LEO topic

My topic is Semicolons and colons. I think this topic looks small, but it shows the detail in a paper. Readers can through semicolon and colons know what this author grammar level is. That is why I choose this topic; it is small but cannot be ignored.

There are some rules about semicolon and colon

Using a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a transitional expression.

Example: The five nations respects the abilities of all its people; therefore, both women and men participate in making tribal decisions.

Use a semicolon between closely related independent clauses.

Example: Toni Morrison uses parabolic storytelling in her writing; she seldom writes in a linear mode.

Use a semicolon between items in a series containing internal punctuation.

Example: In Walden, Henry David Thoreau encourages individuals to find their own way of life rather than conforming to the ideas of others; to seek the truth and beauty of life in nature; and to learn about themselves and the world by experiencing life instead of just studying it.

Use a colon to signal the reader that a series of words, phrases, or clauses follows a complete sentence.

Example: The baseball coach claimed that the team's success stemmed from four things: consistent hitting, solid pitching, good fielding, and excellent teamwork.

Use a colon between independent clauses if the second summarizes or explains the first.

Example: Religion and politics can be sensitive subjects: many people hold opinionated views and are easily offended by other peoples' remarks.

Use a colon to separate titles and subtitles, to express time, to cite a law or biblical passage, to end a salutation, to separate the place of publication and the publisher in a bibliographic entry.

Example: Richard Nixon: The Tarnished President

4:00 p.m.

         Dear Rachel:

         West, Gerald. How to Write Best Sellers. New York: Henry James Publishing, 1973.

         The point of final game was 104:97

In conclusion, when we read these rules, we can have more clearly about how to use semicolon and colon. Teacher find two same level papers and do not how to decide which is better. I think teacher will through details like punctuation to make a decision. If we want to make our paper perfect, we should avoid any mistakes even punctuation. Details determinate success or failure.
Reference:http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/punct/semicolon.html
                http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/punct/colon.html