Distinguish the dash (interruption/emphasis) from the colon (set-up-and-deliver) (CCSS L.8.2.a deeper)
Exercise
Difficulty 3
~10 min
eng.g8.s.ex_12
Paragraph Punctuation Audit
Prompt
Take a paragraph from your G8-fall synthesis essay. Rewrite using ≥1 em-dash (single or paired) and ≥1 colon. Mark each in margin with rationale.
Answer criteria
type
rubric
rubric
1 dash with rationale + 1 colon with rationale + both serve meaning = mastery
Hints
- Dash: parenthetical aside or single emphasis.
- Colon: introduce list, definition, or elaboration.
Misconceptions to watch
- Inserts dash/colon without rationale (decorative).
- Inserts both in places that don't earn them.
Used in lessons