Mount Everest _______ is the highest mountain in the world at 29,032 feet _______ attracts thousands of climbers each year.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
which is the highest mountain in the world at 29,032 feet
, which is the highest mountain in the world at 29,032 feet,
—which is the highest mountain in the world at 29,032 feet
, which is the highest mountain in the world at 29,032 feet—
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This question tests comma usage with nonessential clauses.
- Context clues: There's only one Mount Everest, so the clause is nonessential (adds extra info).
- Meaning: Nonessential clauses with "which" are set off by commas on both sides.
- Verify: "Mount Everest, which is the highest mountain... at 29,032 feet, attracts..." correctly adds nonessential information.
💡 Strategy: Unique proper nouns take ", which" clauses (nonessential) with commas on both sides.
Choice A is incorrect because it lacks commas. Choice C is incorrect because a single dash creates asymmetry. Choice D is incorrect because it mixes comma and dash incorrectly.