The curriculum in the physics department is generally structured around three core ___________
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
pillars: mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics.
pillars: mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics
pillars mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics.
pillars; mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics.
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. A colon is used to introduce a list (mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics) following an independent clause.
Choice A is incorrect because the period ends the sentence prematurely. Choice C is incorrect because punctuation is required to separate the clause from the list. Choice D is incorrect because a semicolon separates independent clauses, not a clause and a list.