What do you see? She took everything in

then, and I with her: the house with the sloping roof, the evergreens leaning over it, the dark shadow that was the woodpile on the front porch.

-Patricia Reilly Giff, Pictures of Hollis Woods

The morning the Reeds’ baby died was June 5: a day shimmering with light, the smell of lilacs hanging sweetly in the willow tree behind the house where Alyssa was hiding.

-Susan Shreve, Blister

Colon :

Purposes:• Announces a surprise or a list• Acts like a drum roll for something to

follow

Tips: Capitalize the first word after a colon only if it’s a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence.

How easy it was to disappear: A thousand trains a day entered or left Chicago.

-Erik Larson, “The Devil in the White City”

Every ten minutes by the small clock built into the dashboard he tried to radio with a simple message: “I need help. Is there anybody listening to me?”

-Gary Paulsen, “Hatchet”

Finish these sentences using a colon.

Sentence Starters

1. So many things ruined my thirteenth birthday:

2. Today is a new day:

Possible Answers.

1. So many things ruined my thirteenth birthday: I asked for a present that I didn’t get, I couldn’t finish my math homework, and my best friend did not attend my birthday party.

2. Today is a new day: Nothing is going to ruin my day.

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1.She had three personality flaws pride, selfishness, and a temper.2.The singers in the concert will be you, Pam, and Becky. Be ready to go, this show could get us a record deal.

3.A tent, three sleeping bags, and a gas lantern how could you go camping without them and survive?

Answers:

1. She had three personality flaws: pride, selfishness, and a temper.

2. The singers in the concert will be you, Pam, and Becky: Be ready to go, this show could get us a record deal.

3. A tent, three sleeping bags, and a gas lantern: How could you go camping without them and survive?