Dr. Maria Santos _______ head of the research department _______ will present the keynote address.
3
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
, head of the research department,
B
head of the research department
C
—head of the research department
D
, head of the research department—
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. This question tests comma usage with appositives.
- Context clues: "Head of the research department" is an appositive renaming Dr. Santos.
- Meaning: Nonessential appositives are set off by commas on both sides.
- Verify: "Dr. Maria Santos, head of the research department, will present..." correctly brackets the appositive.
💡 Strategy: Set off nonessential appositives with commas on both sides.
Choice B is incorrect because it lacks both commas. Choice C is incorrect because a single dash creates asymmetry. Choice D is incorrect because it mixes comma and dash inconsistently.