In the context of this essay, it would be "<span>4. Tan's mother does not speak standard English, but she is able to convey the ideas behind her words" that</span> best describes the meaning of this statement.
A semicolons NEVER should be used to try to create a "pause" longer than that achieved by a comma. If you can use a period correctly, then you can use a semicolon correctly. A semicolon is used just like a period, but it is used to separate two complete sentences when the sentences are closely related in meaning.
One reason is because u will be willing to learn in the comfort of ur own home and wont have to travel every morning