The committee reached a surprising conclusion _______ the project should be terminated immediately.

5
reading

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

A

conclusion,

B

conclusion;

C

conclusion:

D

conclusion—

Correct Answer: C

Choice C is the best answer. This question tests colon usage to introduce an explanation.

  1. Context clues: A complete sentence is followed by the actual conclusion.
  2. Meaning: A colon can follow a complete sentence to introduce what was mentioned.
  3. Verify: "The committee reached a surprising conclusion: the project should be terminated" correctly introduces the conclusion.

đź’ˇ Strategy: Use a colon after a complete sentence when what follows explains or defines it.

Choice A is incorrect because a comma creates a comma splice. Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon suggests parallel ideas. Choice D is incorrect because while possible, a colon is more appropriate for explanation.

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