me

Circle the best answer.

1. 1.

   The bake sale had one goal; to buy new team jerseys, however it fell short. Pia finds two slips in the draft. Which revision fixes both and adds no new slip?

   • The bake sale had one goal: to buy new team jerseys; however, it fell short.
   • The bake sale had one goal: to buy new team jerseys, however, it fell short.
   • The bake sale had one goal; to buy new team jerseys; however, it fell short.
   • The bake sale had one goal: to buy new team jerseys; however it fell short.
2. 2.

   My neighbor’s dog—a small brown terrier barks at the mail carrier, however it never bites. Bo finds two slips in the draft. Which revision fixes both and adds no new slip?

   • My neighbor’s dog—a small brown terrier barks at the mail carrier; however, it never bites.
   • My neighbor’s dog—a small brown terrier—barks at the mail carrier; however, it never bites.
   • My neighbor’s dog—a small brown terrier—barks at the mail carrier; however it never bites.
   • My neighbor’s dog—a small brown terrier—barks at the mail carrier, however, it never bites.
3. 3.

   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.
4. 4.

   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.
5. 5.

   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 museum opens at nine, however, the cafe opens at ten.
   • The match—which lasted three hours—ended in a tie.
6. 6.

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

   • Pack these items: tape, glue, and scissors.
   • The test was hard—really hard—but the class passed.
   • The old bridge—was closed for repairs.
   • The pie was gone by noon; the cookies lasted until three.
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 words before the colon are not a complete sentence.
   • The commas in the list should be dashes.
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 word “however” should be followed by a colon.
   • The comma after “however” should be removed.
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 aside needs a closing dash after “deep.”
   • The commas inside the aside should be semicolons.
   • The first dash should be a colon.
   • The sentence is correct, because one dash can set off an aside.
10. 10.

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

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