The conference will address several critical topics _______ climate change mitigation, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable urban development.
3
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
topics:
B
topics,
C
topics;
D
topics—
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. This question tests colon usage before a list.
- Context clues: A complete sentence introduces a list of items.
- Meaning: Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list.
- Verify: "The conference will address several critical topics: climate change mitigation, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable urban development" correctly introduces the list.
💡 Strategy: A colon can introduce a list when preceded by a complete sentence.
Choice B is incorrect because a comma cannot properly introduce this formal list. Choice C is incorrect because semicolons don't introduce lists. Choice D is incorrect because while a dash could work informally, a colon is more appropriate for formal lists.