English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Use dashes
Use dashes
What you'll learn
- Identify at least three different ways dashes can be used in sentences, such as to show an abrupt break, an afterthought, or to set off parenthetical information.
- Apply the correct use of dashes in five out of six original sentences, demonstrating the ability to use dashes for emphasis, interruption, or explanation.
- Analyze five provided sentences and explain whether the dash is used correctly or incorrectly, justifying your answer with a specific rule of dash usage.
- Revise three sentences that incorrectly use commas or other punctuation, replacing them with dashes to improve clarity and meaning.
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the two main types of dashes: em dashes and en dashes.
Differentiate between the function and appearance of an em dash and an en dash.
Use em dashes to set off parenthetical information for emphasis in their writing.
Apply em dashes to indicate a sudden break in thought or a dramatic pause in narrative.
Correctly use en dashes to connect numbers or words in a range.
Revise sentences to incorporate dashes effectively, enhancing clarity and style.
Ever wonder how to add a dramatic pause, a sudden thought, or an important detail to your writing with just a tiny line? 🤔 Dashes are your secret weapon!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to use em dashes and en dashes to add clarity, emphasis, and style to your sentences. Mastering dashes will make...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
DashA punctuation mark that is longer than a hyphen and is used to indicate a pause, an interruption, or to set off information.The answer—if there was one—remained a mystery.
Em Dash (—)The longest type of dash, approximately the width of the letter 'M'. It is used to indicate a sudden break in thought, to set off parenthetical information for emphasis, or to emphasize a point.My favorite part of the book—the surprise ending—made me gasp.
En Dash (–)A shorter dash, approximately the width of the letter 'N'. It is primarily used to connect numbers or words that show a range or a close relationship.The school year runs from September–June.
Parenthetical InformationExtra information that clarifies or adds to a sentence but isn't essential for i...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Em Dashes for Parenthetical Information
Use a pair of em dashes (—) to set off information that interrupts the flow of a sentence, similar to parentheses or commas, but with more emphasis.
This rule helps you highlight additional details, explanations, or examples within a sentence. The information between the dashes should be able to be removed without making the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Em Dashes for Sudden Breaks or Emphasis
Use a single em dash (—) to indicate a sudden break in thought, a dramatic pause, or to emphasize a concluding phrase or explanation.
This rule is powerful for narrative writing, allowing you to create suspense, show a character's interruption, or draw the reader's attention to a significant statement at the end of a sentence.
E...
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Challenging
To create the most suspenseful narrative effect, where is the best place to insert a single em dash in this sentence? 'The door creaked open revealing a tall, shadowy figure.'
A.The door creaked open—revealing a tall, shadowy figure.
B.The door—creaked open revealing a tall, shadowy figure.
C.The door creaked open revealing a tall—shadowy figure.
D.The door creaked open revealing a—tall, shadowy figure.
Challenging
Critique the following passage: 'My favorite subjects-math and science-are in the morning. The classes for 2023-2024 are challenging—but I think I can handle it.' What is the most accurate critique of the dash usage?
A.The passage is perfect; all dashes are used correctly.
B.The em dash at the end is used correctly, but the en dashes for the school year are wrong.
C.The first sentence incorrectly uses hyphens instead of em dashes, and the second sentence incorrectly uses a hyphen instead of an en dash for the year range.
D.The first sentence correctly uses hyphens, but the second sentence uses an em dash where a comma is needed.
Challenging
Read the short passage: 'He crept toward the ancient chest, convinced it held treasure. He lifted the heavy lid, his hands trembling with anticipation. Inside, he saw piles of gold and jewels. It was all a dream.' Where could a single em dash be inserted to create the most shocking and sudden shift in thought?
A.He crept toward the ancient chest—convinced it held treasure.
B.Inside, he saw piles of gold—and jewels.
C.Inside, he saw piles of gold and jewels—it was all a dream.
D.He lifted the heavy lid—his hands trembling with anticipation.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Use dashes"?
Use dashes is a Grade 7 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Use dashes?
You'll be able to: Identify at least three different ways dashes can be used in sentences, such as to show an abrupt break, an afterthought, or to set off parenthetical information; Apply the correct use of dashes in five out of six original….
Is "Use dashes" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Use dashes?
This lesson includes 47 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.