1. The Semicolon Marking code = P

2. Semicolon = ; The main way to use a semi-colon is to connect two closely-related independent clauses together. This means that both sentences either side of the semicolon can stand alone and make complete sense without the other.  For example: The Nazi pulled out his gun; he couldn’t wait to exterminate the enemy.  You could use a full stop here, like: The Nazi pulled out his gun. He couldn’t wait to exterminate the enemy.  However, by using the semicolon, you are making your writing more sophisticated and showing off another skill.

3. 1. The girl hid below the floorboards, holding her breath. The man was just above her now and could catch her at any moment. 2. The soldiers marched into battle. A few metres ahead, a bird circled. 3. The sound of machine-gun fire rattled on and Stephen clutched the photo of his wife close to his chest, hoping she would bring him luck. 4. The muddy, rat-infested trenches were a sight to behold. Martin had no idea what he was in for on that fateful day. 5. As the sun rose, Freida finally came out of hiding, but she couldn’t find a trace of her family anywhere. Task – Add in the semicolons (there will be some trick ones!). Remind yourself of the rule – to link two closely-related independent clauses. Tip: You might need to take out some conjunctions (and, but, if etc) and replace them with a semicolon.

4. Task – The Answers 1. The girl hid below the floorboards, holding her breath; the man was just above her now and could catch her at any moment. 2. The soldiers marched into battle. A few metres ahead, a bird circled. 3. The sound of machine-gun fire rattled on; Stephen clutched the photo of his wife close to his chest, hoping she would bring him luck. 4. The muddy, rat-infested trenches were a sight to behold; Martin had no idea what he was in for on that fateful day. 5. As the sun rose, Freida finally came out of hiding; she couldn’t find a trace of her family anywhere.

5. Rewrite the following passages using semicolons where you think it is appropriate. You may have to move around sentences/add or remove words in places. Discuss and share your ideas with a partner – see if you agree with how they have used semicolons.