By the time the semester ends, students _______ over 500 pages of academic reading.

2
reading

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

A

complete

B

completed

C

will have completed

D

are completing

Correct Answer: C

Choice C is the best answer. This question tests future perfect tense.

  1. Context clues: "By the time... ends" indicates a completed action before a future point.
  2. Meaning: Future perfect describes an action completed before a future time.
  3. Verify: "By the time the semester ends, students will have completed" is correct.

💡 Strategy: Use future perfect (will have + past participle) for actions completed before a future time.

Choice A is incorrect because present tense doesn't match future context. Choice B is incorrect because past tense doesn't match future context. Choice D is incorrect because present progressive doesn't show completion.