Innovation, dedication, and resilience _______ these were the qualities that defined her career.
10
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
resilience: these
B
resilience, these
C
resilience; these
D
resilience—these
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 that refers back to those items.
- Meaning: A dash can introduce a summary after a series.
- Verify: "Innovation, dedication, and resilience—these were the qualities" effectively summarizes.
💡 Strategy: Use a dash before a summarizing statement that refers back to a preceding list.
Choice A is incorrect because a colon typically introduces what follows, not summarizes what precedes. Choice B is incorrect because a comma doesn't provide sufficient separation. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon isn't used for summaries.