The Quote: The seven years’ difference in our ages lay between us like a chasm: I wondered if these years would ever operate between us as a bridge.
— James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues”

Analyze:
1. What function does the colon serve in this sentence?

2. How would the meaning and impact of the sentence change if the sentence read as follows:
The seven years’ difference in our ages lay between us like a chasm, and I wondered if these years would ever operate between us as a bridge.

Apply:
Write two independent clauses; join the two with a colon, giving emphasis to the independent clause which follows the colon. Use Baldwin’s sentence as a model.

Bicycle riding should be encouraged, and adding bicycle lanes will increase the number of riders. it is healthier for people to ride than to sit angrily in traffic. it is healthier for everyone to breathe cleaner air. sharing the road can be tricky, but there are things that can be done. so, add the bike lanes and get rolling! which sentence would improve this conclusion? every town should consider adding bicycle lanes, because it is a great idea. organizing safety classes for drivers and cyclists will ensure that everyone knows the rules. do not listen to negative people who complain about anything new. it is true that some people might get injured, but even walking can be dangerous.