Best way to learn punctuation.

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Is there an easier way to learn how to use (properly) a semi-colon?

I don't about the best way to learn about semicolons, but the way i was taught was basically memorizing it's uses; introducing a list, creating a finishing pause less firmly than a full stop (not sure if you need to use a capital for the new sentence) and coming between two opposing statements to create balance or contrast. i think the best way to learn them, to be honest, is to try and use them whenever possible, though don't go overboard, apparently marks can be deducted that way.

Or, you can always look it up on a website if you're not sure.

I thought a semi-colon was used to separate two independent clauses, same as a comma and conjunction. An independent clause is a statement that could stand alone as a sentence.

I think you can use semicolons to seperate items in a list if one or more of the items requires a comma. This stops people thinking seperate parts of the same item are actually seperate items.

For example: Two onions, diced; three carrots, chopped; five peppers; one partridge, all pear tree remnants removed.

more:
http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2003/07/07
search "punctuation", or "period"

All the above suggestions are good. You can also use it in place of a comma + conjunction, e.g.:

"My car is economical, but it's not a very nice colour."

can become

"My car is economical; it's not a very nice colour though."

Contrast with a full stop in the place of the semicolon, which would change the timing and cadence of the speech so that it had a slightly different meaning.

Punching Asians is wrong. For that matter, punching anyone is wrong.

A semi-colon is an alternative to a period, so mrmark is correct, it separates two independent clauses.

They don't teach grammar like they used to .

A hallmark of my writing is a marked overuse of semi-colons.

Imagine it being a shorthand for "And the reason is", "To elaborate," or "Let me tell you more".

Examples:

He didn't stop at the shop (and the reason is) it was nearly tea time
He didn't stop at the shop; it was nearly tea time

It's a transmitter (let me tell you more) The consciousness is controlling every piece of plastic...
It's a transmitter; the consciousness is controlling every piece of plastic*

I talked to a wall (to elaborate) I was bored so I asked it what it thought about the world
I talked to a wall; I was bored so I asked it what it thought about the world


*From Doctor Who - 'Rose'