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SATs practice · Year 6Chapter 4 · Sentence punctuation: colon, semi-colon, dash, bullet points, hyphen
Year 6 · Chapter 4

Sentence punctuation: colon, semi-colon, dash, bullet points, hyphen

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Choose the mark that joins two main clauses, or introduces a list or an explanation
  • Insert a semi-colon, a colon or a pair of dashes in the right place
  • Keep bullet points consistent
  • Use a hyphen to make the meaning clear
  • End each sentence with the right mark

You should already know

  • Full stops, question marks and exclamation marks (Year 4 grammar)
  • Main and subordinate clauses (Chapter 1 of this book)

Where this leads

  • Commas, brackets and dashes for clarity (Chapter 5 of this book)

KS2 SATs practice for grammar, punctuation and spelling (Year 6). Original questions in the style of the national tests. Content: Use a semi-colon to join two main clauses that are closely related (Year 5-6 grammar), Use a colon to introduce a list, or an explanation after a complete main clause (Year 5-6 grammar), Use a dash to mark a parenthesis or a break in a sentence (Year 5-6 grammar), Punctuate bullet points consistently, as phrases or as sentences (Year 5-6 grammar), Use a hyphen to avoid ambiguity, such as re-cover and recover, or a man-eating shark (Year 5-6 grammar), Punctuate the end of a sentence: full stop, question mark or exclamation mark (Year 5-6 grammar).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWhich mark ends this sentence? Where is the library Choose one: a full stop, a question mark or an exclamation mark.
2
FWrite the sentence with a capital letter and a full stop: the bus was late
3
FWhich word joins two main clauses in: The sun rose, and the birds sang. Choose one: sun, rose or and.
4
FHow many main clauses are in: The sun rose and the birds sang. Write the number.
5
FWrite the contraction for do not. Write one word.
4.1

The semi-colon

Year 6
Use a semi-colon to join two main clauses that are closely related (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: The semi-colonComing soon
Practice material. This is practice in the style of the Year 6 grammar, punctuation and spelling test. It is not the official test, and no official test item is used. Marks and timings are a practice guide only.
Story. Mo is writing a review of the museum. "The gallery was quiet; the paintings glowed in the soft light. Nobody rushed, so we looked at every picture."

Rule

A semi-colon (;) joins two main clauses that are closely linked. Each side could stand as a sentence. Use it when a full stop would separate two ideas that belong together.

After a semi-colon, the next word is not a capital letter, unless it is a name.

Key ideas

  • A semi-colon joins two main clauses that are closely related.
  • A semi-colon is not a comma: a comma alone cannot join two main clauses.
  • After a semi-colon, do not start with a capital letter (unless it is a name).
Worked example 4.1.1
Insert a semi-colon: The rain stopped the sun came out. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. Two main clauses that are closely linked are joined by a semi-colon.

  1. Find the two main clauses. The rain stopped, and the sun came out.
    The rain stopped / the sun came out
  2. Insert the semi-colon. It goes between the two main clauses.
    The rain stopped;
  3. Check the capital letter. The second clause does not start with a capital in the middle.
    the sun came out
  4. Write the answer.
    The rain stopped; the sun came out.

Check. the two clauses are joined. ✓

Worked example 4.1.2
Which mark joins these two closely linked main clauses? The lamps glowed; the room felt warm.

Method. A semi-colon joins two main clauses that are linked in meaning.

  1. Find the mark between the clauses. The mark between the clauses is a semicolon.
    ;
  2. Check both sides. Both sides are main clauses that could stand alone.
    the lamps glowed / the room felt warm
  3. Name the mark. The mark is a semi-colon.
    semi-colon
  4. Write the answer.
    semi-colon

Check. a semi-colon joins two main clauses. ✓

Worked example 4.1.3
Insert a semi-colon: We waited for hours we were not told why. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. Find the two main clauses, and join them with a semi-colon.

  1. Find the first clause. We waited for hours is complete.
    We waited for hours
  2. Find the second clause. We were not told why is complete.
    we were not told why
  3. Join them. A semi-colon joins the two closely linked clauses.
    We waited for hours; we were not told why.
  4. Write the answer.
    We waited for hours; we were not told why.

Check. the semi-colon is between two main clauses. ✓

Exercise 4A  Practice: the semi-colon

1
FWhich mark joins two main clauses that are closely linked? Choose one: a comma, a semi-colon or a colon.
2
FInsert a semi-colon: The café was busy the queue stretched to the door. Write the corrected sentence.
3
FWhich sentence is punctuated correctly? Choose one: The shop was closed; the owner was away., The shop was closed, the owner was away. or The shop was closed; The owner was away..
4
FInsert a semi-colon: Ali chose the red bike Jo chose the blue one. Write the corrected sentence.
5
FIs this punctuated correctly? I like pears; they are sweet. Choose one: True or False.
6
FName the mark that joins the two clauses: The forecast was wrong; the picnic went ahead anyway. Write one word.
7
FWrite a sentence with two main clauses joined by a semi-colon.
8
PSInsert a semi-colon: Dad cooked the pasta Mum set the table. Write the corrected sentence.
9
PSWhich is a correct use of a semi-colon? Choose one: We had toast; and jam., We had toast; we had jam too. or We had; toast and jam..
10
RExplain why a semi-colon fits better than a full stop in: The tide was high; the beach had almost disappeared.
11
PSRewrite using a full stop instead of a semi-colon: The road was flooded; we took the long route.
12
PSInsert a semi-colon, and change the capital letter if it is needed: The day was hot The sea was cold.
4.2

The colon

Year 6
Use a colon to introduce a list, or an explanation after a complete main clause (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: The colonComing soon
Story. Mrs Bell is packing for the camping trip. "We need three things: a torch, a map and a compass. The reason is simple: the weather can change in an hour."

Rule

A colon (:) introduces a list or an explanation. It comes after a complete main clause: She packed three things: a torch, a map and a compass.

Do not put a colon straight after is, are, was, were, includes, because the clause before it is not complete.

Key ideas

  • A colon introduces a list or an explanation.
  • The words before the colon must be a complete main clause.
  • Do not put a colon after is or are when the list is the object: The fruits are apples, pears and plums.
Worked example 4.2.1
Insert a colon: She packed three things a torch, a map and a compass. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. A colon introduces a list after a complete main clause.

  1. Find the complete clause. She packed three things is complete.
    She packed three things
  2. Insert the colon. The colon goes before the list.
    things:
  3. Check the list. A torch, a map and a compass are the items.
    a torch, a map and a compass
  4. Write the answer.
    She packed three things: a torch, a map and a compass.

Check. the colon follows a complete clause. ✓

Worked example 4.2.2
Which sentence is correct? Write it. The ingredients are: flour, eggs and milk. or The ingredients are flour, eggs and milk.

Method. After is, the clause is not complete, so no colon is used.

  1. Check the first sentence. The ingredients are is not a complete clause before the list.
    are:
  2. Check the second sentence. It has no colon, and the list follows the verb.
    flour, eggs and milk
  3. Choose the correct one. The second sentence is correct.
    The ingredients are flour, eggs and milk.
  4. Write the answer.
    The ingredients are flour, eggs and milk.

Check. no colon follows are. ✓

Worked example 4.2.3
Insert a colon: The result was clear the team had won. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. A colon can introduce an explanation after a complete main clause.

  1. Find the complete clause. The result was clear is complete.
    The result was clear
  2. Find the explanation. The team had won explains the result.
    the team had won
  3. Insert the colon. The colon introduces the explanation.
    clear:
  4. Write the answer.
    The result was clear: the team had won.

Check. the colon introduces the explanation. ✓

Exercise 4B  Practice: the colon

1
FInsert a colon: We needed three things pens, paper and rulers. Write the corrected sentence.
2
FWhich sentence uses a colon correctly? Choose one: The best meal was: pasta., The best meal was pasta. or The best meal was this: pasta..
3
FInsert a colon: There was only one reason he was late the train had broken down. Write the corrected sentence.
4
FIs the colon correct? The menu includes: soup, salad and pie. Choose one: True or False.
5
FFix the colon: The shopping list was: milk, bread and eggs. Write the corrected sentence.
6
FName the mark that goes between a main clause and an explanation: Mum was furious the dog had eaten the cake. Write the mark.
7
PSWrite a sentence that introduces a list with a colon.
8
PSInsert a colon: The sign said one word stop. Write the corrected sentence.
9
PSWhich sentence is punctuated correctly? Choose one: The day was perfect: sunny, calm and warm., The day was: perfect sunny, calm and warm. or The day was perfect; sunny, calm and warm..
10
RWhy must the words before a colon be a complete main clause? Explain in one sentence.
11
PSInsert a colon: The map showed the route the river, the hill and the lake. Write the corrected sentence.
12
PSWrite a sentence that gives an explanation after a colon.
4.3

The dash

Year 6
Use a dash to mark a parenthesis or a break in a sentence (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: The dashComing soon
Story. On the bus, Ruby reads a letter from her cousin: "The new bike – red with silver wheels – is mine now. We had one plan – to finish the trip before dark."

Rule

A pair of dashes (–) marks extra information that could be left out, like brackets or commas: My brother – the one with the red bike – is taller than me.

A single dash marks a sudden break, or a point the reader must notice: The answer was simple – the bus had gone.

In this book, dashes have a space on each side.

Key ideas

  • A pair of dashes marks extra information that can be left out.
  • A single dash marks a sudden break or a point to notice.
  • Dashes come in pairs around extra information; a dash does not need a second one for a break.
Worked example 4.3.1
Insert a pair of dashes: The team tired but happy walked home. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. Put a dash before and after the extra information.

  1. Find the extra information. Tired but happy adds information about the team.
    tired but happy
  2. Add the first dash. The first dash goes before tired.
    The team –
  3. Add the second dash. The second dash closes the extra information.
    The team – tired but happy – walked home.
  4. Write the answer.
    The team – tired but happy – walked home.

Check. the extra information is between two dashes. ✓

Worked example 4.3.2
Insert a single dash for a break: The answer was simple the bus had gone. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. A single dash marks a sudden break before the explanation.

  1. Find the break. The explanation the bus had gone follows the break.
    the bus had gone
  2. Add one dash. One dash marks the break.
    simple –
  3. Check the sentence. No second dash is needed.
    The answer was simple – the bus had gone.
  4. Write the answer.
    The answer was simple – the bus had gone.

Check. one dash marks the break. ✓

Worked example 4.3.3
Why does a dash suit: The storm – which came from the west – damaged the roof.? Write the reason in one sentence.

Method. The words between the dashes add information but are not needed for the sentence to make sense.

  1. Find the extra words. Which came from the west adds information.
    which came from the west
  2. Check the sentence without them. The storm damaged the roof still makes sense.
    The storm damaged the roof.
  3. Name the purpose. The dashes mark information that can be left out.
    extra information
  4. Write the answer.
    It marks extra information that can be left out.

Check. the sentence still makes sense without it. ✓

Exercise 4C  Practice: the dash

1
FInsert a pair of dashes: My brother the one with the red bike is taller than me. Write the corrected sentence.
2
FWhich sentence uses dashes correctly? Choose one: The cat – sleepy and warm sat by the fire., The cat sleepy – and warm – sat by the fire. or The cat – sleepy and warm – sat by the fire..
3
FInsert a single dash for a break: I have one plan we leave at dawn. Write the corrected sentence.
4
FIs this punctuated correctly? The meal – which was delicious – took an hour. Choose one: True or False.
5
FName the mark used in pairs in: The painting – a gift from my aunt – hangs in the hall. Write one word.
6
FWrite a sentence with a pair of dashes that gives extra information about a person.
7
PSInsert a single dash for a break: The bell rang the children ran out. Write the corrected sentence.
8
PSWhich sentence uses a single dash for a sudden break? Choose one: The door creaked – then it slammed., The door creaked then – it slammed. or The door creaked, then slammed..
9
PSInsert the pair of dashes: The river the longest in the county flooded in May. Write the corrected sentence.
10
RDashes and brackets both mark extra information. Name one difference between them in how they look or feel.
11
RRewrite with a pair of dashes: The coach, who had a whistle around his neck, shouted instructions.
12
PSInsert a single dash: Rain was forecast we took umbrellas. Write the corrected sentence.
4.4

Bullet points and sentence endings

Year 6
Punctuate bullet points consistently, as phrases or as sentences (Year 5-6 grammar), Punctuate the end of a sentence: full stop, question mark or exclamation mark (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Bullet points and sentence endingsComing soon
Story. Sami writes a checklist for the school camp. "Pack a torch. Check the tent poles. Bring one spare jumper! Did you pack your toothbrush?" Each item must end correctly, and the list must be consistent.

Rule

In a bulleted list, be consistent. If each bullet is a phrase (a torch), do not use full stops. If each bullet is a sentence (Pack a torch.), start each with a capital letter and end it with a full stop.

A statement ends with a full stop, a question ends with a question mark, and a strong feeling or surprise ends with an exclamation mark.

Key ideas

  • Bullet points are all phrases, or all sentences: never a mixture.
  • A question always ends with a question mark.
  • Use one end mark for each sentence.
Worked example 4.4.1
Which end mark is needed? Write the corrected question: Did the bus arrive

Method. A question ends with a question mark.

  1. Find the question word. Did starts a question.
    Did
  2. Choose the end mark. A question needs a question mark.
    ?
  3. Write the sentence. The question mark replaces the missing end mark.
    Did the bus arrive?
  4. Write the answer.
    Did the bus arrive?

Check. it asks a question. ✓

Worked example 4.4.2
Which punctuation ends a bullet point that is a full sentence? Write the name of the mark.

Method. A bullet point that is a sentence ends like any sentence.

  1. Check the bullet. A full sentence has a subject and a verb.
    Pack a torch.
  2. Choose the end mark. A statement ends with a full stop.
    full stop
  3. Check the others. A phrase bullet has no full stop.
    no full stop
  4. Write the answer.
    full stop

Check. a sentence ends with a full stop. ✓

Worked example 4.4.3
Choose the correct ending for this exclamation: What a surprise

Method. A strong feeling or surprise ends with an exclamation mark.

  1. Find the feeling. The words show surprise.
    What a surprise
  2. Choose the end mark. An exclamation mark shows strong feeling.
    !
  3. Check. A full stop would be too flat for surprise.
    What a surprise!
  4. Write the answer.
    What a surprise!

Check. surprise is shown with an exclamation mark. ✓

Exercise 4D  Practice: bullet points and sentence endings

1
FWhich mark ends this sentence? Can we go to the park Choose one: a full stop, a question mark or an exclamation mark.
2
FAdd the correct end mark: Stop before the edge Write the corrected sentence.
3
FWrite the second bullet point, with a full stop, to match the first: • We walked to the beach. • Then we swam
4
FWhich sentence ends correctly? Choose one: Who is coming to the party?, Who is coming to the party. or Who is coming to the party!.
5
FIs the ending correct? I cannot believe it? Choose one: True or False.
6
FAdd the correct end punctuation: What time does the film start Write the corrected sentence.
7
FIn a list of phrases, such as a torch, a map, a whistle, what end mark does each bullet need? Write one word.
8
PSWrite a sentence that ends with an exclamation mark to show surprise.
9
PSAdd the correct end mark: Please bring your coat Write the corrected sentence.
10
RExplain why a list of phrases should not end with full stops, but a list of sentences should.
11
PSAdd the mark: What a lovely surprise Write the corrected sentence.
12
PSWhich list is punctuated consistently? Choose one: • Apples. • Pears. • Plums., • Apples • Pears • Plums or • Apples • Pears. • Plums..
4.5

The hyphen

Year 6
Use a hyphen to avoid ambiguity, such as re-cover and recover, or a man-eating shark (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: The hyphenComing soon
Story. The sofa needs a new cover, so Dad decides to re-cover it. "We saw a man-eating shark" is only a joke in the film, but the hyphen makes the description clear.

Rule

A hyphen (-) joins words to make the meaning clear. Without it, two words can be misread.

re-cover means cover again. recover means get better. re-sign means sign again. resign means leave a job.

A compound adjective before a noun often uses a hyphen: a well-known author, a short-tempered man.

Key ideas

  • A hyphen can stop a word being misread: re-cover, not recover.
  • Join two words that work together as one adjective before a noun: a well-known author.
  • After the noun, the words are often not joined: the author is well known.
Worked example 4.5.1
Which word means to get better after an illness? Write one word: re-cover or recover.

Method. Recover means to get better, while re-cover means to cover again.

  1. Read each word. Re-cover has a hyphen, so it means cover again.
    re-cover = cover again
  2. Match the meaning. Recover means get better after illness.
    recover = get better
  3. Choose. The word about getting better is recover.
    recover
  4. Write the answer.
    recover

Check. recover means get better. ✓

Worked example 4.5.2
Add a hyphen to make the phrase clear: a long lasting battery

Method. Join the two words that describe the battery as one adjective.

  1. Find the words that work together. Long and lasting describe the battery as one idea.
    long lasting
  2. Join them with a hyphen. A hyphen joins them before the noun.
    long-lasting
  3. Write the phrase. The compound adjective goes before battery.
    a long-lasting battery
  4. Write the answer.
    a long-lasting battery

Check. long-lasting joins before the noun. ✓

Worked example 4.5.3
Which two words does the hyphen join in a man-eating shark? Write both words.

Method. The hyphen joins the words that work together as one adjective.

  1. Find the hyphen. The hyphen is between man and eating.
    man-eating
  2. Check the meaning. Man-eating describes the shark as one idea.
    man-eating shark
  3. Name the words. The two words are man and eating.
    man and eating
  4. Write the answer.
    man and eating

Check. man-eating describes the shark. ✓

Exercise 4E  Practice: the hyphen

1
FWhich word means to cover something again? Choose one: recover, re-cover or cover.
2
FAdd a hyphen: the well known author spoke at the school. Write the corrected phrase.
3
FAdd a hyphen to make the meaning clear: We saw a man eating shark. Write the corrected sentence.
4
FIs this correct? She is a short-tempered woman. Choose one: True or False.
5
FWrite the phrase with hyphens: a twenty year old tree
6
PSWrite a sentence with a compound adjective that is joined by a hyphen before a noun.
7
PSWrite the word that means to enter again, with a hyphen. Write the word only.
8
RWhy does the hyphen in a small-town newspaper matter?
9
RWhich two words does the hyphen join in a long-haired dog? Write both words.
10
PSAdd a hyphen: a half price sale Write the corrected phrase.
11
PSGive one pair of words that a hyphen keeps apart in meaning.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Semi-colonJoins two main clauses that are closely linked; no capital after it.
ColonIntroduces a list or an explanation after a complete main clause.
DashA pair marks extra information; a single dash marks a sudden break.
Bullet pointsAll phrases with no full stops, or all sentences with capitals and full stops.
HyphenJoins words to avoid confusion: re-cover, recover; a long-lasting battery.
End marksFull stop for statements, question mark for questions, exclamation mark for strong feeling.

Can you…?

  • I can join two main clauses with a semi-colon
  • I can introduce a list or an explanation with a colon after a complete clause
  • I can use a pair of dashes for extra information, or a single dash for a break
  • I can keep the bullet points in a list consistent
  • I can use a hyphen to stop a word being misread
  • I can end each sentence with the right mark

Key terms

main clause
a clause that makes sense on its own
semi-colon
a mark (;) that joins two closely linked main clauses
colon
a mark (:) that introduces a list or an explanation
dash
a mark (–) that marks extra information or a break in a sentence
compound adjective
two words joined by a hyphen that describe one noun, such as well-known
bullet point
an item in a list, marked with a dot or a dash

Exercise 4Z  Check-up

1
Which mark joins the two main clauses in: The track was muddy; the runners slipped. Choose one: a comma, a semi-colon or a colon.
2
Insert a colon: Pack three things sun cream, a hat and water. Write the corrected sentence.
3
Which sentence is punctuated correctly? Choose one: The cake – sweet and sticky – was gone., The cake – sweet and sticky was gone. or The cake sweet – and sticky – was gone..
4
Add the correct end mark: Where did you put my bag Write the corrected sentence.
5
Add a hyphen: a fast moving car Write the corrected phrase.
6
Is this punctuated correctly? We ate lunch; then we walked to the park. Choose one: True or False.
7
Insert a semi-colon: The bus was full the driver waved to us. Write the corrected sentence.
8
Which sentence is punctuated correctly? Choose one: Bring a torch; a map; a whistle., Bring: a torch, a map and a whistle. or Bring a torch, a map and a whistle..
9
Write a sentence with a semi-colon that joins two related main clauses.
10
Write the word that could be misread without a hyphen. Write the word that means to sign again.

Total 14 marks. Allow about 14 minutes.

Exercise 4X  Practice test questions

1
FWhich sentence is punctuated correctly? Choose one: The gate was open; the dog ran out., The gate was open, the dog ran out. or The gate was open; The dog ran out..[1 mark]
2
FInsert a colon: Three cities are on our route Leeds, York and Hull. Write the corrected sentence.[1 mark]
3
PSInsert a pair of dashes: The old lighthouse on the cliff is open to visitors. Write the corrected sentence, with the dashes around the extra information.[2 marks]
4
FAdd the correct end mark: Did you remember the tickets Write the corrected sentence.[1 mark]
5
FWhich use of the hyphen is correct? Choose one: a well-known singer, a well known-singer or a well-known-singer.[1 mark]
6
PSInsert a semi-colon: The sky darkened the thunder rolled across the hills. Write the corrected sentence.[2 marks]
7
PSInsert a colon: The kit included three items a helmet, gloves and goggles. Write the corrected sentence.[2 marks]
8
FWhich list is punctuated consistently? Choose one: • Check the oil. • Fill the tank. • Clean the windows., • Check the oil • Fill the tank. • Clean the windows. or • check the oil. • Fill the tank • Clean the windows.[1 mark]
9
FAdd the correct end mark: What a brilliant idea Write the corrected sentence.[1 mark]
10
RExplain in one or two sentences why re-cover needs a hyphen, but cover does not.[2 marks]
← Chapter 3: Active and passive voice, formal and informal, cohesionChapter 5: Commas, brackets and dashes for clarity →

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