The artist sketched the outline _______ carefully filled in the details with vibrant colors.
6
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
outline, and
B
outline and
C
outline; and
D
outline, and then
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This question tests comma usage with compound predicates.
- Context clues: One subject ("artist") performs two actions—compound predicate.
- Meaning: Do NOT use a comma before "and" in a compound predicate.
- Verify: "The artist sketched the outline and carefully filled in the details" is a compound predicate.
đź’ˇ Strategy: No comma before "and" when the same subject has two verbs.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma separates compound predicates incorrectly. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon requires independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because with "and then," a comma still incorrectly separates compound predicates.