Match up the definitions to the punctuation mark – which is the odd one out?

  • :
  • ;
  • -
  • (
  • Used to introduce lists and in plays to introduce speech
  • Not used often but can separate parts of a list
  • Used to add extra information
  • Used to include extra information

Read the following text to help you come to your decision

Lima, Peru

The capital of Peru – Lima – is the fourth biggest city in theAmericas. Only the following cities (in North and South America) are larger:

  • Sao Paolo (in Brazil);
  • Mexico City (in Mexico!);
  • New York City (in USA).

It is also – after Cairo in Egypt – the second largest city located in a desert.


Which of these punctuation marks can be used in texting? What emotions can they show?

Complete the following extract of text and insert the correct punctuation marks using your keyboard.

Horses often seen as one of the most intelligent mammals are stranger than they seem. They have

  • Two blind spots they can’t see directly in front of them or directly behind
  • The largest eyes of any land mammal
  • Teeth that are larger than their brain
  • A better memory than elephants.

They also have like owls and snakes binocular vision. This means the view from each eye is different this is useful for judging space more sharply.

Horses - often seen as one of the most intelligent mammals - are stranger than they seem. They have:

  • Two blind spots - they can’t see directly in front of them or directly behind;
  • The largest eyes of any land mammal;
  • Teeth that are larger than their brain;
  • A better memory than elephants.

They also have (like owls and snakes) binocular vision. This means the view from each eye is different - this is useful for judging space more sharply.


Write a brief information sheet on a topic of your choice – try to use all these punctuation marks