The expedition uncovered something remarkable _______ a perfectly preserved ancient city buried beneath the desert sands.
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readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
remarkable—a
B
remarkable, a
C
remarkable; a
D
remarkable a
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. This question tests dash usage for dramatic emphasis or elaboration.
- Context clues: The phrase after "remarkable" dramatically reveals what was uncovered.
- Meaning: A dash can introduce a dramatic or emphatic elaboration.
- Verify: "The expedition uncovered something remarkable—a perfectly preserved ancient city" creates effective dramatic tension.
💡 Strategy: Use a dash to create dramatic effect when revealing surprising or important information.
Choice B is incorrect because a comma doesn't provide the dramatic emphasis needed here. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon requires two independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because some punctuation is needed between "remarkable" and "a."