Although she faced many obstacles in her research, Dr. Franklin is widely recognized for one major ___________ discovering the double-helix structure of DNA.

4
writing

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

A

achievement:

B

achievement,

C

achievement;

D

achievement

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the best answer. A colon is used to introduce the specific example (discovering the double-helix...) that defines the "major achievement."

Choice B is incorrect because a comma is too weak. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon separates independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because punctuation is needed to separate the noun from its appositive definition.