The committee announced its decision _______ a complete restructuring of the department.
1
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
decision,
B
decision;
C
decision:
D
decision—
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests dash usage for dramatic revelation.
- Context clues: The decision's content is dramatically revealed.
- Meaning: A dash creates dramatic effect when revealing important information.
- Verify: "The committee announced its decision—a complete restructuring of the department" effectively reveals.
💡 Strategy: Use a dash for dramatic effect when revealing significant information.
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.