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

Question

The course teaches students to read critically, to write clearly and ____.

Accepted Answer

A. to argue persuasively. The first two items are infinitives — 'to read', 'to write' — so the third must match: 'to argue'.

Answer

B. arguing persuasively — 'arguing' is an -ing form, which breaks the pattern of infinitives.

Answer

C. persuasive arguing — 'persuasive arguing' is a noun phrase, not an infinitive.

Answer

D. they argue persuasively — 'they argue persuasively' is a whole clause dropped into a list of infinitive phrases.

Standard English Conventions practice question