The conference featured Dr. Lee, specializing in neurology _______ Professor Martinez, an expert in genetics _______ and Dr. Johnson, renowned for cancer research.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
, specializing in neurology; Professor Martinez, an expert in genetics;
, specializing in neurology, Professor Martinez, an expert in genetics,
; specializing in neurology, Professor Martinez; an expert in genetics,
, specializing in neurology Professor Martinez, an expert in genetics
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. This question tests semicolon usage in a complex series.
- Context clues: List items contain internal commas (names with specialties).
- Meaning: Use semicolons between items when those items contain commas.
- Verify: "Dr. Lee, specializing in neurology; Professor Martinez, an expert in genetics; and Dr. Johnson..." correctly separates complex items.
💡 Strategy: When list items have internal commas, use semicolons as "super commas" to separate them.
Choice B is incorrect because only commas creates confusion. Choice C is incorrect because the semicolons are placed incorrectly. Choice D is incorrect because it lacks proper separating punctuation.