16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardDash closing an interruption before the verb

Standard English Conventions practice question

The three oldest trees in the park — two oaks and a ____ were planted the year the park opened.

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

  1. A. yew —Correct
  2. B. yew,
  3. C. yew;
  4. D. yew

Answer: A. yew —

The interruption opened with a dash must close with a dash.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. yew,
A comma can't close what a dash opened.
C. yew;
A semicolon can't close an interruption.
D. yew
With no closing mark, the interruption swallows the verb.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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