SAT Colons & Semicolons Review

I bought red, crisp apples; small, green, juicy grapes; and ripe, green pears.

I've been on vacation to: Hawaii, Idaho, and Alaska.

I like to: sleep, play video games, and skateboard.

A semicolon is used between two independent clauses that are closely connected.

She is a graceful dancer (?) and people enjoy watching her.

Gravity is a law of nature; consequently, people sometimes fall down stairs.

Pencil can be erased (?) ink is permanent.

We had too many turnovers (?) we lost the championship.

You passed the exam (?) however, you should have studied more.

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

He kept shouting: "I really want the new iPhone!"

I like that quote by Erica Jong (?) "If you don't risk anything, you risk even more."

Colons can be used to introduce a series of items.

A colon can be used to emphasize a phrase or single word at the end of a sentence.

Edgar Allan Poe used a strange subject for one of his stories; a cask of wine.

Teachers love many things; especially taking attendance.

The following things annoy Lucia: vacuousness, pretentiousness, and gullibility.

You should capitalize the word immediately following a semicolon.

The sun was shining brightly, however, it was still cold outside.

Ben loves many sports: basketball, tennis, baseball, and hockey.

"The Walking Dead" is one of my favorite shows; and I watch it every week.

The band toured in Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Louisville, Kentucky.

I was confused on the assignment (?) I need to pay more attention in class.

Please proofread for spelling mistakes (?) as well as grammatical errors.

Only one word can describe Monday: depressing.

I carried three items (?) a water bottle, a pen, and a notebook.

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

It rained hard (?) but the game still went on.

Owls are nocturnal (?) they hunt at night.

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

Independent clauses...

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

The bag contained several items (?) books, wires, batteries, socks, and a large rock.

Everyone said the spokesperson was lying; she said she was sharing alternative facts.

A colon should be used to set apart a quote from an dependent clause.

Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

He watches too much television: almost five hours a day!

It was the first of April (?) all the spring flowers were on display.

Socrates once said something profound; "Wonder is the beginning of wisdom."

I need to stop playing video games (?) I can't focus on my work.

There are two choices at this time: give up or fight.

I tried out for the soccer team; but I didn't make it.

Smoking on public transportation: bad idea.

Independent clauses can be separated by a semicolon OR a period.

A colon is used to link a main clause with an explanation

The polar bear emerged from her den: her two cubs followed closely behind.

Semicolons should never be placed before

I need the following items from Target (?) diapers, formula, bottles, and Tylenol.

The play was poorly performed(?) it lacked both experience and characterization from the actors

A semicolon is used to separate items in a complicated list.