The expedition _______ funded entirely by private donors _______ discovered three new species in the rainforest.
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readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
, funded entirely by private donors,
B
funded entirely by private donors
C
—funded entirely by private donors,
D
—funded entirely by private donors—
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests dash usage for parenthetical information.
- Context clues: The phrase adds emphasis to the funding source.
- Meaning: Dashes must be used in pairs for mid-sentence interruptions.
- Verify: "The expedition—funded entirely by private donors—discovered three new species" correctly brackets with emphasis.
💡 Strategy: Use matching dashes for emphatic parenthetical information.
Choice A is incorrect because commas work but provide less emphasis. Choice B is incorrect because punctuation is needed. Choice C is incorrect because dashes must be paired.