Mastering Dashes: Em Dashes and En Dashes
This Grade 8 ELA worksheet focuses on the correct usage of em dashes and en dashes in sentences, including their functions for emphasis, parenthetical statements, and ranges.
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Mastering Dashes: Em Dashes and En Dashes
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Read each question carefully and follow the instructions. This worksheet will test your knowledge of em dashes (—) and en dashes (–).
Fill in the blank with either 'em dash' or 'en dash' to correctly identify the punctuation mark's usage.
1. The punctuation mark used to indicate a range (e.g., 2010–2015) is called an .
2. The punctuation mark used to set off an abrupt change in thought or to add emphasis is called an .
3. In compound adjectives where both parts are equal (e.g., a New York–London flight), an is typically used.
4. Parenthetical statements can be set off with commas, parentheses, or for stronger emphasis.
Choose the sentence that uses the correct dash.
1. Which sentence correctly uses an em dash?
The meeting is scheduled for 9-10 AM.
She brought all the supplies—pencils, paper, and glue—for the project.
World War II (1939-1945) was a global conflict.
The bus route is from Chicago-Denver.
2. Which sentence correctly uses an en dash?
He finally arrived—after waiting for hours—exhausted but happy.
The student-teacher conference is tomorrow.
The train travels north-south.
My favorite colors—blue, green, and purple—are all cool tones.
Rewrite the following sentences, adding the correct em dashes or en dashes where appropriate. Explain your choice.
1. The period 1990 2000 saw significant technological advancements.
2. My best friend a true genius helped me with my math homework.
3. The New York London flight was delayed.
Read each statement and indicate whether it is true or false regarding dash usage.
1. An en dash is longer than an em dash.
True
False
2. Em dashes can be used to indicate a sudden break in thought.
True
False
Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) about your favorite hobby. Include at least one em dash and one en dash, using them correctly.
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