Set 9: Boundaries
Explanation
PASSAGE
The recipe calls for flour, sugar, _______ a pinch of salt.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question tests your understanding of sentence boundaries and punctuation. In a list of four items, the Oxford/serial comma before 'and' is used here. The pattern is: item, item, item, and item. To determine the correct answer, examine where complete thoughts begin and end. Look for independent clauses that need proper separation. A period, semicolon, or appropriate conjunction can correctly join or separate these ideas. When analyzing sentence boundaries, pay attention to how ideas flow from one sentence to the next. Correct punctuation ensures clarity and prevents confusion for readers. Review the options carefully to identify which choice creates proper sentence structure.
Key Evidence:
• "list of items"
• "serial comma before final 'and'"
Why others are wrong: C (Colon is incorrect in a simple list.), B (Missing comma before 'and' (serial comma) to match the list pattern.), A (Semicolon is incorrect in a simple list.).
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