Distinguish the dash (interruption/emphasis) from the colon (set-up-and-deliver) (CCSS L.8.2.a deeper)
Exercise Difficulty 3 ~8 min eng.g8.s.ex_50

Dash Colon In Capstone

Prompt

Audit your capstone draft for dash and colon use. Count: how many em-dashes? how many colons? Are any used decoratively (without earning their place)? Revise any decorative use.

Answer criteria
type rubric
rubric
Counts noted + ≥1 deliberate use of each + decorative uses revised = mastery
Hints
  1. Aim for ≥1 deliberate dash and ≥1 deliberate colon in capstone.
  2. Decorative use = no rhetorical purpose.
Misconceptions to watch
  • No dashes OR colons at all (missed opportunity).
  • Too many dashes (sprinkled).