Skill, strategy, and teamwork _______ these elements determine success in competitive sports.
10
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
teamwork:
B
teamwork,
C
teamwork;
D
teamwork—
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests dash usage before a summary.
- Context clues: A list is followed by a summary referring back to those items.
- Meaning: A dash can introduce a summary after a series.
- Verify: "Skill, strategy, and teamwork—these elements determine..." effectively summarizes.
💡 Strategy: Use a dash before a summary that refers back to a preceding list.
Choice A is incorrect because colons introduce what follows, not summarize what precedes. Choice B is incorrect because a comma doesn't provide sufficient separation. Choice C is incorrect because semicolons aren't for summaries.