The new legislation _______ passed by a slim margin in Congress _______ will take effect next year.
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readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
, passed by a slim margin in Congress,
B
passed by a slim margin in Congress
C
—passed by a slim margin in Congress,
D
—passed by a slim margin in Congress—
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests dash usage for parenthetical information.
- Context clues: The phrase provides additional information about how it passed.
- Meaning: Dashes must be used in pairs for mid-sentence interruptions.
- Verify: "The new legislation—passed by a slim margin in Congress—will take effect..." correctly brackets.
💡 Strategy: Use matching dashes for parenthetical information.
Choice A is incorrect because commas work but provide less emphasis. Choice B is incorrect because punctuation is needed. Choice C is incorrect because dashes must be paired.