Question

Read the sentence and answer the question. In the early years of the space program, astronauts studied three complex subjects rocket engines, flight mechanics, and computer theory. Which correctly shows where a colon is needed in the sentence? A. In the early years of: the space program, astronauts studied three complex subjects rocket engines, flight mechanics, and computer theory. B. In the early years of the space program, astronauts studied three complex subjects: rocket engines, flight mechanics, and computer theory. C. In the early years of the space program, astronauts studied: three complex subjects rocket engines, flight mechanics, and computer theory. D. In the early years of the space program: Astronauts studied three complex subjects rocket engines, flight mechanics, and computer theory.

Answer 1

I think the answer is B because when I took this test, it said B was right.

Answer 2

The correct sentence is sentence B, "In the early years of the space program, astronauts studied three complex subjects: rocket engines, flight mechanics, and computer theory.

A colon is often used before a list. However, it is important to remember that the part of the sentence before a colon needs to be a complete sentence. We could just say, "In the early years of the space program, astronauts studied three complex subjects," is a complete sentence that could stand alone.