Students who wish to participate in the exchange program must _______ their applications by March 15.

10
reading

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

A

submitting

B

submit

C

submitted

D

to submit

Correct Answer: B

Choice B is the best answer. This question tests verb form after modal verbs.

  1. Context clues: "Must" is a modal verb.
  2. Meaning: Modal verbs (must, can, should, will) are followed by the base form of the verb.
  3. Verify: "must submit" correctly uses the base form after the modal.

💡 Strategy: Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the verb (no -ing, -ed, or "to").

Choice A is incorrect because modals don't take -ing forms. Choice C is incorrect because modals don't take past tense. Choice D is incorrect because modals don't take infinitives with "to."