Every major city in the country _______ from New York to Los Angeles _______ experienced record-breaking temperatures this summer.
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readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
, from New York to Los Angeles,
B
from New York to Los Angeles
C
—from New York to Los Angeles,
D
—from New York to Los Angeles—
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests dash usage for emphatic parenthetical information.
- Context clues: The phrase adds emphasis to show the geographic range.
- Meaning: Dashes must be used in pairs when setting off emphatic interruptions.
- Verify: "Every major city in the country—from New York to Los Angeles—experienced..." adds emphasis correctly.
💡 Strategy: Use matching dashes to set off parenthetical information you want to emphasize.
Choice A is incorrect because commas don't provide the same emphasis. Choice B is incorrect because some punctuation is needed. Choice C is incorrect because dashes must be paired.