The company has one primary goal _______ customer satisfaction.
5
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
goal,
B
goal;
C
goal—
D
goal:
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests colon usage before a single elaborating element.
- Context clues: A complete sentence identifies "one primary goal," which is then named.
- Meaning: A colon can introduce a single item that defines or elaborates on what precedes it.
- Verify: "The company has one primary goal: customer satisfaction" correctly introduces the goal.
💡 Strategy: A colon can introduce even a single item when it elaborates on or defines what comes before.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma doesn't properly set up the elaboration. Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon requires two independent clauses. Choice C is incorrect because while possible, a colon is more appropriate for defining the goal.