Check a colon’s introduction

Supplied materials

• Paper and pencil, or a browser text area. All named people/events/records are fictional learning inputs.
• Worked case: Excerpt A: We practice reading, listening and speaking. Excerpt B: The model is ready; the labels need checking. Excerpt C: We need three items: paper, pens and tape. Excerpt D: The model, a paper prototype, is ready; analyze a paper prototype.
• Primary check: Excerpt A: We plan to read, to listen and to speak. Excerpt B: The model is ready, and the labels need checking. Excerpt C: Jo waited for one reason: the room was locked. Excerpt D: The model with the torn hinge is here; analyze with the torn hinge.

Learn the idea

A colon can follow a complete clause to introduce a list or explanation. In these conventional constructions it should not interrupt a verb-object or preposition-object relationship.

Test whether the words before the colon can stand as a complete clause. Then identify what follows.

Original worked input: Original excerpt C: We need three items: paper, pens and tape. The task is to check a colon’s introduction. The answer is “complete clause introducing a list”. Evidence: We need three items: paper, pens and tape. Reasoning: complete clause introducing a list is supported because a complete clause precedes and introduces the list. We need: paper is not the same construction.

1. Read the supplied worked case and identify the part named in this lesson. An adult can model unfamiliar words.
2. Test whether the words before the colon can stand as a complete clause. Then identify what follows.
3. Check the worked solution: complete clause introducing a list. Evidence: We need three items: paper, pens and tape. Reasoning: complete clause introducing a list is supported because a complete clause precedes and introduces the list. We need: paper is not the same construction.
4. Use the new primary and practice cases. Give a reason from the actual words before checking the feedback.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

Changed-input task: Original excerpt C: Jo recorded: the date and count; the colon splits recorded from its object. Give an evidence-based answer before looking at the model. Expected reasoning: Evidence: Jo recorded: the date and count; the colon splits recorded from its object. Reasoning: incorrect colon splitting a verb from its object is supported because the colon wrongly separates need or recorded from its direct object. We need: paper is not the same construction. Then write a brief alternative sentence, paragraph, source note or scene that demonstrates the same operation; label new fictional details and preserve source limits.

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