Lesson Two - Homework

GTTP—Lesson 2 – Assignment

Part I

1. The following people came to last night’s poetry reading; Robert, Alice, Colleen, David and Michelle.  (Semicolon Rule #3)

2. The diner is well-known for its specialty:  roast beef sandwiches.  (Colon Rule #3)

3. The audience was so quiet in the theatre; we knew the show was about to begin.  (Semicolon Rule #1)

4. There are two ways we can settle this matter:  we can flip a coin, which is fair and easy, or we can just agree that I’m right.  (Colon Rule #1)

5. Banana pudding has bananas, vanilla wafers and vanilla pudding. (Correct)

6. You owe me money; namely your part of the rent.  (Semicolon Rule #6)

7. You must learn to do the following; such as cleaning your room, emptying the trash, washing dishes, etc.  (Semicolon Rule #2)

8. He had one great passion in life:  driving race care in Daytona.  (Colon Rule #3)

9. The whole house was quiet:  we assumed everyone was asleep.  (Colon Rule #1)

10. Little dogs have big dog attitudes such as:  Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Papillious and terriers.  (Colon #1)



Part II- Quiz Results

I am mortified—only 2 correct out of 11.  I think it’s fair to say I don’t understand colons or semicolons at all.  Which is probably why I like ‘em’ dashes. 

Quiz Results

1.

Correct Answer: B You asked for forgiveness; he granted it to you.

Explanation: Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.

Your Answer: C You asked for forgiveness: he granted it to you.

2.

Correct Answer: C We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential.

Explanation: In this sentence, "therefore" is not introducing an independent clause so it is an interrupter. Use commas to surround interrupters.

Your Answer: B We ask, therefore; that you keep this matter confidential.

3.

Correct Answer: A The order was requested six weeks ago; therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive by now.

Explanation: Use a semicolon in place of a period to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left out.

Your Answer: D The order was requested six weeks ago: therefore, I expected the shipment to arrive by now.

4.

Correct Answer: D The American flag has three colors; namely, red, white, and blue.

Explanation: Use either a semicolon or a comma before introductory words such as “namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance” when they introduce a list following a complete sentence. Use a comma after the introductory word.

Your Answer: A The American flag has three colors: namely, red, white, and blue.

5.

Correct Answer: B Clothes are often made from synthetic material, for instance, rayon.

Explanation: Use a comma before introductory words such as “namely, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance” when they are followed by only one item. Use a comma after the introductory word.

Your Answer: C Clothes are often made from synthetic material, for instance: rayon.

6.

Correct Answer: C If you believe in magic, magical things will happen; but if you do not believe in magic, you will discover nothing to be magical.

Explanation: Use the semicolon between two sentences that are joined by a conjunction but already have one or more commas within the first sentence.

Your Answer: D If you believe in magic; magical things will happen, but if you do not believe in magic; you will discover nothing to be magical.

7.

Correct Answer: A The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was not up to par.

Explanation: Use commas to surround an interrupting expression.

Your Answer: C The orchestra; excluding the violin section, was not up to par.

8.

Correct Answer: D I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.

Explanation: Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas.

Your Answer: D I have been to San Francisco, California; Reno, Nevada; and Seattle, Washington.

9.

Correct Answer: C I need a few items at the store: clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.

Explanation: Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as “namely, for example, that is” do not appear.

Your Answer: C I need a few items at the store: clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins.

10.

Correct Answer: C I answered the phone, but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.

Explanation: Use a comma to separate two sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction ("and, but, or, for, nor").

Your Answer: A I answered the phone; but no one seemed to be on the other end of the line.

11.

Correct Answer: B I wanted a cup of coffee, not a glass of milk.

Explanation: Use a comma to separate contrasting parts of a sentence.

Your Answer: A I wanted a cup of coffee; not a glass of milk.

Final Score: 2/11