Rainbows on Venus are not the colorful arcs seen on ___________ the thick atmosphere filters out visible light.

8
writing

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

A

Earth,

B

Earth; because

C

Earth;

D

Earth: because

Correct Answer: C

Choice C is the best answer. A semicolon separates the two independent clauses ("Rainbows... are not..." and "the thick atmosphere filters...").

Choice A is incorrect because it creates a comma splice. Choice B is incorrect because "because" makes the second clause dependent, so a semicolon cannot be used. Choice D is incorrect because "because" makes the second clause dependent.