ESL Writing Lessons: Semi-colons (punctuation lesson)

This ESL writing exercise introduces students to the proper usage of semi-colons and gives them a chance to practice writing sentences with appropriate semi-colon usage.

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Punctuation: Semi-colons (;)

Semi-colons (;) are similar to commas, but you don’t need a conjunction (and / but / so) with a semi-colon.

You can use semi-colons (;) to connect two complete sentences that are related. You use a semi-colon when the second sentence gives more information about the first sentence.

Examples:

• • · I was tired yesterday; I wasn’t able to finish my work.
  • · My boss was a wise woman; she taught me a lot of useful skills.
  • · Smoking is bad for you; it can damage your lungs.

In these examples, the second part of the sentence (after the semi-colon) helps explain, clarify, and give more information about the first part of the sentence.

Use a semi-colon to add more information about the sentences below and answer the questions in parentheses. The first one is done for you. (See page 76 for sample answers.)

1. Tropical islands are great places to live. (Why? What do you mean?)

Tropical islands are great places to live; they have nice beaches, and the weather is great all year.

2. Australia is one of the most interesting places on Earth. (Why? Give 1 or 2 examples.)

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3. My grandmother rarely goes to bed early. (Why? What does she like to do at night?)

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4. The campers ran out of food. (So what did they do? What happened?)

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5. I am going to move back home with my parents. (Why? What are you going to do there?)

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