16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumColon introducing a list of parts

Standard English Conventions practice question

The snorkelling kit has three parts ____ a mask, a snorkel and a pair of fins.

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

  1. A. :Correct
  2. B. ;
  3. C. ,
  4. D. and

Answer: A. :

'The snorkelling kit has three parts' is a complete clause that announces the list; a colon introduces it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. ;
A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side; a list of parts isn't one.
C. ,
A comma is too weak to introduce a list announced this way.
D. and
'three parts and a mask, a snorkel and a pair of fins' makes the list a fourth, fifth and sixth part.

More Standard English Conventions questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.