The proposal _______ the committee discussed yesterday requires additional funding.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
that the committee discussed yesterday
, that the committee discussed yesterday,
, which the committee discussed yesterday,
which the committee discussed yesterday
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. This question tests "that" for essential (restrictive) clauses.
- Context clues: The clause identifies WHICH proposal—essential information.
- Meaning: Use "that" without commas for essential clauses.
- Verify: "The proposal that the committee discussed yesterday requires..." specifies which proposal.
💡 Strategy: Use "that" without commas when the clause is essential to identifying the noun.
Choice B is incorrect because "that" shouldn't have commas for restrictive clauses. Choice C is incorrect because "which" with commas makes the clause nonessential, changing the meaning. Choice D is incorrect because "which" alone is less preferred for restrictive clauses.