Patience, persistence, and passion _______ these qualities define the most successful entrepreneurs.
6
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
passion,
B
passion;
C
passion:
D
passion—
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests dash usage before a summarizing statement.
- Context clues: A list is followed by a summary referring back to those items.
- Meaning: A dash can introduce a summarizing statement after a list.
- Verify: "Patience, persistence, and passion—these qualities define..." effectively introduces the summary.
💡 Strategy: Use a dash before a summary that refers back to a preceding list.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma doesn't provide sufficient separation. Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon isn't used for summaries. Choice C is incorrect because colons typically introduce what follows, not summarize what precedes.