The new policy _______ scheduled to take effect next month _______ has faced significant opposition.
4
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
, scheduled to take effect next month,
B
scheduled to take effect next month
C
—scheduled to take effect next month,
D
—scheduled to take effect next month—
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests dash usage for parenthetical information.
- Context clues: A phrase interrupts to provide timing information.
- Meaning: Dashes must be used in pairs for mid-sentence interruptions.
- Verify: "The new policy—scheduled to take effect next month—has faced..." correctly brackets the aside.
💡 Strategy: Use matching dashes for emphatic parenthetical information.
Choice A is incorrect because while commas work, this tests dash usage. Choice B is incorrect because some punctuation is needed. Choice C is incorrect because dashes must be paired.