The team did not follow the conventional approach _______ they developed an entirely new methodology.
3
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
approach, instead,
B
approach; instead,
C
approach: instead,
D
approach—instead,
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This question tests punctuation with conjunctive adverbs.
- Context clues: Two independent clauses connected by "instead."
- Meaning: Use semicolon before and comma after a conjunctive adverb joining independent clauses.
- Verify: "...did not follow the conventional approach; instead, they developed..." is correctly punctuated.
💡 Strategy: When a conjunctive adverb (instead, however, therefore) joins independent clauses, use semicolon + adverb + comma.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma before "instead" creates a comma splice. Choice C is incorrect because a colon doesn't precede conjunctive adverbs. Choice D is incorrect because a dash doesn't pair with conjunctive adverbs this way.