The research team published _______ findings in a peer-reviewed journal.
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readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
its
B
their
C
his
D
our
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. This question tests pronoun-antecedent agreement with collective nouns.
- Context clues: "Team" is a collective noun acting as a single unit.
- Meaning: When a collective noun acts as one entity, use a singular pronoun.
- Verify: "The research team published its findings" treats the team as a unit.
💡 Strategy: Collective nouns take singular pronouns when the group acts as a single unit.
Choice B is incorrect because "their" is plural (though increasingly accepted). Choice C is incorrect because "his" refers only to males. Choice D is incorrect because "our" shifts to first person.