When the long hand points to the 12 it is ‘ o’clock ‘. 

When the long hand points to the 6 it is ‘half past’.

Example 1 => A clock says 8 o’clock => the long hand points straight up and the short hand points to 8. This clock shows the time of 8 =>00, or 8 o’clock.

Example 2 => A clock says half past eight => the minute hand has travelled half-way around, and the hour hand has travelled half-way towards the next hour. This clock shows the time of 8 =>30, or half past 8.

Now try a few practice questions!