Literacy Focus Colons A colon consists of two dots, one above the other : Marking code: P for punctuation.

The uses of a colon: To introduce an idea or explanation. To introduce a list. To introduce quotations. Do not use a capital letter for the word that comes after a colon, unless it is a proper noun (name, place, thing or title). The clause (part of the sentence) that comes before the colon should always be able to make sense on its own.

A colon can be used to introduce an explanation, list or quote: I’ll tell you what I’m going to do: I’m going to quit. I play the following sports: hockey, badminton and tennis. In Scene 5, Romeo states: “Juliet, I love you.”

Add in the colon Mr Daly had a clear set of demands a giant super-computer, a brand new Ferrari and sack of gold coins. Mr Scarborough’s intentions were clear no one would be going anywhere. Mr Baker demanded ‘Why are you here?’ Sir Alex Ferguson announced his best squad Rooney, Berbatov, Jukes, Baker, Scarborough and Daly. Miss Jukes’ words were powerful the message unforgettable.

Check your answers Mr Daly had a clear set of demands: a giant super-computer, a brand new Ferrari and sack of gold coins. Mr Scarborough’s intentions were clear: no one would be going anywhere. Mr Baker demanded: ‘Why are you here?’ Sir Alex Ferguson announced his best squad: Rooney, Berbatov, Jukes, Baker, Scarborough and Daly. Miss Jukes’ words were powerful: the message unforgettable.

Task In pairs, create a paragraph with missing colons (at least one of each of the three uses). Swap with another pair around the room who will add them in. Swap again to mark and check whether they have been added in correctly.