Sample taken from "Adopting the dim-sum strategy"

Example sentence using both semicolon and colon:

"They've clearly read those studies about children and second languages: Children lose their ability to learn a language fully and perfectly by age 4; more languages equates with higher intelligence."

In this sample, the colon is used to introduce. Specifically, the colon tells us that we will read the details of "those studies about children and second languages" after. The semicolon here separates the two related ideas that are found in the studies.

Here is my sentence using the same structure:

Students, clearly, need to learn more about punctuation to be successful writers: Most of them have had little practice; more chances to practice makes for a better result.

Note that Fiona Lam (and her editor, Moira Dann) have bent the rules somewhat. Normally, you are not advised to have a full clause following a colon. In this case (and for practice) I've imitated as best I can the orginal structure. Students, of course, need not select such a complex example!

The Semicolon: Rita, Frank, Wahzma, Jane

Put your examples here. Each student makes one comment before next Wednesday's class.

Parentheses: Qin, Najlaa, Suzie

Put your examples here. Each student makes one comment before next Wednesday's class.

The Colon: Zarmina, Linda, Molly, Sherry

Put your examples here. Each student makes one comment before next Wednesday's class.

The Dash: Taruna, Maryann, Maria, Snow

Put your examples here. Each student makes one comment before next Wednesday's class.

Resources on Using Quotation

You need help, clearly, with this complex skill. Practice does work, but it takes time. You will be required to quote from three different pieces of writing in next Wednesday's in-class essay. One way to prepare yourself is to examine your favourite pieces and look for good quotes to use to support various ideas. Think of conflicts and settings and characters when you do, even for the non-fiction pieces. Literary writing is reflected in good writing.

Academic Writing: A Guide (guide to integrating quotes on various topics, including simile and hyperbole, the guide includes a sample short story along with student examples with suggestions for improvement).

Five Rules for Using Quotations (a page and a half of just the essentials; includes how to use quotes when writing dialogue)

Don't forget to check out the "Punctuation Tree"