• Semicolon to separate elements in a series in which one element in the series is already separated by commas

• Semicolon in a compound sentence with no conjunction

• Semicolon before a conjunctive adverb

• Colon to introduce a list within a sentence, Bible chapter and verse, time format, greeting in a business letter

ESL Ideas          (B=Beginning; I=Intermediate; T=Transitional)
(B) Students highlight colons and semicolons in a newspaper article or other written material. 
(B, I) Students use word cards to create sentences and correct punctuation.
(I, T) Students keep a writing log for which the teacher provides sentences that are incorrect which students then correct independently or with peers. See also Punctuation Rules and Practice for rules and exercises

Using Colons and Semicolons
(I, T) Activity is an online self-checking quiz that explains rules for using colons ad semicolons including example sentences

Every Punctuation Mark Matters: A Mini-Lesson on Semicolons
(T) The student will explore use of semicolon in their own and others' texts, review rhetorical use and significance of semicolon, and revise their own writing

Comma vs. Semicolon in Compound Sentences: Exercise
(I, T) Activity is an online self-checking quiz that provides sentences student puts either a comma or a semicolon

Writer's Handbook
(I, T) Differences between the colon and the dash are explained including example sentences

Guide to Basic English Punctuation Rules
(B, I, T) Guide provides instruction on the basic rules of using a period, comma, colon, semicolon, question mark and exclamation point followed by an explanation and example sentences

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