NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What do colons signify in a sentence?

1. An upcoming explanation or list

2. A pause in thought

3. A question being asked

4. End of a statement

The correct answer is: An upcoming explanation or list

Colons are primarily used in writing to indicate that additional information will follow. This typically includes an explanation, elaboration, or a list that is directly related to what precedes the colon. By using a colon, a writer directs the reader's attention to this forthcoming information, signaling that it is significant and worth noting. For instance, one might say, “She has three favorite hobbies: painting, hiking, and gardening.” Here, the colon prepares the reader for the list that details her hobbies. The other answer choices do not capture the primary function of a colon. While a pause in thought could imply a relationship to other punctuation marks like commas or semicolons, there is no formalized role for it as a colon usage. Additionally, colons do not indicate a question; that's the function of question marks. Lastly, a colon does not denote the end of a statement; rather, it functions to extend the thought introduced before it. Thus, the usage of a colon is specifically to signal what’s coming next, making the selection of this answer accurate.