Exercise 1: Colons | Practice Test Online

Question 1:  What is the primary function of a colon in a sentence?

(A) To separate items in a list

(B) To end a sentence

(C) To join two independent clauses

(D) To indicate possession

Correct Answer: 1A

Question 2:  Which of the following sentences uses a colon correctly?

(A) Sarah bought: a dress shoes and a purse.

(B) The options are: red blue and green.

(C) The dog barked: at the passing car.

(D) John said he was: tired so he went to bed.

Correct Answer: 2B

Question 3:  In the sentence 'The recipe calls for: flour, sugar, and eggs,' what is the function of the colon?

(A) To introduce a dependent clause

(B) To separate two independent clauses

(C) To indicate possession

(D) To introduce a list

Correct Answer: 3D

Question 4:  Which of the following sentences does NOT require a colon?

(A) The teacher said: it's time for lunch.

(B) He had only one goal: to win the championship.

(C) There was one thing left to do: say goodbye.

(D) Please bring the following items: pen paper and ruler.

Correct Answer: 4A

Question 5:  What is the purpose of a colon in the sentence 'Remember: always be kind'?

(A) To introduce a list

(B) To separate independent clauses

(C) To emphasize the following statement

(D) To indicate possession

Correct Answer: 5C

Question 6:  Which of the following sentences uses a colon incorrectly?

(A) She needed three things: a pen paper and stamps.

(B) The recipe called for: flour sugar and eggs.

(C) His favorite colors were: red blue and green.

(D) I have one goal: to finish this project.

Correct Answer: 6B

Question 7:  In the sentence 'He faced a dilemma: to stay or to leave' what is the function of the colon?

(A) To introduce a dependent clause

(B) To separate two independent clauses

(C) To indicate possession

(D) To introduce a list

Correct Answer: 7B

Question 8:  Which of the following sentences uses a colon to introduce a list?

(A) His favorite hobbies are: swimming reading and hiking.

(B) She gave him only one command: go.

(C) The recipe called for: butter and sugar.

(D) He had one wish: to be happy.

Correct Answer: 8A

Question 9:  What is the purpose of a colon in the sentence 'The assignment requires: research, analysis, and writing'?

(A) To introduce a list

(B) To separate independent clauses

(C) To indicate possession

(D) To emphasize the following statement

Correct Answer: 9A

Question 10:  Which of the following sentences uses a colon incorrectly?

(A) The schedule includes: breakfast lunch and dinner.

(B) He had one dream: to travel the world.

(C) The instructions are clear: follow them closely.

(D) The problem was simple: to find a solution.

Correct Answer: 10D