§ 32. Modern technologies in human life: the asyndetic compound sentence, sequence of actions
In an asyndetic compound sentence simple clauses are joined without a conjunction, by intonation and meaning. A comma (or semicolon) is used to list simultaneous or consecutive events: «Зазвонил будильник, засветился экран». A colon is used when the second part explains, gives the reason for or completes the first: «Телефон не включился: сел аккумулятор». A dash is used for contrast, quick change, condition or time, result and comparison: «Нажмёшь кнопку — загорится экран», «Вошёл в приложение — увидел сообщение». Before choosing the punctuation mark, decide what meaning the second part adds to the first.
“Which mark?”. The teacher holds up three mark cards; a pupil reads a sentence and the class picks the punctuation.