Grammar Question...may be a bit tricky

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>My question is concerning the use of capitalization after a colon. In two English tests that I have taken, the following two sentences have arisen:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Erdrich commented, "You just sort of grab the tail of the last person's story: it reminds you of something and you keep going on."</p></li>
<li><p>Crister believes that one way to prevent obesity lies within the power of each family: Each should set appropriate food guidelines for its children, including portion control and healthy choices. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>I don't understand why there is capitalization after the colon in the first sentence but not in the second. To me, it seems that the colon is separating two independent clauses in both cases. </p>

<p>Does anyone have any insight?</p>

2

<p>For colons, I didn’t think it was necessary to capitalize unless it’s quoting, the intro clause was brief, or if the following clause has more than one sentence.
I’m sure it’s arbitrary in this case.</p>

3

<p>It’s just a matter of style. Neither is universally regarded as correct or incorrect; norms differ from style guide to style guide. Read more here: [The</a> Colon](<a href=“http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/marks/colon.htm]The”>http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/marks/colon.htm)</p>