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Question

Difficulty: EasyPlural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

In an influential 2018 study, marine biologist Callum Roberts argued that establishing large marine reserves is essential for restoring depleted fish populations and promoting marine biodiversity. The ________ advocacy for ocean conservation has since inspired numerous community-led initiatives to protect vulnerable coral reefs and ensure the long-term ecological health of coastal ecosystems.

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

  1. A
    biologist
  2. B
    biologists
  3. biologist'sAnswer
  4. D
    biologists'

Answer

biologist's
The singular possessive noun 'biologist's' is correct because the context refers to a single individual, marine biologist Callum Roberts, and the noun must be possessive to show ownership of the noun 'advocacy'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine if a singular or plural noun is required.
The sentence refers back to 'marine biologist Callum Roberts,' who is a single individual, indicating that a singular noun is needed.
Identifying the number of the noun (singular vs. plural) is the first step in applying standard English conventions for nouns.
2
Determine if the noun needs to be possessive by analyzing its grammatical role in the sentence.
The noun modifies 'advocacy' (showing whose advocacy it is), indicating that a possessive form is required.
Nouns that modify and show ownership over another noun must be in the possessive case.
3
Combine number and case to select the correct punctuation.
A singular possessive noun requires an apostrophe followed by an 's' ('biologist's').
Standard English conventions dictate that singular possessive nouns end with an apostrophe and 's'.

Key Concept

Plural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns
Estimated Time:45s
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Plural and Possessive Nouns and Pronouns

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