The curriculum covers calculus _______ statistics _______ and linear algebra in the first year.

9
reading

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A

, statistics,

B

statistics

C

; statistics;

D

: statistics:

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the best answer. This question tests comma usage in a simple series.

  1. Context clues: Three items (calculus, statistics, linear algebra) in a list.
  2. Meaning: Use commas to separate items in a series, including before "and."
  3. Verify: "The curriculum covers calculus, statistics, and linear algebra" correctly lists three items.

💡 Strategy: Separate items in a series with commas. The Oxford comma before "and" is standard.

Choice B is incorrect because it lacks commas. Choice C is incorrect because semicolons are for complex series. Choice D is incorrect because colons don't separate list items.