Elizabeth had one ___________ to visit every national park in the country before she turned thirty.

7
writing

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

A

ambition,

B

ambition:

C

ambition: wanting

D

ambition; wanting

Correct Answer: B

Choice B is the best answer. A colon is used to introduce the specific ambition ("to visit every national park...") that explains the noun "ambition."

Choice A is incorrect because a comma is too weak. Choice C is incorrect because "wanting" creates a redundant and grammatically weak phrase. Choice D is incorrect because a semicolon separates independent clauses.