The engineering team focused on design improvements _______ the marketing department prepared the launch campaign.
2
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
improvements, meanwhile,
B
improvements meanwhile,
C
improvements; meanwhile,
D
improvements: meanwhile,
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. This question tests punctuation with conjunctive adverbs.
- Context clues: Two independent clauses connected by "meanwhile."
- Meaning: Use semicolon before and comma after conjunctive adverbs joining independent clauses.
- Verify: "...focused on design improvements; meanwhile, the marketing department prepared..." is correct.
💡 Strategy: Conjunctive adverbs (meanwhile, however, therefore) between independent clauses: semicolon + adverb + comma.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma before "meanwhile" creates a comma splice. Choice B is incorrect because it lacks the semicolon. Choice D is incorrect because a colon doesn't precede conjunctive adverbs.