_______ collaboration on the project resulted in groundbreaking innovations.
6
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
Johnson and Smith's
B
Johnson's and Smith's
C
Johnson and Smith
D
Johnson's and Smith
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. This question tests apostrophe usage for joint possession.
- Context clues: Johnson and Smith worked together on ONE collaboration (joint ownership).
- Meaning: For joint possession, add 's only to the last name.
- Verify: "Johnson and Smith's collaboration" shows they share ownership of the collaboration.
💡 Strategy: For joint possession (shared ownership), add 's only to the last name. For separate ownership, add 's to each name.
Choice B is incorrect because "Johnson's and Smith's" indicates separate possessions. Choice C is incorrect because it lacks any possessive marker. Choice D is incorrect because the pattern is inconsistent.