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Question

Difficulty: MediumColons, Semicolons, and Dashes

In the early twentieth century, Swedish meteorologist Vilhelm Bjerknes proposed a revolutionary method ______ that shifted meteorology from a descriptive, observational science to a rigorous, predictive discipline. Bjerknes argued that because the atmosphere obeys the laws of classical physics, its future states could be calculated using thermodynamic and hydrodynamic equations.

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

  1. —numerical weather prediction—Answer
  2. B
    ,numerical weather prediction—
  3. C
    —numerical weather prediction,
  4. D
    ;numerical weather prediction;

Answer

—numerical weather prediction—
The correct choice uses a pair of em-dashes to set off the nonessential explanatory phrase 'numerical weather prediction'. In English grammar, nonessential elements that provide additional information can be enclosed by a matching pair of em-dashes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical role of the phrase 'numerical weather prediction' within the sentence.
The phrase is an appositive that provides explanatory details about the 'revolutionary method'. Removing this phrase leaves the rest of the sentence grammatically complete and coherent.
This establishes that the phrase is a nonessential element.
2
Apply the punctuation rules for setting off nonessential elements.
Nonessential elements must be set off from the rest of the sentence using matching punctuation marks, such as a pair of commas or a pair of em-dashes.
Using asymmetrical punctuation (like a comma and a dash) or incorrect punctuation (like semicolons) violates standard English conventions.
3
Select the option that uses a matching pair of punctuation marks to enclose the nonessential phrase.
The option with a pair of em-dashes correctly sets off the phrase.
This conforms to standard conventions.

Key Concept

Punctuation of Nonessential Elements
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Colons, Semicolons, and Dashes

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