After decades of searching, scientists finally found what they were looking for _______ evidence of water on Mars.
2
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
for,
B
for;
C
for:
D
for—
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests dash usage for dramatic revelation.
- Context clues: The discovery is dramatically revealed after building suspense.
- Meaning: A dash creates dramatic effect when revealing important information.
- Verify: "...finally found what they were looking for—evidence of water on Mars" creates effective drama.
💡 Strategy: Use a dash for dramatic effect when revealing major discoveries or surprises.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma doesn't provide dramatic emphasis. Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon requires independent clauses. Choice C is incorrect because while a colon works, a dash is more dramatic.