The policy aims to reduce waste, _______, and lower energy consumption.

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

A

increase recycling

B

to increase recycling

C

recycling is increased

D

increasing recycling

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the best answer. This question tests parallel structure.

  1. Context clues: The series uses base infinitives: "(to) reduce..., lower..."
  2. Meaning: Items must maintain the same grammatical form.
  3. Verify: "(to) reduce, increase, and lower" maintains parallel structure.

💡 Strategy: Items in a series must be parallel in grammatical form.

Choice B is incorrect because "to increase" adds an unnecessary "to." Choice C is incorrect because it's a passive clause. Choice D is incorrect because it's a gerund/present participle.