The northern regions experienced severe drought conditions _______ the southern regions received record rainfall.
2
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
conditions, the
B
conditions: the
C
conditions; the
D
conditions—the
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. This question tests semicolon usage for contrasting independent clauses.
- Context clues: Two independent clauses present contrasting situations (drought vs. rainfall).
- Meaning: A semicolon can join contrasting independent clauses without a conjunction.
- Verify: "...experienced severe drought conditions; the southern regions received record rainfall" shows clear contrast.
đź’ˇ Strategy: Use a semicolon to join closely related contrasting independent clauses.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma creates a comma splice. Choice B is incorrect because a colon implies explanation, not contrast. Choice D is incorrect because a dash suggests dramatic interruption rather than balanced contrast.