The coach encouraged the players to train harder, to focus on teamwork, and _______.
10
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
their attitude should be positive
B
maintaining a positive attitude
C
a positive attitude
D
to maintain a positive attitude
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests parallel structure with infinitives.
- Context clues: The series uses infinitive phrases: "to train..., to focus..."
- Meaning: Items in a series must maintain the same grammatical form.
- Verify: "to train..., to focus..., and to maintain" maintains parallel infinitive structure.
💡 Strategy: When a series uses infinitives, all items should be infinitives.
Choice A is incorrect because it's a clause with different structure. Choice B is incorrect because it's a gerund phrase, not an infinitive. Choice C is incorrect because it's a noun phrase, not an infinitive.