Set 9: Boundaries
Explanation
PASSAGE
I need to buy milk, bread, _______ before the store closes.
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, 'and' comes before the final item. The Oxford comma (before 'and') is optional; 'and eggs' is correct without the comma. 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"
• "conjunction before final item"
Why others are wrong: C (Semicolon is incorrect in a simple list.), A (Missing 'and' before final list item.), D (Also acceptable with Oxford comma, but A is clean and correct.).
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