The experiment produced unexpected results _______ the team decided to replicate the study with a larger sample size.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
results, therefore
results; therefore,
results: therefore,
results—therefore
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This question tests punctuation with conjunctive adverbs.
- Context clues: Two independent clauses are connected by "therefore."
- Meaning: Use semicolon before and comma after a conjunctive adverb joining independent clauses.
- Verify: "...produced unexpected results; therefore, the team decided..." is correctly punctuated.
đź’ˇ Strategy: When a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover) joins independent clauses, use semicolon + adverb + comma.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma before "therefore" creates a comma splice. Choice C is incorrect because a colon doesn't precede conjunctive adverbs this way. Choice D is incorrect because a dash doesn't pair with conjunctive adverbs and lacks the comma after.