The expedition required careful planning _______ extensive training _______ and substantial funding.

9
reading

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

A

, extensive training,

B

extensive training

C

; extensive training;

D

: extensive training:

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the best answer. This question tests comma usage in a simple series.

  1. Context clues: Three items (planning, training, funding) in a list.
  2. Meaning: Use commas to separate items in a series.
  3. Verify: "...careful planning, extensive training, and substantial funding" correctly lists three items.

💡 Strategy: Separate items in a series with commas. The Oxford comma before "and" is standard.

Choice B is incorrect because it lacks commas. Choice C is incorrect because semicolons are for complex series. Choice D is incorrect because colons don't separate list items.