TSI A2 Reading And Writing Practice Test

Punctuation after an introductory clause to introduce a direct quotation uses a colon to signal that the exact words follow. The colon shows a strong break that frames the quotation as the words spoken, giving them emphasis and clarity. For example: The director’s message was clear: "We will proceed with the project next week." Here the lead-in sets up the quote, and the colon marks that what follows is the speaker’s exact words. A comma is typically used when the introductory clause flows directly into the quote in a more integrated, informal way (for example, He said, "Let's go"), but the colon is the better choice when you want the quotation to stand out as a distinct block following a complete lead-in. Semicolon isn’t used to introduce quotations, and a dash is more about sudden emphasis or interruption than standard introduction.