The employees _______ have completed the training program _______ are eligible for promotion this quarter.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
, who have completed the training program,
who have completed the training program
, that have completed the training program,
who have completed the training program,
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This question tests distinguishing restrictive from nonrestrictive clauses.
- Context clues: The clause identifies WHICH employees are eligible—it's essential.
- Meaning: Essential (restrictive) clauses are NOT set off by commas.
- Verify: "The employees who have completed the training program are eligible" limits which employees.
💡 Strategy: If removing the clause changes who we're talking about, it's restrictive and needs no commas.
Choice A is incorrect because commas would make the clause nonrestrictive. Choice C is incorrect because "that" is typically used for restrictive clauses (though "who" is preferred for people), but commas are wrong. Choice D is incorrect because one comma after the clause is grammatically inconsistent.